Project of the week

The Belfast Banking Company opened a branch overlooking the quay in Bangor the year after the railway arrived in town, bringing a surge of wealth to this ancient community. Designed in grand Italianate style, the building later served as a Court of Petty Sessions but was left vacant in 2013. Meanwhile, Open House, an arts charity first established in Belfast, moved to Bangor to develop a seaside music and arts festival each August.  

The Grade B2-listed Court House was a perfect new home for the charity, offering performance venue spaces and office accommodation that has enabled the Open House team to develop a vibrant year-round programme of music and art for the Bangor community.  

Today, international artists perform alongside local creatives at theatre, film, music and food-based events, all aiming to empower people and celebrate the potential for creativity to transform communities and forge local identity. 

"There’s always a warm welcome at the Court House, whether you're listening to the choir, enjoying a local food night, or catching a live gig. It’s become a gathering place for the community, where Bangor’s heritage is celebrated through music, food, and shared experiences. It’s wonderful to see such a historic building buzzing with life again."

Janette Sheerman, local user