Jordanstown’s popular Loughshore Park will see the introduction of significant improvements thanks to a £2.2m investment:
- Full refurbishment of caravan park facilities
- Upgrade of existing café including a new first floor restaurant
- Refurbished toilet facilities including Changing Places provision
- Increased car parking provision from 115 to 144 spaces
Meanwhile, the confirmation of £3.2m funding for improvements at Hazelbank Park will facilitate the following upgrades:
- Increased car parking capacity
- Development of a new play park
- Work on the bowling pavilion including addition of a café
- New toilet facilities including Changes Places facilities
- New staff compound with staff welfare facilities
The ‘Botanical Borough’ concept was adopted by the Council and provides a clear vision which aims to deliver award winning open spaces, promote biodiversity and sustainability, and help drive the growth of tourism and economic development within the Borough.
Previous investments have seen the launch of the renowned Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park, officially opened in May by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the opening of the majestic Platinum Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM said:
Antrim and Newtownabbey has multiple award-winning parks and open green spaces packed with features of value to both visitors and residents. These popular community facilities are an important investment in the health and economy of our Borough.
We are proud to say that, even as the new Coronation Garden and the Platinum Clockwork Garden attractions continue to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our Borough, we will not be resting on our laurels.
We will continue to find ways to make our parks better than ever for our residents and visitors.
Work will commence on both projects and is expected to begin on-site in August 2024 with planned completion by November 2025.
A £150,000 street art project across the Borough, designed to celebrate a themed botanical emblem for each DEA, was also recently announced as part of the Botanical Borough initiative.
Illustration showing upgrades to the Loughshore Park café building, including a new first floor restaurant, announced by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as part of a £5.4m investment in facilities at Loughshore Park and Hazelbank Park.