WORK is to begin on an £8.1 million scheme in Antrim town centre to convert the old Wellworths building on High Street into a new social enterprise and business start-up office accommodation, and also to create a new open space at ‘Ulster Bar’ corner for events such as urban markets, pop-up cinemas and concerts.
The first phase, buoyed by more than £1 million from the government's Levelling Up fund, commences shortly following the appointment of JPM Contractors as the construction company for the Wellworths building works.
The building is owned by the Karl Group, and the floor which is being refurbished will house a shared work space for business start-ups and entrepreneurs, with Antrim Enterprise Agency being business partner for the shared work space.
The corner of High Street and Railway Street, known as ‘Ulster Bar’ corner, has lain vacant for many years but will be brought back to life as a new open community space.
And as well as an events area, it will feature beautifully landscaped, green recreation space for the community.
The projects are supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Department for Communities and the Levelling Up fund.
Antrim and Newtownabbey mayor Billy Webb said: “These projects will give Antrim a new lease of life. People will be encouraged to come into the town centre to shop and enjoy an event in the pop-up garden.
“Visiting Antrim will be a more enjoyable experience, with improved connectivity along the refurbished boardwalk to Antrim Castle Gardens from the town centre. The ripple effects will boost our local economy with this increased footfall visiting shops and enjoying a bite to eat.”
The Levelling Up fund scheme has also supported a second project in Antrim borough, with £3.9m going towards redeveloping the former police station site and shop front facades along the building from Creative Tiles to the Movie House in Glengormley.
