Work is set to begin on two transformation projects in Antrim town, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council says.
The planned work will see a refurbishment of the former Wellworths building on High Street and the creation of a new open space at ‘Ulster Bar’ corner.
The Council says the work is “part of an extensive town centre revitalisation scheme” which aims to bring “empty and derelict sites in the town centre back into use” and attract more people into the town.
Read more: Dobbies Garden Centre to open flagship store at The Junction in Antrim
This £8.1 million scheme includes the refurbishment of the first floor of the old Wellworths building to accommodate new social enterprise and business start-up office space, the opening up of the back of the building to provide new business accommodation as well as the work already underway to refurbish and then extend the boardwalk along the river.
The first phase of the opening up project will commence shortly with the appointment of the construction company for the Wellworths building works, JPM Contractors, the Council says.
They add that the corner of High Street and Railway Street in Antrim known as ‘Ulster Bar’ corner, “has lay vacant for many years and is about to come back to life as a new open community space”.
The Council adds: “This new space will consist of an area for events such as urban markets, pop-up cinemas and music concerts as well as beautifully landscaped, green recreation space for the community.”
They say the projects are supported by the Council, Department for Communities and the Levelling Up fund.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said the two projects “will give Antrim a new lease of life”.
He added: “People will be encouraged to come into the town centre to shop and enjoy an event in the pop-up garden. Visiting Antrim will be a more enjoyable experience, with improved connectivity along the refurbished boardwalk to Antrim Castle Gardens from the town centre. The ripple effects will boost our local economy with this increased footfall visiting shops and enjoying a bite to eat.”
The Antrim project is one of two projects in the Borough which have been awarded a total of £5.1m from the Levelling Up fund scheme. The second project, The Glengormley Integrated Physical and Economic Regeneration project will receive £3.9 million for the development of the former police station site, shop front facades along the building from Creative Tiles to the Movie House and the remodelling of the Car Park and larger public realm scheme.
The Council “will continue to work with businesses, the community and all our partners to realise these ambitious plans”.
Read more: Work begins on €6.5m Shankill Women's Centre to mark International Women's Day
Read more: New tenants confirmed for Debenhams store in CastleCourt
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
