Measure 1

To secure Outline Business Case Approval for i4C and HyTech by 31 March 2024.

Status:

Delayed but progressing

The new i4C Innovation and CleanTech Centre, a £23.5m, 7,000m² facility focusing on hydrogen innovation, is set to open in Ballymena in 2027, as part of the Belfast Region City Deal. The Outline Business Case for the project has been approved, and the HyTech NI Outline Business Case is under appraisal.

Measure 1

400 businesses engaged across business support programmes by 31 March 2024.

Status:

Achieved

Between April 2023 and March 2024, 795 local businesses benefited from a range of support programmes, aimed at start-ups and existing businesses. The programmes included:

• Start-Up Support:
  • Go for It, Go Succeed and SPARK: Assisted new entrepreneurs in launching their ventures.
• Business Growth Support:
  • Escalator: Helped existing businesses scale their operations.
  • The MEA Food and Drink Network: Focused on businesses within the food and drink sector.
  • Digital Surge: Helped enhance digital capabilities.

Additional initiatives focusing on town centre development were also implemented:

• Health and Safety in the Workplace – Training to ensure businesses comply with health and safety regulations.
• Cyber Security – Helped to prepare businesses against digital threats.
• Festive Window Promotional Competition – Aimed to boost local trade during the festive season through creative window displays.

Measure 2

85 jobs promoted through business start interventions by 31 March 2024.

Status: Achieved

Between April 2023 and March 2024, there were 103 jobs promoted through business start interventions, 66 through the Go for It programme and 37 through Go Succeed (including Enterprise Pathways participants into employment). Go Succeed is the new Northern Ireland Entrepreneurship Support Service, which launched in November 2023.

Measure 1

Welcome at least 83,000 visitors to strategic visitor attractions (Carrickfergus Castle, The Gobbins, US Rangers Museum, Andrew Jackson Cottage and Arthur Cottage) by 31 March 2024.

Status: Achieved

We welcomed 98,455 visitors across the Council’s strategic visitor attractions.

Measure 2

At least 7 businesses signed up to Discover NI by 31 March 2024.

Status: Achieved

We are currently unable to get a final year-end figure as this data is provided by a third party. However, the most recent available figure shows that 26 businesses had signed up, therefore the target of 7 has been exceeded.

Measure 3

Support businesses to develop at least 5 new tourism products by 31 March 2024.

Status:

Not achieved

Unfortunately, during the reporting period, no funding was made available to pursue this objective. Officers continue to work with key agencies on funding updates and opportunities.

Measure 1

To finalise the development of the Town Centre Revitalisation Scheme and complete delivery of year 1 actions by 31 March 2024.

Status: Achieved

The first application for funding was successful, with a Letter of Offer received for over £400k. A second application was also successful, with a Letter of Offer for £54k received for street art within Ballymena and Larne. A further three funding applications are scheduled to be submitted in the 2024/25 year. Some key highlights included:

• 89 businesses availed of funding through the Shopfront Revitalisation Scheme.
• Pop-up shops are fully operational in each of the borough’s main towns.
• The procurement of town centre sound systems for Ballymena and Carrickfergus, with installation planned before the end of September 2024. 
• 13 businesses benefited from the provision of pavement café furniture.

A Steering Group, which consists of the Department for Communities, Council officers and community and business representatives, continues to meet monthly.

Measure 2

Deliver the Public Realm Improvement Scheme by 31 March 2024.

Status: Achieved

Public realm improvement projects were delivered at Point Street in Larne and Castle Street in Ballymena. Works completed at Larne in May 2023 and at Ballymena in January 2024. 

Measure 3

Support businesses to deliver the Townscape Heritage Initiative by 30 September 2023.

Status:

Delayed but progressing

Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative, supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and building owners, is an ambitious regeneration scheme breathing new life into the town’s conservation area, maintaining heritage, boosting tourism and growing the local economy.

The tenth and final property of regeneration under the initiative is due to complete by the end of October 2024. Delays were experienced due to adverse weather conditions and complex design challenges.

A post project evaluation, closing event and publication on the scheme will be delivered on completion. The project will be reported against in 2024/25 and is included within the Council’s annual Performance Improvement Plan.