The Linen Hall Library is pleased to announce initial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to conduct a feasibility study for Linen Hall 2, an exploration into the potential development of a new, modern facility.

This study, project managed by Turner and Townsend, with a design team led by Todd Architects, will help assess how the library might expand its capacity to house the Northern Ireland Political Collection and create a new venue for events, exhibitions, and community engagement.

The Northern Ireland Political Collection, established in 1968, is a unique and significant resource containing over 350,000 items that document the political history of the region. The collection includes artefacts, books, pamphlets, posters, and periodicals that represent a wide range of perspectives on the political and social landscape of Northern Ireland.

The feasibility study will examine how a new site could enhance public access to the Political Collection, support education and dialogue around Northern Ireland's history, and provide flexible spaces for events and exhibitions. At this early stage, Linen Hall 2 remains a concept, and the scoping study will be vital in determining whether and how it can progress.

Julie Andrews, Director of The Linen Hall Library, said: "This initial funding allows us to take the first step in exploring the future possibilities for Linen Hall 2. The Northern Ireland Political Collection is a globally significant archive, and our goal is to ensure that it remains accessible to future generations in ways that encourage learning and understanding. We are grateful to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support."

The Linen Hall remains committed to its mission of preserving Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage while evolving to meet contemporary needs. Further details will follow as the feasibility study progresses.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Stuart Quate Head of Marketing, Communications & Digital, The Linen Hall T: +44 (0)78 6866 9503 | E: s.quate@linenhall.com

The Linen Hall Library, Archive & Museum

About: Founded as the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge in 1788, The Linen Hall is a unique institution. It is the oldest library in the city and remains the only subscription library in Ireland, continuing to generate a proportion of its income from membership. Founding members established the society on radical and Enlightenment ideals. Over more than 200 years, The Linen Hall has retained its independence, maintaining the principle that its resources are owned by the community for the community.

National Lottery Heritage Fund

About: The largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players, they distribute grants from £10,000 to £10million to support projects across the UK that connect people and communities to their heritage.