It has been announced that Antrim Castle Gardens is to benefit from one of the largest Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants awarded in Northern Ireland. Antrim Borough Council has been successful in securing £3.35* million towards a restoration and development scheme totalling £5.8 million of one of the most significant gardens under public ownership in the United Kingdom. Since receiving confirmation of a first round pass for the scheme in September 2006, the Council has undertaken an extensive programme of design development work and secured planning permission for its proposals in June 2008. Although a first round pass does not guarantee a grant, the latest decision by Heritage Lottery Fund endorses the Council's proposals and work is now scheduled to begin on site during 2009. Over the past 2 years, Antrim Borough Council has been developing plans that will have a lasting impact on both a number of notable historic landscape features and buildings alongside improved links to Antrim Town Centre.
Paul Mullan, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund, Northern Ireland, said, "The mix of archaeological remains, historic landscape gardens and open public space make Antrim Castle Gardens a treasure for all to enjoy." Commenting on this decision, Councillor Oran Keenan, Mayor of Antrim Borough said, "This decision is a ringing endorsement of the historical significance of Antrim Castle Gardens. The news provides Antrim Borough with some additional festive cheer. This investment in the gardens will provide a lasting legacy for our residents and supports our aspiration in establishing the site as a major regional visitor destination that complements other local tourist facilities including the nearby Loughshore Park." The Mayor continued, "This exciting scheme, alongside the redevelopment of the historic old Courthouse, demonstrates Antrim Borough Council's commitment to restoring and conserving our local heritage. We are grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generous support in this endeavour." Antrim Castle Gardens centres on a core structure of a 17th century landscaped park, which in turn contains 19thcentury Pleasure gardens and French gardens. The old Castle site is set to be revitalised providing a focal point for the very heart of the Gardens. The focus of activities at Clot worthy Arts Centre will change over the forthcoming years as it will be adapted as a centre for garden heritage surrounded by a series of new green spaces including community and competition gardens. The new facility will also provide an insight into all elements of the parks history alongside hosting cultural and educational events and exhibitions. Some of the existing arts functions at Clotworthy will transfer to the old Courthouse following completion of redevelopment work in early 2010. The Ancient Motte located close to the original Castle site is one of the finest in Northern Ireland and will be re-integrated into the site, providing further fascinating information for visitors and locals alike. The Gardens themselves are set to be returned to their original designs with historic vistas preserved and the thrilling Victorian pleasure garden sensitively restored from its current dilapidated state.
Due to road expansions in the 1960s the gardens are separated and lacking in access routes for the public. Antrim Borough Council intends to create new access points and improve links to the town so that communities can increasingly use their park and develop a link with, and pride in, the Castle Gardens. | 
