Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody visited his hometown of Bangor today (Thursday 14 December) to crown The Court House National Lottery Project of the Year 2023.
The not-for-profit arts and music venue on Bangor seafront was declared winner of the prestigious annual award following a public vote, becoming the first Northern Ireland project to lift the trophy. Almost 4,000 projects from across the UK were nominated for this year's award, and the Courthouse was one of 17 finalists to face a public vote.
Built in 1866 as a branch of the then Belfast Banking Company, the building served as a magistrates' court from 1952 until 2013, when it was dismantled and fell into disrepair. In 2015, Open House became involved in a campaign to save and redevelop the building. After seven years of fundraising, lobbying, planning and refurbishment – made possible by a major grant of almost £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which nominated it for this award – the new music and arts venue has finally It opened its doors a little over a year ago. Years ago. Now, as well as providing a much-needed home for the local arts community, the venue is helping to drive the city's economic regeneration.
In its first year of activity, the Palace of Justice received 38,000 people and organized more than 400 events in which more than 1,000 performances by artists were presented. Almost half of those events were free to attend, with artists and creatives leading 55% of the Bangor and North Down area. The strength of the public vote in the final of the National Lottery Project of the Year is a reflection of both its success and the affection with which it is already celebrated. From the beginning, the restoration project has had great support from the community, including Gary Lightbody, one of Bangor's most famous sons, who presented the team with their National Lottery Prize.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure to be able to present the Bangor Court House team with a National Lottery Award for National Lottery Project of the Year 2023.
“The transformation of the old courthouse into an exciting, electrifying and energetic live music venue has meant a lot to the city of Bangor and beyond.
“The fact that thousands of people voted for this project to win this award is a testament to the dedication and vision of all those involved in bringing this building to life.”
Kieran Gilmore, director of open doors, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the 2023 winners of the National Lottery Project of the Year Award, especially as it is the first time a Northern Ireland project has lifted the trophy, and we are beyond grateful to every person who gave us their input. vote and helped make this happen.
“In the summer of 2013, when we held our first annual open house festival in Bangor, we had no idea that the Courthouse would become our home and the only venue dedicated to music and the arts in the city, now city. But when we launched a crowdfunding campaign to save the old, empty building in 2017, the public support we received from festival audiences assured us we were doing the right thing. Those same people supported us through years of fundraising and renovation and have now become our audience at the Courthouse as well. Thousands of people voted for us to receive this award, and it belongs to them as much as it belongs to us. “We would also like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for nominating us for the award and for all the support and encouragement we have received from them.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Congratulations to the Open House team on the magnificent achievement of being chosen National Lottery Project of the Year at the 2023 National Lottery Awards. Their passion and commitment have ensured the revival and rebirth of their building as a dynamic and modern cultural venue .
“Our mission at the National Lottery Heritage Fund is to not only invest in heritage but also in communities. The regeneration of Bangor Courthouse is a living example of this in action. “National Lottery players can be proud of the role they have played in supporting such a fantastic project.”
As well as the iconic National Lottery trophy, the Court House received a £5,000 cash prize, which will go towards refurbishing the back yard.