Plans for the regeneration of Antrim town centre have been outlined during a visit from Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.

This key visit comes just after £1.2 million was awarded to the Levelling Up project in the town centre and riverfront.

The Antrim Integrated Physical and Economic Regeneration Project will include the redevelopment of the former Wellworths building, now owned by the Karl Group, in the town centre into 16,000sq foot of office and workspace. It will also include the opening up of the back of the building onto the boardwalk providing a Riverfront Regeneration opportunity. In addition, the boardwalk that runs along the river at the back of the building, will be extended by another 166m, improving access to the High Street and linking to the town’s unique Antrim Castle Gardens and providing a longer cycling and walking route. The overall scheme represents an investment in excess of £8 million over its 30-year project life.

Welcoming the Secretary of State, the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb, said: "I welcome today's visit from the Secretary of State, it's important to see first-hand the plans which the Council has to regenerate Antrim town centre. Through the regeneration of the Riverfront as well as the development of a major building in the town, this project will drive footfall back into the town centre. It will also provide a vital boost to the local economy, not only attracting investment and creating jobs but also continuing to support the recovery of our local businesses."

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Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis commented: "The UK Government is supporting local councils to drive long-term economic growth and revitalise town centres. I'm very pleased that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will receive £1.2m from the Levelling Up Fund to revitalise Antrim town centre. I was delighted to see first-hand their plans to develop a new innovative workspace and upgrade the riverfront and boardwalk. Such investment is at the core of our Levelling Up agenda, ensuring a more prosperous community for all."

The Antrim project is one of two projects in the Borough which have been awarded a total of £5.1m. The schemes are part of an overall investment of £49 million secured for Northern Ireland under the first round of the fund.

The Glengormley Integrated Physical and Economic Regeneration Project will receive £3.9m for the development of the former police station site, shop front facades along the buildings from Creative Tiles to the Movie House, along with remodelling of the car park and larger public realm scheme. The overall scheme represents an investment in excess of £17.4million over it is 30-year project life.

Both schemes are also designed to improve connectivity, making it easier to access the town centres and providing an attractive, welcoming environment that will encourage people to stay longer and visit more often.