PLANNERS at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have given planning approval for £90 million scheme to build 300 houses and new community facilities at Craighill Quarry in Ballyclare.
The Craighill Developments Ltd scheme features housing, retail and services units, a community hub, children’s playground and medical/ fitness facilities.
The work is expected to bring up to 80 construction jobs to the borough across the six- to eight-year build period.
“This will bring new families into Ballyclare will mean a boost for retail in the town and enhance the community as a whole,” planning committee chair Robert Foster said.
Meanwhile an application for major improvement works to Glengormley town centre has also been given the green light.
The project will feature upgraded footpaths, tree planting, new railings/ walls, street furniture, improvements to pedestrian crossings and parking areas.
It will be delivered by the Council in association with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Department for Communities (DfC).
The work, due to commence next spring/summer, will bring a £6.5m investment to the area and will further enhance an ongoing regeneration programme currently under way in Glengormley which includes a new right turn lane, improved shop fronts and plans for a state-of-the-art office hub on the site of the former police station.
