CRUMLIN ROAD COURTHOUSE – ONLINE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT

Retention, partial demolition, restoration, conservation, extension and adaptive reuse of the Crumlin Road Courthouse to create a Neurodiversity Campus comprising specialist educational, residential, therapeutic, enterprise and community facilities, together with associated site works, infrastructure and landscaping.

PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTATION

The purpose of this consultation is to inform the design process and any subsequent planning applications which will be made to Belfast City Council for the above project.

Persons wishing to make comment to the applicant may do so easily via this webpage & further information on the project is available below.

If you wish to discuss the project or require more information you can also contact Manor Architects directly on

028 867 483 67.

Note that any comments made are to the applicant & not the council’s planning team.

An opportunity to make representation to the council’s planning team will be provided at a later stage through the usual planning process.

Any comment you make is treated in strict confidence and as anonymous.

ABOUT CRUMLIN ROAD COURTHOUSE

Crumlin Road Courthouse, an iconic Grade B+ listed building in Belfast, stands as a prominent symbol of the city’s rich judicial and architectural history. Designed by renowned architect Charles Lanyon, the courthouse was completed in 1850 and served both as a judicial facility and, for a time, as the meeting place for Antrim County Council. The courthouse’s historical significance is heightened by its proximity to the Crumlin Road Gaol, connected by an underground passage. However, following its closure in 1998, the building fell into disrepair, and various redevelopment attempts failed to address its long-term viability.

The Courthouse

Location of the Site

ABOUT THE PROPOSAL

The proposal represents a heritage-led redevelopment that balances the preservation of the Courthouse’s architectural and historical significance with a sustainable and socially impactful new use, delivering Northern Ireland’s first dedicated Neurodiversity Campus and bringing a long-derelict landmark back into meaningful public use.

The vision:

• Restore a landmark and preserve heritage for future generations.
• Extend educational pathways beyond age 19, ensuring no one is left behind at transition points.
• Support young people into employment, reducing long-term dependency.
• And create a model that blends heritage, education, and community renewal into one.

The redevelopment aims to maintain key elements of the building’s original design, such as the courtrooms, and integrate modern amenities. Internal and external elements will be required to be removed to enable core heritage to be protected and retained.

The redevelopment plans include the preservation of the courthouse’s central features, such as Courtroom 1 (Crown Court) and the Central Hall, while addressing accessibility, sustainability, and economic viability. A critical component of the project is the potential reopening of the underground tunnel connecting the courthouse to the nearby Crumlin Road Gaol, which has become a popular tourist destination.

The Crumlin Road Courthouse redevelopment represents a transformative opportunity for Belfast. The planned restoration and repurposing of this historic building combines modern functionality with respect for the past.

The Courthouse – Existing Condition 

View of Extension from Crumlin Road

The Courthouse – Area of Proposed Extension 

We encourage you to review the proposal plans and provide feedback. This feedback will help to inform the design of the proposal before a planning application is lodged.