Assembly Rooms in Belfast Added to WMF Watchlist

Belfast's historic Assembly Rooms have been included in the World Monuments Fund's 2025 Watch list, marking a pivotal moment for efforts to preserve the site. As the only Irish site among 25 globally recognized locations facing threats like climate change and neglect, the Assembly Rooms hold historical significance, having served as a venue for key events, including the 1786 defeat of a slave trading proposal. The building, which has been vacant for about 20 years, is planned to be transformed into a cultural and events space, including a Museum of the Troubles and Peace. This international recognition is seen as a critical step in mobilizing support for restoration efforts, with campaigners calling it a