Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, has announced Laura McCorry as the new head of the historic site.
Laura brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and as Head of Hillsborough Castle, she will oversee the £20 million major project to transform the Castle, which is set to open to the public on 10 April 2019. Leading an expert team of conservators, curators and gardeners, Laura will manage the development and conservation of the historic site which aims to create a welcoming, accessible experience for visitors, allowing everyone to explore the stories of this extraordinary place, and take part in its inspiring new future.
Alongside this, Laura’s role includes ensuring that the Castle continues to fulfil its role as the official royal residence for Her Majesty The Queen in Northern Ireland and residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for Historic Royal Palaces, said: “I am delighted to join Historic Royal Palaces as Head of Hillsborough Castle. My own energy and enthusiasm for tourism in Northern Ireland has been mirrored by Historic Royal Palaces’ and is evidenced in the £20 million investment programme currently underway at Hillsborough Castle.
“Investment of this scale will not only unlock the potential of Hillsborough Castle itself, but also the wider culturally-infused heritage proposition of Northern Ireland. I look forward to working alongside the team here as we turn the page on an exciting new chapter in the history of Hillsborough Castle.”
Driven by an underlying passion and positivity for Northern Ireland, Laura has held a variety of strategic and leadership roles locally and internationally. Her previous positions include Public Engagement Director at National Museums Northern Ireland and almost nine years working at Tourism NI, initially as Director of Corporate Development and then as Director of Product Development. Laura also worked in a business development role for Invest NI in the United States.
Laura succeeds Patricia Corbett in the role, following Patricia’s retirement after four years with Historic Royal Palaces as Head of Hillsborough Castle.
