A number of regeneration projects in Antrim town centre supported by the Levelling Up Fund are beginning to take shape.

UK Government Levelling Up Minister, Dehenna Davison MP visited the town to see first-hand how the projects are developing thanks to the £1.2 million secured via the Fund.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross brought Minister Davison on a tour of the town, visiting the site of the former Wellworths building on High Street where she was given a brief presentation and shown the plans which will see the building transformed into a new 16,000 sq ft social enterprise and business start-up office space.

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Following the visit, UK Government Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: "I am delighted to be in Antrim to see first-hand the meaningful change that levelling up funding is bringing to this historic town centre. Our £1.2 million investment will breathe new life into the town, support local jobs and be a fantastic asset for the people of Antrim for years to come."

Speaking on the visit, the Mayor commented: "I am pleased that Minister Davison got the opportunity to see the great work already underway with the Levelling Up projects. The Workspace Hub will be the centrepiece of the future regeneration plans for Antrim Town, and what we hope will be a hive of activity for social enterprises and business start-ups - supporting the Council’s objective for continued economic growth. We look forward to continuing our joint working with the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities."

The redevelopment of the former Wellworths building has made significant progress since obtaining planning approval in August 2022 and it is anticipated building works will commence in May 2023.