Built in 1866, the courthouse was originally a branch of the Belfast Banking Company and contained a private residence for the bank manager and his family. It became a court building in 1952 but was decommissioned in 2013.

The building, estimated to be worth £180,000, has now been transferred to Bangor Open House Festival. It will become a hub for the festival organisers as well as providing office facilities for other creative arts businesses and performance and exhibition spaces.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am delighted that the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service has been able to ensure a building of such architectural significance like this can be transferred and contribute to the regeneration of Bangor’s iconic seafront.

“It is a reassuring to know the courthouse will now be a home to the festival itself and for creative businesses, as well as providing performance and exhibitions spaces. I have no doubt the building will be a real asset for the festival and also for the people of Bangor and North Down.”