The project forms part of Destination Royal Hillsborough, a Belfast Region City Deal and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council initiative to create a connected, village‑wide tourism offer. Enhancements to the Courthouse and Fort complement existing attractions such as Hillsborough Castle, helping to extend visitor stays, increase footfall and support the local economy.

The proposals are not expected to result in significant increases in traffic or disruption. Event use across the Courthouse and Fort will be managed and supported by existing village infrastructure, with measures in place to minimise impacts on residents. Activity levels are intended to align with Hillsborough’s existing role as a heritage destination. A preceding planning application as part of the Destination Hillsborough project has already been approved to upgrade the town centre’s public realm and infrastructure.

A Construction Management Plan will be agreed with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council prior to construction commencing. This will set out how construction traffic, noise, dust and site operations will be managed to minimise disruption to nearby residents and businesses.

The proposals involve a conservation‑led refurbishment of Hillsborough Courthouse to improve accessibility and functionality of the building, while retaining its historic character. Targeted interventions will support its continued use as a public and events venue, ensuring the building remains accessible and sustainable for the future.

The Courthouse proposals are conservation‑led and have been sensitively developed with consideration of its status as a Grade A listed building. The works focus on repairs and adaptations, with changes concentrated in less sensitive areas of the building to minimise heritage impacts.

The proposals are designed to preserve and reinforce the Courthouse’s historic character. External changes are limited, while internal alterations focus on removing unsympathetic modern additions and improving the accessibility of the building. New elements have been carefully designed to complement the building’s architecture.

Accessibility improvements include a new principal entrance on the building’s wall facing The Square, improved level access and the introduction of a platform lift for access to key public spaces including the courtroom. These changes will significantly improve the experience for visitors with mobility needs.

Changes around the Courthouse are limited and focused on improving its relationship with The Square. Wider public realm improvements are being progressed separately, while the Courthouse proposals ensure new access arrangements sit comfortably within the historic townscape.

The Courthouse will continue to host small‑ to medium‑scale events, including community, cultural and civic activities. These uses build on its existing role as a public venue and will be managed to ensure they remain appropriate to the building’s scale, character and town centre setting.

The proposals involve the conservation and adaptation of Hillsborough Fort to support public access and long-term sustainable use. This includes improving infrastructure, accessibility and landscape connections to enable the Fort to function as a high‑quality heritage and events space.

The Fort proposals have been developed in consultation with the Historic Environment Division and are led by conservation principles. Physical interventions are deliberately limited and designed to avoid harm to historic fabric or archaeology. Careful consideration has been given to materials, construction methods and the location of works to ensure the Fort’s significance and integrity are preserved.

The proposals are designed to respect and enhance the Fort’s historic character. Changes are modest, conservation‑led and informed by historical research. Where new elements are introduced, such as ramps or landscape features, they are carefully designed to respect the character of the monument, ensuring the Fort’s distinctive character and setting are retained.

Accessibility will be significantly improved through the introduction of step‑free routes to key areas, including the Gatehouse and ramparts. Level access is facilitated through sensitively designed ramps and adjustments to ground levels. These improvements will allow a wider range of visitors to experience the Fort and its surroundings safely and comfortably.

The landscape proposals focus on improving paths, drainage and access while reinforcing the historic setting. The Dark Walk will be enhanced through resurfacing, tree replanting and sensitive lighting, while woodland management will improve connections between the Fort, the Forest and the wider village.

The Fort is intended to host a range of small‑ to medium‑scale events, including arts and cultural, community and educational activities. These may include guided tours, talks, performances and seasonal events. Use will be carefully managed to ensure activities remain appropriate to the site’s scale and sensitivity.