Belfast Buildings Trust

A map showing AHF-supported projects dotted across Northern Ireland.

The interior of Riddel’s Warehouse, Belfast. Credit: Joe Laverty.

A performance at The Court House, Bangor.

The exterior of The Woolstore, Caledon. Credit: Mark Hackett.

Belfast is the first stop!

We’re launching our 50th Anniversary UK tour this week at Riddel’s Warehouse on the 6th of February. See 50 years of heritage-led regeneration before the exhibition heads to Glasgow, Cardiff, and London.

#AHF50 #Belfast #Heritage @riddelswarehouse.bsky.social

Heritage Fund and Belfast Buildings Trust representatives inside Carlisle Memorial

Heritage Fund and Belfast Buildings Trust representatives outside the Carlisle Memorial Link Building.

We are thrilled to receive a Development Phase grant from @heritagefunduk.bsky.social for our ‘Carlisle Memorial Phase Two: Enabling Regeneration’ project. The grant will help us develop plans to restore the historic Link Building, upgrade infrastructure, and deliver Creative Belfast activity.

From the rehearsal room to the stage, it’s been a joy watching Alice By Heart come to life at Carlisle Memorial.

Special thanks to the Creative Belfast interns, who’ve made their mark in production, costume/set design, and tech roles.

It’s opening night- break a leg everyone!

Dúlachán - Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast YouTube video by Dúlachán

📽️Watch the full video on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...

It’s great to see the sights and sounds of Carlisle Memorial inspiring new music from Cameron Clarke and Marty Byrne.

Dúlachán is their brand-new project, built from field recordings made inside the building.

And the accompanying video captures the building in an incredible light!

Alice By Heart: Internship application MMK Productions Presents: Alice By Heart Dates: 6th–9th August 2025 Venue: Carlisle Memorial, Belfast Since its founding at the MAC in 2016, MMK Productions has championed the creative voices of young...

Apply by 5pm today for the latest Creative Belfast internships, in partnership with MMK Productions!

Paid short-term roles available in choreography, costume/set design & tech support, in the production of Alice By Heart👇
forms.gle/MTpVFZk5CPPn...

We were pleased to host UAH’s Meanwhile Use of Heritage at Risk event in Carlisle Memorial today.

The group also visited 101 Donegall Street, Indian Community Centre, and Carnegie Oldpark Library.

Each is a powerful reminder that short-term use helps to save heritage buildings from decay or loss.

Final reminder! Applications to join BBT's Board of Trustees close on Monday, 9th June, at 5pm.

Join us, and help shape Belfast’s future through regeneration.
www.belfastbuildingstrust.org/opportunities/

Yesterday, we joined forces with @belfasthills.bsky.social at Cavehill Park to shape a 'Notes From Belfast' commission. Connor Dougan taught us how to transform field recordings into a track inspired by the area.

We're excited to see how the group's input will shape Connor's new piece of music!

🔔One week left to apply!

We're looking for people who are passionate about regeneration to join our Board of Trustees.

Sound like you or someone you know? Find out more and apply using the link below.

Opportunities - BBT Belfast Buildings Trust (BBT) is seeking up to three new Trustees as we prepare to mark 30 years of our regeneration work in 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape what we do over the nex...

BBT is looking for new trustees to help us continue delivering meaningful regeneration across the city.

Passionate about Belfast and its future? We want to hear from you!

📅Deadline: 9th June
🔗 Full details and how to apply: www.belfastbuildingstrust.org/opportunities/

Stormont is listing buildings but won't give money to repair them, so they're collapsing at accelerating rate Imagine a government official turning up at your door with a legal order compelling you not to make basic alterations to your property such as replacing the windows and forcing you to pay astronomical...

Stormont is listing old buildings but won't pay to repair them, so they're collapsing at an accelerating rate. This broken system isn't working for either buildings or their owners - while the Republic is spending vast sums to protect its built heritage.

Guest Judges John Finucane MP and Kathryn Collie with student team members from finalist schools, Campbell College and St. Malachy's College.

Guest Judges John Finucane MP and Kathryn Collie with student Holly Hutcheon from Thornhill College.

Audience members in the Banqueting Hall at Belfast City Hall

The judging panel for the NI Schools Debating Competition Finals.

Congrats to Campbell College and Holly Hutcheon of Thornhill College, the winners of this year's NI Schools Debating Finals. Thank you to our guest judges, John Finucane MP and Kathryn Collie.

Thanks to The Hon. The Irish Society for sponsoring and Belfast City Council for the use of City Hall.

Opportunities - BBT Belfast Buildings Trust (BBT) is seeking up to three new Trustees as we prepare to mark 30 years of our regeneration work in 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape what we do over the nex...

Join our Board of Trustees!

BBT is seeking to recruit up to 3 new trustees, as we prepare to mark 30 years of our regeneration work in 2026.

Visit our website for full details on the role and how to apply. www.belfastbuildingstrust.org/opportunities/

Make sure to check out the latest episode of Jason Burke's Historical Belfast podcast, which focuses on the story of Carlisle Memorial.

We may be biased, but we think it's an interesting listen!

🎧https://buzzsprout.com/1047775/episodes/16883122-carlisle-memorial-church

Read all about it!

We're excited that the story of Carlisle Memorial (so far!) has been featured in this month's edition of History Ireland Magazine.

The article details the building's origins as a church, its fall into dereliction, and our ongoing work to bring it back to full use.

'In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats'
📍Carlisle Memorial
📅15th-23rd March

Five people standing in front of the chancel area of the former Carlisle Memorial Church

We had a great time hosting the World Monuments Fund staff at Carlisle Memorial to chat about our past and future work since the building was Watch listed in 2010.

Carlisle Memorial used to be home to some artists between 1980 and around 2000. Our 'Engaging Art' project last June explored the story of this.

Keike Twisselmann, one of the people who once made art in the building, returns to it as part of Look North!
www.tickettailor.com/events/theno...

Photo from previous 'In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats' experience, credited to East City Film.

Want to help run a VR experience?

'In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats' comes to Carlisle Memorial 14th-23rd March.

Check out our latest 'Creative Belfast' internship opportunity and apply at: forms.gle/FqoiVVcJQGTS...

Our phased work at Carlisle Memorial since its Watch listing shows what is possible when Belfast's heritage is used to deliver benefits for people.

Screenshot of BBC news report from January 2025 about Assembly Rooms Watch Listing

Screenshot of BBC News report from October 2009 about Carlisle Memorial Watch listing.

15 years after Carlisle Memorial was Watch listed by the World Monuments Fund, the addition of the Assembly Rooms is a significant day for Belfast.

It is clear that the city needs to urgently review how it values its built heritage and better uses it for social and economic regeneration.

We’re immensely grateful for the partnership, support, and public involvement the Trust has had throughout 2024.

We’re excited about what 2025 will bring, with more projects, partnerships, internship opportunities, and Notes from Belfast updates.

Stick around for the journey!

The team from Bradley Collective are bringing their Christmas market to Carlisle Memorial today.

Join in for some festive cheer and last minute present ideas.

Carlisle Memorial looking fab during the @vaultartiststudios.bsky.social Christmas Market.

It’s open again today 11-5, and is a great way for you to support local makers and crafters.

Christmas decorations made by local schools wrapped around columns inside Carlisle Memorial

Graphic design image promoting the Vault Christmas Market

Carlisle Memorial is looking festive just in time for the @vaultartiststudios.bsky.social Christmas Market this weekend!

The pillars have been decorated by schools nearby Carlisle Memorial.

Shop the market, and catch a glimpse of the school Christmas decorations this Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm.

Only 10 days until the Vault Christmas Market! Do come, it's a lot of fun. Food, hot drinks, bar by the Sunflower and 60+ stalls per day of the best independent makers. Free entry, all welcome (dogs encouraged!).
Photos Chad Alexander. Flyer Leo Boyd.
www.vaultartiststudios.com/vault-xmas-m...

Carlisle Memorial will host another festive treat with the Bradley Collective Christmas Market, 1pm-7pm, on December 15th.

The market combines art, crafts, food, fashion and entertainment. And it will give you another opportunity to see the building’s pillars decorated by local school pupils.

Community chorus performing The Belfast Opera in Carlisle Memorial

Library space in regenerated Christ Church

Yule community event in Carlisle Memorial

‘Buildings’ is in our name, but community is what we do!

From working with community choirs to stage an opera to open days with mental health partners and creating learning spaces for schools, it’s what happens inside our buildings that connects people.

#CultureMakes for connected communities.

Good Shepherd Gate Lodge

Former St Patrick’s Primary School

Former Christ Church

Former Carlisle Memorial Church

Celebrating Social Enterprise Day, we’re proud to be a social enterprise property developer.

Our work delivers positive outcomes for people across Northern Ireland, and our property work has enabled us to invest in Belfast’s communities over nearly 30 years.

#whoknew