The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub, Bushmills

Enterprise Causeway has a long-term vision to support creative businesses, to re-energize the community, create new jobs and build a peaceful and a prosperous economy.

It secured €7.8m of capital funding from the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme to design and deliver The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills. Match-funding has been provided by the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland.

The project will see the restoration of the derelict Grade B1 listed old Courthouse building (located in the middle of the village) as well as the creation of a new, three-floor extension to its rear, transforming the building into a creative hub for the whole community to use.

The new facility will feature a messy studio; café and meeting, event and retail space.

With provision for up to 15 workshop spaces, it will also offer like-minded designer makers a home to help create, market, educate, support, collaborate and build a strong vibrant creative sector.

Construction work began in December 2022, with an anticipated completion for June 2024.

Running in parallel with the renovation and construction works is a programme of community outreach activity, creating opportunities for shared learning experiences to explore and understand cultures, traditions and backgrounds.

Activities and workshops aim to bring people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities together to learn, explore and acquire new skills and develop their interests in arts, culture, heritage and artisan food. This programme includes school arts and crafts workshops; taster events in traditional maker disciplines such as glass, pottery and textiles; and a community animation and dialogue programme to develop a range of drama and interpretive pieces, focused on the culture and heritage of Bushmills and surrounding areas.

Bushmills Courthouse is a Grade B1 listed building of significant heritage value.

It was built by the MacNaghten family of Dundarave Estate in c.1834, to serve as a Petty Session Court and as a symbol of authority in the area.

It operated as a Petty Session Court until c.1938, after which, it was occupied as a private residence.

It has been vacant since c. 1972 and attained Grade B1 listing in 1977 and place on the At Risk Register in 2004.

The prominent building lies in the heart of a Bushmills Conservation Area.

Enterprise Causeway acquired the property in 2016.

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