Glengormley street to get £300k facelift

The project, which is being funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and Newtownabbey Borough Council at a cost of more than £300,000, will see new paving, lighting and street furniture installed at Portland Avenue.

At their monthly Planning Committee meeting on Monday night (February 10), councillors were informed that the economic appraisal for the project has been submitted to the DSD, but that the department hasn’t yet issued a formal funding offer.

Majella McAlister, director of development services, told the meeting that the council is also awaiting planning permission for the project. However, she said she is hopeful that work will begin on-site by the middle of next month.

Members agreed that, subject to receipt of formal confirmation of funding, agreements from the private landowners concerned and planning consent, FP McCann be appointed to carry out the scheme at a cost of £308,166 (excluding VAT).

Commenting after the appointment of the contractor, Mayor Fraser Agnew said: “The council is delighted that the Portland Avenue scheme will now progress, through funding from the Department for Social Development and a contribution from the council. The visible improvement that will be created through this regeneration initiative is of key importance to businesses on the street and in the wider Glengormley area. Creating an attractive environment which draws people to shops and to businesses is essential to our town centres and we welcome this much needed investment.”

Brendan Carlin of Glengormley Chamber of Commerce & Traders’ Association, joint chair of the Newtownabbey Regeneration Committee, added: “The scheme, through new paving, lighting and street furniture, will re-image Portland Avenue, making it brighter, more accessible and an attractive place to visit. This investment will deliver a comprehensive improvement to the area and we thank the Department for Social Development, Roads Service, businesses and other agencies for their support.”