Best Rescue of an Historic Building or Place - Under £1million

Cushendun Old Church is situated on the Antrim coast, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a beautifully proportioned simple red sandstone building, built in 1842 and now Grade B1 listed. Although a prominent feature in the village, it was deconsecrated in 2003 and it then fell derelict and was placed on the Buildings at Risk register. As a result, a cross-community group, Cushendun Building Preservation Trust was formed to preserve the building and give it renewed purpose. After obtaining funding, the building was fully restored and an annex was added to the entrance. The result is a sympathetic restoration complemented by a modern kitchen and related facilities which is now in regular use by the whole community for classes, workshops, a meeting space and a venue for weddings and other events.