Conservation and public realm works have commenced at Belfast's Grade B1-listed Assembly Rooms as the city prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from August 2 to 9.

The building, vacant since 2000, was purchased by Belfast City Council last October. The council is partnering with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to secure its future. A Conservation Management Plan is being prepared by Belfast-based James Grieve Architects, with completion expected later this summer.

The initial phase includes remedial façade work, weatherproofing, and repainting informed by historic paint analysis, funded by the council and WMF through the Paul Mellon Fund for Architectural Preservation in Great Britain. The Department for Infrastructure is simultaneously resurfacing Donegall Street, including footpaths from the Assembly Rooms to Royal Avenue.

Councillor Joe Duffy, chair of the city growth and regeneration committee, stated that the works are due to finish by the end of July, including deep cleaning of pavements, emergency façade conservation, window treatment, painting, and planting. He noted that around 800,000 visitors are expected for the Fleadh. The council aims to present the best of the city.

During the festival, the Assembly Rooms will host free pop-up music sessions daily from 11am to 9pm. Belfast harpist Ursula Burns is scheduled to perform outside on August 4 and 5, reconnecting with the building's history as the site of the 1792 Belfast Harpers' Assembly, a key event in preserving Ireland's harp tradition. Related talks and recitals will take place at St Anne's Cathedral and Clifton Street on August 4.

WMF included the Assembly Rooms in its 2025 World Monuments Watch, providing financial and expert support. Magnus von Wistinghausen, executive director of WMF Britain, said the building has great historic and architectural significance and expressed delight in working with the council to safeguard it for the community.

The council is also advancing plans for the long-term use of the Assembly Rooms and surrounding area. A separate Conservation Management Plan is underway for the neighbouring Grade B1-listed Braddell's Building. Other heritage reuse projects include a retail unit at 35-39 Royal Avenue now occupied by Restock3d and plans to convert part of 2 Royal Avenue into an LGBTQIA+ hub funded by PEACEPLUS.