Newtownards Citizens Hub

This project, which represents an investment of £14.5m, is being progressed by Council working will Libraries NI and will offer a number of benefits to residents, businesses and visitors to Newtownards and the wider Borough.  

The proposals are to redevelop (through a new build) the Queens Hall for an enlarged library that is five times the size of the existing facility. The new build will also include a bookable performance space to seat 400 people, as well as new modern facilities for the Council's Arts Service.

Newtownards Town Hall (the current Arts Centre) will revert to a more traditional civic building where day to day transactions such as renewing licences, registration and visitor services can take place, and it could be used as a meeting/wedding venue. Ards Visitor Information Centre (VIC) would move into the Town Hall, providing a more centrally located facility for visitors.

Brewery Court, the current space occupied by Ards VIC, would be transformed as a new home for Ards Billiards Club, providing better and more accessible facilities for the club.

These plans support the Council's commitment to review and rationalise its administrative buildings; driving greater efficiency and making better use of the Council's estate.  Follow this link for information on Civic and Office Accommodation.

Benefits

• Creation of a sustainable, flexible building at the Queen's Hall designed to meet the needs of current and future users
• Support for the delivery of a modern Library Service in the town
• Relocation of the Arts Service to a fit for purpose space, with increased accessibility, that will support the delivery of more events/ services to more people
• Revitalisation of the Town Hall, Conway Square
• Creation of a Citizen's Hub providing easy access to a range of Council services for residents and visitor

Current Position 

In June 2024, Council will be advertising a tender opportunity for an Integrated Consultancy Team to work on the design of Newtownards Citizens Hub.  This will allow a planning application to be submitted for the redevelopment.  

Libraries NI's business case is being reviewed by the Department of Communities, who will fund their portion of the rebuild.