Local Development Plan

Option for Key Issue 18: Promoting Hillsborough Castle as a Key Tourism Destination
Option 18A Preferred Option
Promote Hillsborough Castle as a Key Tourism Destination:
Hillsborough Castle holds a unique place in Northern Ireland history and is
recognised as being a major contributor to the local and regional tourism
economy.
Reason
The major tourism development at Hillsborough Castle, managed by Historic Royal
Palaces, provides a unique key tourism destination within the Council area which will
attract visitors worldwide. Historic Royal Palaces are embarking on a multi-stage
project which includes opening the doors of Hillsborough Castle along with the
creation of a new café and associated facilities, interpretative and visitor information
centre, and meeting spaces for groups, along with the restoration of the Castle
Gardens. Recognition of the site as a key tourism destination is in keeping with
Regional policy for tourism provided in the RDS and SPPS.
Hillsborough Conservation Area is a unique area encompassing the historic village
core along with the parklands and Demesne of the Downshire Estate and will
complement the development of Hillsborough Castle as a tourism destination.
Further opportunities at Hillsborough Forest Park provide key areas of interest in this
area. The Forest Park is designated as a Historic Park, Garden & Demesne and is
considered to offer archaeological, historical and botanical interest and makes a
valuable contribution to the quality and character of the local landscape.
Have your say! Please use the Council’s Preferred Options Response Form to submit your response to this Preferred Option.
Key Issues and Options 131