Over £26m will be invested into six transformative projects in the Glens of Antrim over the coming years.

The cash injection, sourced from a number of funding partners, will particularly benefit the Ballycastle and Cushendall areas with these major projects set to boost the local economy.

The projects and their funding include:

• Ballycastle Leisure Centre (£16.4m)

• Ballycastle Shared Space Project (£4.32m)

• Ballycastle Environmental Improvement Scheme (£1.75m)

• Cushendall Innovation Centre (£1.7m)

• Ballycastle Museum project (£1.6m)

• Red Bay pier project (£733k)

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, noted the importance of the investments, stating: "Through partnership working with a range of stakeholders, including the UK Government, Stormont departments and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Council is helping to deliver a substantial injection of more than £26m into the Glens region – an area which has suffered from under-investment for many years.

"These projects will have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents and visitors, and will help strengthen the local economy. I would like to personally thank all our delivery and funding partners involved in these exciting and transformative projects."

Ballycastle Leisure Centre (£16.4m)

Plans to replace the old Sheskburn House leisure facilities and develop a modern leisure centre are now underway.

Council has approved plans for a new Ballycastle Leisure Centre and outdoor recreational facilities at a cost of £16.4m on the Quay Road including:

• 25m pool (4 lane), wet play area and spa;

• Gym and large studio;

• Village changing and changing places facility;

• Bouldering wall;

• Outdoor pump track;

• Off-road running/walking trail; and

• Accessible play park. 

The Council investment of £8.2m is being match funded by UK Government through the Levelling Up fund, with construction anticipated to commence early 2025.

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Ballycastle Shared Space Project (£4.32m)

The Ballycastle Shared Space Project at the site of the Ballycastle Shared Education Campus, which will be led by Council in partnership with the Department for Education, will include:

• Conversion of grass soccer pitch to 3G and floodlighting;

• Floodlighting to astro turf hockey pitch;

• Floodlighting to 3G GAA pitch;

• Upgrade of 3 court sports hall to 4 court; and

• Upgrade of changing and ancillary accommodation.

The Council investment is being fully funded by PEACEPLUS, with construction already commenced on-site. It is expected that new facilities will be completed for use in late 2027.

Ballycastle Environmental Improvement Scheme (£1.75m)

The Ballycastle Environmental Improvement Scheme (EIS) aims to provide a high-quality public realm for the Diamond Town Centre area and surrounding streets.

The works include:

• Improving the Diamond appearance and create a potential event space (include power & light), sympathetic to the surrounding heritage & historic character.

• New furniture – planting/trees/seating.

• Making the area more accessible for pedestrians - including footpath widening, reallocating excessive road width and enhanced road crossings, where possible.

• Reduced parking and relocation of the taxi rank.

• Provision/improvement of signage

Stage 1 of the capital development process has been completed, with an initial design now progressing to Stage 2 with the submission of a planning application and the preparation of tender package.

Cushendall Innovation Centre (£1.7m)

As one of the nine projects receiving Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal funding, the Cushendall Innovation Centre will see the village's former police station transformed into a digital employment hub.

Phase 1 of the project was completed last year under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, which saw the premises renovated and reimagined, creating small offices, workspaces and communal areas to facilitate remote, flexible and hybrid working as well as helping new and growing businesses.  

And with a further planned investment of £1.7m as part of the Growth Deal, Phase 2 will entail extending the former police station to provide more scope for open spaces, larger offices, training suites as well as meeting and function rooms that will supplement the existing offer and make the hub more sustainable.

Ballycastle Museum project (£1.6m)

Development funding of £202,981 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services progress their plans to apply for a National Lottery delivery grant of around £1.6m.

The 18th century, Grade B+ listed building will be restored and extended, allowing for the creation of new gallery, workshop, and public research spaces, as well as accommodating accessible toilets and lifts pending a successful delivery phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Red Bay pier project (£733k)

Council has been awarded £733k from the UK Government under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for the Red Bay Pier project.

Breathing new life into the pier and restoring it back to full use will open possibilities for future use and economic potential. 

The redeveloped pier will be a vibrant asset for nearby rural communities, including Cushendall. As well as boating and mooring facilities, it will bring health and wellbeing benefits to locals and visitors alike through access to outdoors activities including open water swimming, fishing, canoeing and paddleboarding.