Council merged with Ards Borough Council in 2015 and the building then became the meeting place of the combined authority, Ards and North Down Borough Council. The gardens, designed by the Ward family in the 1840s, have won many awards for their outstanding blooms and are open to the public. The building also hosts a museum to the Ward and Bingham families, which includes the Victoria Cross awarded to Commander The Hon. Edward Bingham, son of the 5th Baron Clanmorris. Works of art in the building include a portrait by Edwin Long of Charles V. Bangor Castle was used as a film location for the 2017 movie "The Bookshop" starring Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy. See also List of Grade A listed buildings in County Down References Castles in County Down Bangor, County Down Grade A listed buildings Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest 1852 establishments in Ireland Government buildings completed in 1852 City and town halls in Northern Ireland