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Your Antrim

A regeneration programme with a range of projects in the centre of Antrim, supported by funding from the Department for Communities, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Council. 

Another Major Step Forward for £8m Antrim Regeneration Project

 

Work on the transformation projects in Antrim town are continuing as part of an £8m investment designed to breathe new life into the town centre and riverfront. The latest phase of the project, supported by the UK Levelling Up Fund, has seen the completion of the Riverfront Regeneration Scheme at the back of the former Wellworths’ building on High Street. A new double-height glazed entrance at the rear of the building now links the town centre with the recently restored boardwalk.

The next phase of work will be the creation of the new office space on the first floor of the same building, providing 14,000sqft of flexible workspace in the heart of the town centre. This will create a new, vibrant workspace in the town centre for 300 people who will shop, eat and spend in the town on a daily basis.

The Riverfront Boardwalk underwent a £350,000 restoration project in 2022 with support from the Department for Communities, Department of Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The project included replacement of timber decking and handrails, new steps onto Bridge Street and LED lighting to make the area safer.

This project is part of our plans to encourage some of the 600,000 visitors to Antrim Castle Gardens to enjoy
the historic town centre and support local businesses.

The Council plans to transform the derelict Ulster Bar Corner site continue to take shape, with the creation of a community event space and garden due to begin early this year. The project will see the long-vacant site in the heart of the town brought back to life, with features that will encourage residents to use the space:

  • Dedicated Meeting Pods: These pods will be ideal for business meetings and will feature state-of-the-art Wi-Fi connections, heat, light and charging stations
  • Events Space: The Council will use the space for events such as markets, outdoor cinemas and summer music but the space will be idea for use by schools, church groups and the nearby library.

The tranquil green space of the area will be ideal for health and wellbeing activities such as mindfulness, yoga and other outdoor excercise and wellness.

Elsewhere, the major refurbishment of Castle Mall is progressing with the new anchor tenant, Lynas Food, set to open its 8,500sq ft store early in the year. The store will open onto Central carpark, which itself has also recently been upgraded and, later this year, work will commence to convert the disused toilet block into a new drive-thru bakery.

Useful Contacts

Economic Development Team

Tel: 0300 123 4568

Email Economic Development Team