The stakeholder event, hosted by Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross, was an opportunity for the Council to showcase the key benefits these plans can bring to local businesses, including skills, regeneration and growth.
Among those represented at the event were the McKeever Group, Abbey Centre, The Junction, Visit Belfast, Ledcom and award-winning local business Environmental Street Furniture.
Members of the business community were able to listen and engage with Council officers - Steven Norris, Head of Regeneration and Infrastructure and Michael McKenna, Head of Investment and Business Development as they discussed key strategic projects in the Borough.
These include the £5.1m Council-led regeneration schemes in Glengormley and Antrim through the UK Levelling Up Fund, and major new investments such as the £150m Ardagh Group facility at Global Point Business Park, the £7.1m Dobbies store at The Junction and the redevelopment of Castle Mall in Antrim.
Meanwhile, Tourism Manager Mark McGrann discussed the Council’s vision for tourism within the Borough and championed collaboration with the business sector in marketing Antrim and Newtownabbey as a ‘go-to destination’.
He spoke about the new destination brand for the area and how this would be rolled out for all tourism marketing and promotion. Mark also talked about Council’s ambition to promote itself on the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route and highlighting key attractions such as Belfast Lough Shore and Antrim Castle Gardens.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross said:
“I know how difficult it has been for the business community and the tourism and hospitality sector in the Borough, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“With that in mind, I was delighted to host the networking breakfast to show how the Council can support business ambitions and continue to put Antrim and Newtownabbey on the map.
“The Council is committed to building and supporting our business sector and tourism and hospitality industry, and as Mayor I want to showcase the Borough as a great place to do business and a welcoming destination for visitors.”
