Bagenal's Castle, Newry

Consarc led the restoration of Newry’s oldest surviving building, a 16th-century castle, along with its 19th-century warehouse, transforming the site into a new home for Newry & Mourne Museum and the Tourist Information Centre. Appointed as design team leaders from the outset, Consarc provided architectural, quantity surveying services, and supported the successful £1.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant application. Additional backing came from Newry and Mourne District Council, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and other partners.

The building’s Scheduled Monument status shaped a careful conservation approach, with works limited to elements supported by strong historical evidence. The aim was to preserve the distinct character of each structure while adapting them for public use. The warehouse now houses a café, research areas, staff offices and visitor facilities, while the castle includes two floors of exhibition space and a banqueting room. Modern standards were met without compromising historic fabric. Delivered in partnership with the museum curator, archaeologists and the local community, the project has safeguarded a key heritage site and created a vibrant cultural and civic space for Newry.