Councillor Muir and Larry Thompson at the site.

Cultra Railway Station is on the express track back to life, Councillor Andrew Muir has said, after significant renovations were unveiled for the first time.

The local Councillor – who engineered support for the restoration plan to go ahead – said it was ‘fantastic’ to see the much-loved location restored to its former glory.

Councillor Muir said: “Since 2011, my colleague, former Councillor and now Chair of Holywood Conservation Group Larry Thompson, and I have worked hard to ensure rapidly deteriorating Cultra Station House didn't hit the buffers and was instead on the fast track to a full revival after being seized by NAMA.

“Far too often we see historic buildings fall into a state of disrepair, but rather than let that happen to Cultra Station House, Alliance has consistently fought to see the arrival of a functioning site. That’s now fully ready and promoting a positive sense of community spirit after many local people and organisations boarded the campaign, from Holywood Conservation Group to Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, a previous Environment Minister and even a Irish TD.

“This is a success story. Cultra Station House has overcome health and safety concerns, the economic crash of 2011 and many other disappointments, to offer local people a truly wonderful place to live. I’m very proud to have been involved in this project from the start and would encourage everyone to look at what has been achieved.”

As one of County Down's most iconic landmarks, the station house was originally built in 1897 with the proviso that it be 'of an ornamental character' hence the beautiful detailing on the exterior elevations and the significance of it being the only red brick building of its kind in Northern Ireland.