Plans are progressing to transform a former army barracks site in County Antrim.

St Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena was identified for a high-quality regeneration scheme by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and a number of key strategic partners.

Led by the Department for Communities, the project will transform the area, helping to create wider economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits across the Borough.

Outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the site was granted back in 2019.

This gave the green light for the land to be used for the creation of a shared, mixed-use, housing-led regeneration scheme supported by infrastructure, including a new road, footpaths and cycle ways.

As pillars of regeneration, Council's plans include a new Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Centre and an Innovation Centre. Both will serve as a future hub for a Smart and sustainable district at St Patrick's.

-- Advertisement --

Residents in Mid and East Antrim are being invited to have their say on these innovative plans with a Public Consultation Day taking place later this month.

The themes from the previous consultation, along with the principles embedded within the outline planning approval, have also been used as a baseline for developing design proposals for the public realm, recreational areas, office building, civic event space, and a pedestrian and cycle bridge across to Ecos Nature Park.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: "We have worked with our partners and stakeholders to create what I believe to be an excellent vision for this historic and much-loved site in Ballymena.

"This will be an area that benefits the people of Ballymena and Mid and East Antrim, so it is vitally important they shape how it will look and its function. I would warmly invite them along to a special event to see and hear first-hand the latest proposals and to give their feedback. The St Patrick's Barracks site has a proud and rich history in Ballymena, and through this project, it promises to have a prosperous future."

The Public Consultation Day is taking place on Friday 20 May from 10am until 4pm in the Museum Atrium of The Braid in Ballymena.

The deadline for feedback on the regeneration plans is Friday 03 June 2022 at 6pm.