Council Approves Further Investigation Into Ballycastle Museum Expansion Plans

A report presented by the Head of Community and Culture to the Causeway Coast and Glens Council provides an update on the proposed Ballycastle Museum project and outlines several options for its future development.

The Council debated the merits of three potential approaches to restore and expand the historic site.

The options discussed included:

Option A: Restoring the existing building and constructing a new extension at the rear.
Option B: Restoring the existing building without any extensions.
Option C: Restoring the existing building and expanding into the neighbouring property at 57 Castle Street.

Councillor Kennedy proposed Option C, saying that purchasing the adjacent property would provide greater benefits, such as a larger street frontage for the museum. He noted that this would enhance the museum’s visibility and potential visitor experience.

Alderman Callan supported this view, seconding the proposal and speaking positively about the potential to develop Ballycastle Museum further and stated it would be good to see a museum in Coleraine.

Councillor McShane expressed support for the project and highlighted its alignment with the broader estates strategy for Ballycastle. She raised the possibility of incorporating a civic presence within the museum as part of the development. In response, the Director of Leisure and Development noted that the Chief Executive is reviewing staff distribution across civic buildings, with a report to follow.

Alderman Callan countered this point by emphasising that Option C would reduce the financial input required from the council, given the potential for National Lottery funding and the solution it offers for the museum’s storage issues.

Councillor McShane commended council officers for their work in advancing the project and noted how proactive the Friends of Ballycastle Museum group was in sustaining the museum and advocating for this redevelopment.

Ultimately, the Council approved the recommendation to further investigate the feasibility of Option C. This will involve assessing the potential purchase of the neighbouring building at 57 Castle Street and the logistics of incorporating it into the museum’s expansion.

Officers will now explore the feasibility of the proposed extension and report back to the Council with more detailed findings.