The Courthouse, Bushmills
Creative Hub Branding, 2024
studio.marbar created the brand identity for The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills, Co. Antrim, for Enterprise Causeway in 2024.
Services
Branding
Sector
Social Enterprise
Credits
Architect - Hamilton
Interior Design - Velvet Interiors
Photography - Sarah Fyffe
Website - Hatch Web Design
The project was supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. Match-funding has been provided by The Department for Communities Northern Ireland, and The Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland.
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The PEACE IV funded Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills officially opened it’s doors in late 2024. The Grade B1 listed building, commissioned by the MacNaghten family in 1834 to serve as a Petty Sessions Court, has been thoughtfully restored and expanded from its former state of dereliction. Across a considerable 12,000 square foot, the repurposed building offers a vibrant shared space, brimming with resources for makers, artists, foodies and the wider community.
It features retail (The Designerie), hospitality (The Bistro), bespoke studios for makers and creatives, a dedicated floor of event and meeting spaces, and an exciting programme of experiences and activities to encourage people from different backgrounds to spend time together.
This new shared space creative hub is dedicated to nurturing and enabling community and the creative industries, reflecting a commitment to fostering peace, collaboration, innovation and economic growth in Bushmills, and throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough area.
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The brand has drawn inspiration from the building’s Georgian heritage, with a logo mark based on its historic doorway and subtle integration of the letters “C” and “H.” The angular form was developed as a hexagon, directly linking to the iconic Giant’s Causeway stones, embedding a sense of place and local identity at the heart of the brand. The bold, modern serif typeface balances tradition and modernity, while bespoke adjustments to lettering add a distinctive, ownable quality.
A rich colour palette was introduced, with warm, muted tones evoking heritage and craftsmanship, complemented by lighter contrasting notes to add freshness and contemporary relevance. This approach reflects the brand’s personality - warm, crafted, and elegant - while aligning with its vision of being inclusive, inspiring, and rooted in heritage. Flexibility was built in through logo variations, subline options, and a considered evolution of the anchor tenant’s branding, ensuring consistency across applications.
The result is an identity that feels both timeless and contemporary, connecting local history with a forward-looking creative spirit.
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“If you’re looking for a branding partner that excels in creativity, communication, and quality, we highly recommend Mari. Her work on The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for her expertise.”
Jayne Taggart, Enterprise Causeway
