Plans Approved For Transformation Of Portstewart Town Hall Into Events Venue And Hostel

Plans to transform the former Portstewart Town Hall into a new events facility with associated self-catering hostel accommodation have been formally approved.

Planning permission was granted on 23 December 2025 for the change of use of the historic building, alongside the demolition of an existing rear return and the construction of a new rear extension. Dunrus Ltd submitted the application.

The decision marks a significant step forward for the Grade B2 listed building, which has stood vacant since 2019.

The development will see the iconic 1934 Modernist structure repurposed as a multi-purpose events space, complemented by hostel-style accommodation aimed at supporting tourism and local activity in the town.

Explore Causeway Coast & Glens revealed last year, exclusively, that plans were being prepared to change the use of the former Town Hall, signalling early intentions to bring the landmark building back into active use.

A landmark at the heart of Portstewart

Occupying a prominent position at the junction of The Crescent and The Promenade, the Town Hall overlooks Portstewart’s coastline and has long been one of the town’s most recognisable civic buildings.

Designed by architect Benjamin Cowser following an architectural competition, the building opened in 1934 and has served a variety of roles over the decades. These included functioning as a civic centre, a community meeting place and a performance venue, hosting events that played a central role in local life.

Its Modernist design and coastal setting have made it a distinctive feature of the townscape, with its closure in recent years widely regarded as a loss to the community.

Portstewart's Alderman Mark Fielding has welcomed the granting of planning permission and listed building consent for the change of use of the former Town Hall into an events facility with associated self-catering hostel accommodation.

He said: “It’s nearly three years since the new owners of the building acquired the property from the former owners, the Montague Estate. I was confident that the new owners had good intentions for the future of the former Town Hall and would dispel any fears that the building would fall into permanent disrepair or be turned into another apartment block.”

Alderman Fielding added: “Planning approval and listed building consent is good news for Portstewart, restoring the former Town Hall to positive use with modern facilities while respecting the heritage of the building, and it should be welcomed by the community.”