New cultural initiative to open this summer

R-Space @ The Linen Rooms in Castle Street, will be completed in three phases, with Phase One - the new gallery and exhibiting space - opening with a one-woman show by international artist Anna Dumitriu.

Phases Two and Three will launch The Linen Rooms Lisburn - six Georgian style en-suite guest rooms, a courtyard café and artists’ studios, all centred around a bustling courtyard, celebrating culture, crafts and the arts.

Co-directors Anthea McWilliams and Robert Martin this week invited Councillor Jenny Palmer to view the development of Phase One - the transformation of the ground floor (formerly Art Act gallery).

Mrs Palmer, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, said she had been interested in the unique scheme since its inception.

“I am very pleased to see a development like this in Lisburn’s Historic Quarter” she said. “It will greatly increase our cultural tourism offer, bringing visitors and economic benefit to this part of the city.”

The 18th century building was the Rectory to Lisburn Cathedral, an aspect the owners are keen to promote. In the 1950s, the premises were bought by the Boyle family and has remained in the family ever since.

Over the years many business tenants and residents have enjoyed the atmosphere of the historic building, but in recent years the building had suffered deterioration, so a major scheme was initiated to bring the building back to its former glory.

Architects Twenty Two Over Seven have been working with the owners since last November to realise their dream. This includes a new roof, reinstating fireplaces and chimney pots, exposing original features, not least an ornate Victorian wall mounted safe probably dating back to the days of the Rectory.

All the refurbishment work has been funded privately with additional arts funding applications being made to support the programme of exhibitions scheduled during the first year.

For more details about exhibiting, performing or hiring R-Space for arts and culture based events you can contact Liz Beaton at [email protected] and visit www.linenroomslisburn.com