Saint Patrick’s Barracks

The planned investment at the Saint Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena is in excess of £160 million. It includes a new 2 km spine road that opened in the summer of 2023, and 135 new units of social and affordable housing by Radius Housing that will come on stream in 2024.

The site will also feature the new i4C innovation centre, a planned new leisure centre and civic developments by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and a new campus building for Northern Regional College that opens in the 2025/26 academic year.

Council is keen to hear from potential partners and investors with an interest in the remaining development opportunity sites or interesting in partnering in developing a wider innovation district.

Support Available

• Access to Michelin Development Fund providing grants for international companies setting up in the area with a viable expansion proposition to create sustainable jobs;
• Strong manufacturing track record in the area, including access to existing manufacturing supply chain and skilled labour;
• Mid and East Antrim ranked No.1 in Northern Ireland for processing planning applications. On average 7 weeks processing time, well within the NI target of 15 weeks;
• Wrap-around business support programmes available through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council including: business growth mentoring, planning policy advice and support, skills academies and a property investment programme;
• Invest NI business growth support programmes including access to mentoring, financing and export markets;
• Strong links with academic institutions including Queens University, Ulster University and industry focused Regional Colleges.