Planning application for new children's go-kart fun ride area at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne
A planning application has been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a proposed ‘kids go-kart fun ride area’ at Carnfunnock Country Park, outside Larne.
The application has been made by an agent on behalf of Ian and Christopher Lough, of Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone, a business which operates independently at the site.
Mr Lough said that the proposal, which is being considered by the council’s planning department, would be located at the Family Fun Zone beside the trampoline and ‘walk on water’ balls and would be similar to a children’s ‘mini-cars’ facility which had been located at Carnfunnock previously.
Currently, Carnfunnock Country Park, which is owned by the borough council, is closed temporarily for a £7m upgrade of the 191-acre visitor attraction. It closed last July for redevelopment which is scheduled to take place during a 15-month period.
The project is being funded primarily by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to the tune of £6.1m and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
New features will include a visitor centre, a fully accessible adventure play park, a bike park, featuring a ‘pump track’ and jump trail for older children and adults and a modern amenity block for the caravan park.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the investment “will significantly enhance the park’s facilities and accessibility, ensuring it continues to attract residents and visitors alike for generations to come”.
---
Read more:
---
In a social media post, Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone, said: “Unfortunately, due to redevelopment works by the council in Carnfunnock Country Park, we won’t be able to open for 2026.
"But don’t worry, we are planning a bigger comeback in spring 2027 with new attractions and surprises.”
Loyal customers rallied round Ian and Christopher in September 2024 when they received a letter from the council saying that their lease had been terminated and they had six months to leave the premises ahead of the planned construction project despite investing almost £0.5m during a 22-year period at the location.
An online petition to prevent the closure of Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone was signed by almost 6,000 people.
The council said at the time it had a legal obligation to consider all aspects of health and safety in and around the site.