Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has secured a £2.1 million award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore, extend and refurbish Ballycastle Museum, marking a major step forward for heritage, culture and tourism in the Borough.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will create a modern, accessible and engaging museum, safeguarding the town’s rich past while opening up new opportunities for learning, volunteering, community participation and visitor engagement.

The award follows the successful completion of a development phase supported by a £202,981 grant in 2023, which enabled Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services to draw up detailed plans for the scheme.

Subject to planning approval and Council permissions, the newly confirmed delivery grant of £2,104,268 will move the project into construction over the next two and a half years.

The redevelopment will expand gallery space from 64 square metres to 240 square metres — almost quadrupling the current footprint — with a dedicated area for rotating temporary exhibitions, plus a new workshop and learning space to support schools, community groups and lifelong learning.

As well as protecting and celebrating Ballycastle’s unique heritage, the project will strengthen the museum’s role as a vibrant community hub and visitor attraction, contributing to wider cultural and economic development across Causeway Coast and Glens.

The refurbished museum is expected to re-open in late 2028. Incorporating the current 18th-century, Grade B+ listed building and the adjoining property, the capital project will provide fully accessible facilities for both residents and visitors. Year-round access to the museum and its collections will be enabled, alongside accredited training programmes and additional volunteer opportunities.

New interpretation will explore key themes including the area’s archaeology and early history, the creation of the 18th-century industrial town, the Arts and Crafts Revival, Ballycastle’s maritime heritage and more recent social history.

Alongside construction, Museum Services will continue to deliver an enhanced community engagement programme, working with schools, community groups and volunteers from the Friends of Ballycastle Museum to bring the town's heritage to life.

Commenting on the award, Deputy Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Sandra Hunter said: "We're delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players. Our Museum Services, Capital Works and Funding Unit staff, together with the wonderful volunteers from the Friends of Ballycastle Museum have worked tirelessly throughout the Development phase to design a conservation-led building project that will house a fresh and exciting way to explore our local history, and create a visitor destination in the town to showcase our area's unique heritage.

"There has never been a more important time to restore and maintain Ballycastle Museum's listed building – the old courthouse and market building.

"We hope this work will help to revitalise Castle Street, drawing more visitors into the historic heart of the town. This substantial investment represents one of the most significant heritage funding awards secured by the Council in recent years and demonstrates confidence in the long-term vision for Ballycastle Museum as a flagship cultural asset for the borough."