Discussions at the meeting focussed on future economic development opportunities in the new council area, including long-awaited plans for Global Point.
The 147-acre business park at Corr’s Corner - thought to be Invest NI’s single largest industrial development location in Northern Ireland - has been lying empty since 2000, despite considerable government investment in roads and other infrastructure at the site.
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During the recent meeting with councillors and the council’s senior management team, Alastair Hamilton, the chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said he was looking forward to working in partnership with the new council with the transfer of local economic development powers to help generate more business start-ups and strengthen existing small firms.
Jacqui Dixon, chief executive of Antrim & Newtownabbey District Council, welcomed Mr Hamilton to Mossley Mill.
“The council is looking forward to taking on wider responsibilities for local economic development which will be greatly enhanced by the transfer of planning powers to the new council. We are also very keen to develop the partnership with Invest Northern Ireland to take full advantage of what the new council has to offer to inward investors. Our advantages include the diverse range of world class companies already operating here, our excellent transport infrastructure, access to skills and training and our well established local supplier chains,” she commented.
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“There is also huge potential to develop new industrial sites, to add to the 13 business parks that are approaching full capacity and we will be working closely with Invest NI to bring forward proposals for the 147-acre Global Point site at Corr’s Corner,” Mrs Dixon added.