Further approval is now being sought for the retention of facilities at Gilford Castle to form a “conference centre” after permission was granted just weeks ago for a part conversion of the property into a guesthouse.
Approval was granted by ABC Council to the Castle’s owners – Robert and Adrienne Moffett – at the start of December for the conversion of 1o bedrooms, over three floors, into guest accommodation.
The works also included ramped access externally to the accessible bedroom on the ground floor and landscaping works to repair “damaged surfaces” to allow for better access to the entrances, whilst creating a pleasing aesthetic appropriate for the listed structures.
And now, the owners have submitted a fresh Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for the grade B+ listed building seeking a part change of use of the 19th Century castle and retention of a marquee and toilet blocks to form a conference centre for hosting conferences and other events in conjunction with the guesthouse.
The application was submitted to ABC Council by O’Toole & Starkey Ltd on behalf of the applicants and relates to 1,360 sqm of the property.
A public exhibition and drop-in event will be held in the marquee at Gilford Castle, 5 Banbridge Road, Gilford, BT63 6DJ from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Participants will be able to view the proposals, speak to members of the design team and provide feedback.
A website (www.otsplanning.com/gilford-castle) will be maintained for a minimum of 28 days from Thursday, January 15, 2026.
This website will display details of the proposed development and will facilitate comments from members of the public.
Gilford Castle is set on an expansive site, just off the Banbridge Road, within 207 acres of land on the border between Counties Down and Armagh.
There are three listed buildings within the estate including the castle itself, the stables yard and a Belfast Roof Truss Shed.
The application is due to be advertised in January 2026.
