Feasibility study for a transformative, multi-million-pound cultural and community hub centred on the sensitive restoration and reuse of the significant B-listed Ranfurly House (HARNI Register, The Heritage at Risk Register for Northern Ireland) and a cluster of historic buildings set within a 0.53-hectare site in the Rostrevor Conservation Area.

The site holds substantial architectural, spatial and historical importance, forming part of a wider heritage setting that includes St Paul’s Church and the Crag Graveyard, and reflecting the village’s post-medieval development.

The proposals seek to safeguard and revitalise these heritage assets through conservation-led design, ensuring their long-term sustainability while re-establishing them as active contributors to community life.

The feasibility study explores the creation of a vibrant, community-led cultural destination, providing flexible spaces for arts, sports, education, heritage interpretation. It also acknowledges the current planning approval for a playing pitch and identifies the wider lands as a strategic opportunity site capable of supporting expanded outdoor recreation, sports activities, and wellbeing initiatives for the wider community.

Future development will be shaped through inclusive, community-driven engagement, ensuring that cultural programming, sports provision and open-space improvements respond directly to local needs while respecting the site’s historic character. The vision is to create an integrated heritage, cultural and sports campus that serves Rostrevor and the surrounding region, strengthening social cohesion, promoting active lifestyles, and celebrating the area’s unique identity.