The Minister was given a presentation by the Council board, which included the Mayor of Newtownabbey Nigel Hamilton, on the proposals to complete the development of the Mill.
The £15 million project includes the restoration and fitting out of the remaining two original Mill buildings and the provision of a new multi-purpose community, arts and culture facility capable of staging conferences, exhibitions, functions and arts and cultural events. Other issues were also discussed relating to planning and reorganisation of local government.
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The meeting was followed by a tour of the Mill, allowing the Minister to see the current conditions of areas included the Phase II proposals.
Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: "I was fascinated at the development in the old Mossley Mill and very interested in meeting Borough Council members. They have made valuable comments in their representations which I welcome and will help me in future deliberations at the Assembly."
Mayor Nigel Hamilton said: "The minister's visit has been a very positive move for our planned proposals for Mossley Mill and we hope we have secured her support. We are optimistic that we are now a step closer to achieving what will be a state of the art administrative, environmental and artistic centre for the Borough of Newtownabbey.
"We regard ourselves as being a progressive Council, forward thinking and visionary in our approach to the community, which is the centrepiece for what we do."
(LC/SP)
