Communities Minister has visited Coleraine Town
Hall to see the Heritage Guide, one of almost 90 projects
supported last year through his Department's Historic Environment
Fund.
The Minister said: “In 2025-26, I committed almost £800,000 for
heritage projects across Northern Ireland. Coleraine
Heritage Guide is just one example, reflecting the enormous range
of creativity and interest our communities have in their historic
environment – finding out more about their own places and seeking
a sustainable future for our heritage.
“I pay tribute to owners of listed buildings and monuments whose
work to care for and celebrate their assets helps to attract
tourism and investment to our region. Their efforts contribute to
community pride and our shared sense of place, while sustaining
these high quality environmental resources for us all to enjoy.”
The Coleraine Town Heritage Guide project developed a town
heritage trail which promotes Coleraine. The project involved the
production of an illustrated booklet using buildings in the town
centre to tell the commercial, industrial and social history of
the town. An accompanying portable 3D model of Coleraine
centre was also produced.
Project lead Joanne Honeyford at Causeway Coast and Glens Council
said: ‘‘The Department for Communities' Historic Environment
Fund 2025–26 Revival Stream has enabled us to launch this
exciting new heritage trail for Coleraine. Through the use of a
3D map featuring key heritage buildings, alongside innovative
Museum-in-a-Box technology, the project enhances accessibility
and ensures that those unable to physically undertake the walk
can still experience and engage with the town's rich history.''
Notes to editors:
1. The support provided in 2025/26 included funding for owners to
repair their listed buildings and assisting a wide range of
groups and individuals to research, regenerate and increase
public awareness of our historic environment. It was awarded
under four streams:
- the Repair Stream supported roof and window repairs to listed
buildings, prioritising heritage at risk, thatched buildings and
buildings with owners on qualifying benefits;
- the Regeneration Stream supported strategic work with
communities and groups and a small amount of development work for
buildings and monuments;
- the Research Stream funded research to improve our shared
understanding of the historic environment
- the Revival Stream supported communities and groups to
celebrate and increase public appreciation of their heritage.
2. Examples of other successful recipients can be viewed at
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/historic-environment-funding-grants
