Carlisle Memorial Church in north Belfast is being restored to its former glory

Carlisle Memorial Church in north Belfast, now in its 150th year, closed in 1980 and is being restored by the Belfast Building Trust with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Carlisle Memorial Church in north Belfast is undergoing restoration after decades of closure. The church, now in its 150th year, closed in 1980 and was taken into stewardship by the Belfast Building Trust in 2009. The building had extensive water damage when the Trust took it over and many historic fixtures, including stained-glass windows, were removed for safekeeping. Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a long lease aim to support its repair and reuse for community and cultural events. What we know: - The church closed in 1980 and is currently a safeguarded shell. - Belfast Building Trust took responsibility for the building in 2009 and bought it from the Ulster Provident Housing Association for £1, holding a 999-year lease. - When the Trust took over there was extensive water damage and some structural deterioration. - Stained-glass windows, including the rose window, have been removed and placed in safekeeping while work continues. - The Trust has hosted art installations, opera and theatre in the space while restoration is planned, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Summary: The restoration seeks to preserve the church's Gothic fabric and to reopen the space for cultural events, training and community use. Some heritage elements have been recorded and dispersed to other churches, and the building's fabric has been stabilised to prevent further decay. A planned programme of work is supported by Heritage Fund money and a long lease; timelines for full reopening were not specified in the report.