Belfast-based architect Samuel Stevenson & Sons has been appointed as the Design Team for Ards and North Down Borough Council's £10m Citizen Hub project.

The project, located in Newtownards, will redevelop (through a new build) the existing Queen's Hall into a multifunctional arts centre and community venue. This will include a bookable performance space to seat 250 and new facilities for the Council's Arts Service. The new building will also provide space for an expanded, modern library.

Olivia Laughlin, Architect from Samuel Stevenson & Sons, said: "Our team at Samuel Stevenson & Sons are delighted to be working on the delivery of a flagship facility for Newtownards to meet community needs now and in the future.

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"We look forward to working with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Libraries NI along with local groups and communities to ensure that the new Queen's Hall building is of high design quality along with being functional, adaptable and welcoming to all."

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, added: "The appointment of Samuel Stevenson to start design work on the Citizen Hub is good news for Newtownards.

"We will benefit greatly from Samuel Stevenson's considerable experience and innovative approach and look forward to them working with local groups to understand the needs of users as they ensure we have the most effective and impactful design to take forward to planning."

Samuel Stevenson has started work on the project undertaking site visits and surveys. In the coming months, the team will be engaging with users of the buildings to get a fuller understanding of local needs. It is anticipated that a planning application for the Citizen Hub will be submitted Spring/Summer 2026.

For more information on this project and the council's wider office rationalisation plans, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/regeneration.