Local company to lead on regeneration of Ulster Bar site: Storey

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has today announced that Karl Development Ltd have been appointed as preferred developers to redevelop the vacant Ulster Bar Corner site in Antrim town centre.

Subject to planning and other statutory approvals, the redevelopment of the vacant site will see a significant investment in the town, which will result in a mixed used development, incorporating retail, office and residential accommodation.

Minister Storey said: “The Ulster Bar Corner site has been identified as a key development opportunity in the Antrim town centre Masterplan. The site has lain derelict for many years and I am pleased to be able to announce that my Department has appointed a local company, Karl Developments Ltd, to take forward the redevelopment of this site.

“The developer’s proposal for a mixed use development will further enhance the streetscape and contribute to the physical and economic renewal of Antrim town centre. It will create job opportunities and attract visitors and shoppers, thereby increasing the footfall and vitality of the area, which will benefit all the businesses in Antrim.”

Karl Developments Ltd is part of the Karl group of companies, which is based in Antrim. The group concentrate on both property developing and Mechanical and Electrical contracting activities and, over recent years, have been responsible for the Laganside Courts in Belfast and the Obel building in Donegal Quay in Belfast.

Minister Storey continued: “I believe the proposed development will fit well in this area, and will complement the recent £1.7million public realm improvements and revitalisation of premises within the town centre, which were undertaken by the Council with funding from my Department. I wish Karl Developments Ltd every success with this venture.”

Aran Blackbourne, Managing Director at Karl Developments Ltd said: “We are delighted to be selected as the preferred developer for the Ulster Bar Corner site. Our concept is for a mixed use scheme, which will also create a new ‘place’ - All Saints Square - at the gateway to Antrim town centre. A place to live, to work, to shop – a place which supports local businesses within a high quality urban environment.

“The development has the potential to transform Antrim and to put the heart back into the town. Along with the superb refurbishment of the Courthouse, the regeneration of Clotworthy House and Castle Gardens and the new streetscape, Antrim has taken on a new impetus and it is vital that this momentum continues by ensuring every step is a step forward. We look forward and relish the opportunity of working with the Department for Social Development on this development.”

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Thomas Hogg, added: “Ulster Bar Corner is a key site in Antrim town centre, and its redevelopment is a positive step forward for everyone with a vested interest in the town. The Department for Social Development has successfully led a development brief exercise for the site, which has produced a high quality, innovative design which adds a new offer for potential investors.

“The scheme, when complete, will further enhance the significant public realm works, already completed by the Department and the Council, creating an attractive and vibrant environment for traders and shoppers alike. The Council looks forward to working closely with the Department and the appointed development team to progress the plans over the forthcoming months.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Masterplan for Antrim, launched in June 2010, recommended the development of new additional retail floorspace in the town centre with the aim of reducing retail leakage, improving the town’s image and raising the overall quality of its retail offer. One of the sites identified was the Ulster Bar Corner.
2. Public Realm improvements of £1.5million and a Revitalisation Programme of £200,000 have been carried out in Antrim town centre by the Department for Social Development in partnership with the local council and Towns Development Company.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9496 or alternatively you can email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

Share this page