Givan announces funding boost for Antrim and Ballyclare

Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA has announced funding of over £608,000 for public realm schemes in Bridge Street in Antrim and Rashee Road in Ballyclare.

The works which will commence later this year, will involve the replacement of pavements, installation of new street furniture and upgrade of street lighting.

The improvements will be funded by an investment of almost £483,000 from the Department for Communities and a contribution of £125,700 from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Announcing the funding Minister Givan said: “This funding from my Department and the Council is another significant boost to the landscape of the respective towns, building on the public realm works already completed. This investment will help make Bridge Street and Rashee Road more attractive to people who live in and work in the area and encourage more people to spend more time in the town centres, helping to make both areas more economically viable.

“I recently visited Ballyclare to launch a new social housing development and was able to see the quality of the works already completed in the town. I am proud that investment from the Department for Communities is contributing significantly to the development of the town and I have no doubt that this new investment will help to further enhance Ballylcare and Antrim respectively.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented: “I am delighted that the Department for Communities has committed a further £483,000 to the Antrim and Ballyclare environmental improvement projects, with funding of over £125,000 being provided by the Council. The first two phases of the schemes have been a welcome enhancement to the towns, with the new street lighting, public seating, pavements and landscaping improving the overall look and feel of the areas. Our town centres are a priority for Council and this additional investment to complete the towns and connecting streets will be a key driver in improving the economic life of the towns by helping to sustain and develop local businesses. The creation of more attractive and pedestrian friendly environments will also help to support increased visitor numbers to these thriving towns.”

Notes to editors: 

1.The total costs of the projects are estimated at £608,671.  DfC’s contribution will be £482,970 and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will contribute £125,701. 

2.The works will commence later this year and are due to be completed by 31 March 2017. They include:

New granite pavements and kerbs
Installation of new street furniture
Upgrade of street lighting

3. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3505 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974 383.

Share this page