Consultants appointed for St Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena – Morrow
Date published:
Social Development Minister Lord Morrow MLA has appointed The Paul Hogarth Company as planning consultants for the development of St Patrick’s Barracks in Ballymena.
The consultants will produce a development plan for the site showing the concept for the whole site as well as potential sites that could be developed by individual stakeholders. There will be a transport assessment, looking at how road, river, cycle paths and footways can access and integrate the site with the town and surrounding environment.
A key part of the design will be participation from the local community and the first event is planned for mid April. Residents, business owners, community groups and anyone with an interest will be invited to tour the site and to contribute their requests, opinions and expectations to help shape its future development.
The Minister said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of the planning consultants to take forward the development of this important site. St Patrick’s Barracks has been part of the local community for many years. With the closure of the military base we now have the opportunity to transform the site for community use thus providing local people with a valuable resource for years to come.
“The sheer size of the site will provide many opportunities and development possibilities, and I look forward to seeing the consultant’s creative ideas. I would also encourage the people of Ballymena, and the surrounding areas, to be part of the process by having their say on how this site can best serve their needs.”
Notes to editors:
- The St Patrick’s Barracks site was acquired by the Department for Social Development from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister in September 2015. Since then DSD has been progressing the development of the site
- A workshop which will allow the local community to input to the development plans has been arranged for Thursday 14 April from 2pm until 7pm. Further details will be advertised nearer the time
- News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9476. Out of Office contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned