Park to get £1.3 million makeover

Newtownabbey Council has committed 672,658 to improving the park and surrounding area, with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board making a further 669,358 available towards the cost of the project.

At their recent meeting, members of the council's Development Committee agreed to accept the grant offer from the Tourist Board, having previously approved the council's portion of the funding package.

The proposals for the park include upgrading the existing caravan park to a three star grading by providing additional pitches and improved amenities.

Other plans include draining the existing grass areas, constructing improved sea defences and reconfiguring the car park to create more spaces.

It is understood that a bandstand and works of public art are also being considered as part of the plan.

Commenting on the proposed scheme, Jacqui Dixon, the Council's Director of Development Services said: "Jordanstown Loughshore Park is one of our best loved parks and is an important location on the Causeway Coastal Route. These improvements will be of benefit to both local residents and visitors too. The park has also become a popular venue for some of the council's key events and with the improved facilities we hope to have even more events in the park."

Local councillor Lynn Frazer welcomed the initiative, adding: "Loughshore Park is a facility that is well used and appreciated by people, so this funding gives us the opportunity to develop it further and improve what is has to offer."

Redevelopment work at the park is scheduled to start in October and be complete by February 2011.