Council Information - Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council

Celebrating a Decade of Delivery

Following a local government reform, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council was officially established on 1 April 2015. The new council succeeded the former Antrim Borough Council and Newtownabbey Borough Council uniting their resources and governance to enhance service delivery to the community.

Ten years on, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has undergone significant transformation, emerging as a prime destination to live,work,visit and invest. This progress is a testament to the Council's strategic leadership and its unwavering focus on community driven development.

Through bold initiatives and visionary planning the council has become a leading force in fostering economic growth, enhancing public services and shaping a sustainable future for its residents.

Key Achievements

One of the leading planning authorities in Northern Ireland
Investment in Innovation - £10m investment in the £100M Belfast Region City Deal - Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) led by Queen's University at Global Point Newtownabbey
£18M investment in transforming our award-winning leisure facilities
Maintained one of the lowest rates across all Councils since 2015
Award-winning Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium opened in 2023
Top performing council in Northern Ireland for Recycling
Enhanced Visitor Attractions including Skate 100 Urban Sports Park at V36 at the Valley, the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens , the Gateway Visitor Centre, and the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank.

Key Strategic Initiatives

Economic growth and public service enhancement
Development and infrastructure revitalisation
Responsible financial management
Progressive policies
Community engagement.

Over the past ten years, the Council has achieved significant milestones and earned recognition on a national level, including the prestigious APSE UK Overall Council of the Year 2024 award. These honors reflect the unwavering dedication of our incredible staff, the high standard of our front-line services, and the bold initiatives we continue to champion for the benefit of our residents.

Ten Year Anniversary Celebrations

As part of our ten year anniversary celebrations, the Council hosted our first-ever Golden Threads Awards, a staff recognition event shining a spotlight on the people behind our success. This special evening celebrated the creativity, commitment, and hard work of our staff and recognised those marking 25 years of service with the Council.

While the Council celebrates this milestone, it remains firmly focused on the future, looking ahead to the next ten years with ambition, determination and a continued commitment to being best in class and a trusted organisation.