£4m Project To Transform Hillsborough Forest Into First-Class Visitor Area

A £4 million project is moving forward to transform Hillsborough Forest, County Down, into a natural recreational area.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) is set to assume management responsibilities of the 200-acre forest and will lead the delivery of the new family attraction.

Phase one of the project will include an accessible woodland play area for children of all abilities, a new picnic area, improved pathways, an upgraded car park with 70 additional spaces and new seating around the lake. This is estimated to cost around £1.5 million.

Future phases are still in development and consultations will take place at all relevant stages.


This investment, which is funded by LCCC, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Public Health Agency and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, forms part of LCCC's Hillsborough Tourism Masterplan, which supports the development of Hillsborough as a key visitor destination.

The Mayor, Cllr Uel Mackin, said: "We're delighted to be adding Hillsborough Forest to our portfolio of parks and open spaces. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the charm and appeal of this historic village. We're committed to ensuring that the area is attractive to the local community and visitors alike."

Ald William Leathem, Chair of the council's Development Committee, added: "This project will benefit local businesses and boost the Hillsborough economy by increasing the number of visitors to the village. By investing in this project, we're demonstrating our commitment to preserving the long-term future of the area and to attracting visitors from across the globe to this outstanding location."

The first phase of work is scheduled for completion by winter 2019.

(CM/JG)