A major restoration and development scheme at Antrim Castle Gardens has come a step closer.

The £6m plans have been furthered with the recent temporary closure of Clotworthy Arts Centre, which together with some of the buildings surrounding the original farmyard is scheduled for major refurbishment.

Mayor of Antrim Adrian Cochrane-Watson said the council is excited about the multi-million pound investment, which represents the largest historic garden restoration project ever undertaken in Northern Ireland.

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"In addition, the refurbishment of Clotworthy will also help sustain arts and heritage programmes in the borough for many years to come," he said.

"Another notable development next year will be the completion of the £2m redevelopment of the old Courthouse in Antrim."

Mr Cochrane-Watson said the council had recently advertised enabling works contracts for the Castle Gardens, with work scheduled to commence in the autumn.

"Seasonal tree work will take place together with the construction of a new car park which will be used by visitors to the gardens while the work is taking place.

"Exploratory work will be carried out on footpaths and bore-holes will be sunk to source a new water supply for the Long Canals and Round Pond.

"The main construction contract will commence early next year when access to various areas within the gardens will be restricted," he added.

(PR/KMcA)