Early 2028 completion date for Glengormley public realm scheme as reduction in extent of paving agreed
Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have approved plans to reduce the extent of paving proposed for a £5m public realm scheme in Glengormley.
A report presented to a meeting of the borough council’s Economic Development Committee on Tuesday said the planned public realm improvement scheme at Antrim Road and Ballyclare Road will “deliver a significant contribution to both the physical enhancement and long-term economic regeneration of Glengormley town centre”.
It was noted key elements include “high-quality pavement improvements”, the installation of modern street furniture and signage as well as upgraded LED street lighting with “high quality natural stone paving and kerbing, landscaping, street lighting, high quality furniture and carriageway resurfacing” to be provided.
The scheme was approved by councillors in August 2022 at an estimated cost of £5.2m with funding of almost £3m secured from Stormont. It is being funded in partnership with the council.
The proposed development is being overseen by a project board involving officers from the council, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and other organisations.
In anticipation of rising costs, however, the project board has recommended “removal of privately-owned areas considered non essential for the scheme” and “reducing the extent of the footpaths included in the scheme along Ballyclare Road, which lie outside the commercial core”, which will result in a reduction in area from a total scheme surfacing area of 13,500sqm and paving area of 9,800sqm to a total resurfacing area of approximately 12,500sqm with a paving area of 6,500sqm.
The report indicated the project is expected to go out to tender this summer with construction to commence in November. Completion is expected in early 2028.
Glengormley Ulster Unionist Alderman Mark Cosgrove moved the recommendation to approve the revised scope of the public realm scheme, seconded by Glengormley Sinn Fein Cllr Eamonn McLaughlin.
Ald Cosgrove said “given the budget aspirations, it makes sense and does not change the fundamental of what it will look like”. He also noted “uncertainty” over the cost of the redevelopment of the former police station site.
The public realm programme forms part of a package of wider physical and economic regeneration programme proposed for Glengormley which includes the development of a £7m flagship office complex at the former PSNI station site.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter