A design team has been appointed for the i4C Innovation and CleanTech Centre at the St Patrick’s regeneration site in Ballymena, bringing the £24 million green energy hub one step closer to fruition.

This milestone underscores Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's dedication to fostering innovation and advancing its Net Zero goals.

As part of the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment, the centre will provide a physical base for businesses and will focus on the development of clean technology. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Beth Adger MBE announced the appointment of multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, WH Stephens to lead on the design of the cutting-edge facility.

-- Advertisement --

The Mayor said that progress on the i4C Innovation and Cleantech Centre is timely, as businesses continue to invest in skills and innovation to allow them to grow in increasingly competitive markets.

"The i4C Innovation and Cleantech Centre was developed to not only meet the needs of local entrepreneurs and businesses but also to attract potential new investors, developers and businesses to establish a base in the Borough," she said.

"It will play a key role in cementing the Borough’s reputation as a location for innovation and in driving and supporting the cleantech sector across Northern Ireland."

Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, said: "i4C is a groundbreaking initiative, supported through the Belfast Region City Deal, that along with other cleantech projects like the Hydrogen Training Academy and HyTech NI, represents a transformative investment opportunity for the region. These efforts will help cultivate a vibrant cluster of cleantech businesses which will drive job creation and boost productivity, key drivers within my economic vision for a sustainable future. The appointment of a design team is an exciting milestone and a significant step forward in this journey."