Full Planning And Listed Building Consent Sought For Ballycastle Museum Expansion On Castle Street

Full planning permission and Listed Building Consent have been sought for the conservation and expansion of Ballycastle Museum at 59 Castle Street.

The application, submitted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, centres on the Grade B+ listed former Market House and Courthouse, built between 1740 and 1759.

The building originally operated as a market on the ground floor level, with courtroom facilities above and gaol accommodation to the rear.

The proposals would see the restoration of the historic structure alongside expansion into the adjoining property at 57 Castle Street, which dates from the same period but is not listed. 

The council has also applied to change the use of No.57 from commercial premises to a museum and community facility. Under the plans, No. 57 would provide a new main entrance, reception space, accessible facilities, and staff areas. A small rear extension would accommodate a lift and stairs to improve access across the site.

Within the listed building, later partitions and incongruous additions would be removed to better reveal the original market and courtroom layout, with key features such as the recessed stone arches and timber sash windows retained and repaired.

The design statement describes the scheme as conservation-led, aimed at preserving the architectural and historic interest of the buildings while securing the long-term future of the museum within the Ballycastle Conservation Area.