Glengormley Workspace Hub: work starts on 'innovative' £8.6m facility

This £8.6 million project, supported by £3.89million from the UK Government Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and an additional £4.7 million from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Plans for the project were approved by the local authority’s Planning Committee in February 2023.

The development will provide workspace, communal space, meeting/conference facilities, catering, showering facilities, parking and landscaping.

The new 16,000sq ft modern, accessible workspace is set to become a dynamic hub, catering to the diverse needs of new start-up businesses, early-stage growth companies and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Positioned as a centre for innovation and collaboration, it aims to support economic growth in the borough, with an anticipated opening date of early 2026.

Once complete the Hub will have a maximum capacity of 300 people. The council’s vision is that this increase in day-time population will bring a vibrancy and economic boost to the many other businesses and eateries in the area.

Speaking to the Newtownabbey Times, Majella McAlister, the council’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Economic Development and Planning, stated: “We are delighted to have created an innovative and dynamic hub in the middle of Glengormley, which will be available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and early-growth businesses.

"We hope to have the facility completed by the end of 2025 and available to new occupants in early 2026. What will be significant and unique about this facility will be that we will have professional wrap-around support for anyone who is interested in starting up a business in this area.

"We want to create a community of entrepreneurs and businesses that will operate from this facility and that we will then be able to support, both directly from the council and through our partner organisations like our enterprise agencies, Invest NI and other partners.”

Michael McKenna, the local authority’s Deputy Director of Investment and Business Development, added: “Importantly, this project will not only stimulate local businesses and local business start-up, for us, it’s about supporting the future of Glengormley town centre as well.

"Once completed, about 300 people can work on this site and we see that as a real opportunity for the businesses in the town centre, really to benefit from that working population coming in, day and daily, and spending money in the town centre.”

Commenting at the sod cutting event, Mayor, Cllr Mark Cooper, said: “This innovative Workspace Hub, located in the heart of Glengormley, at the former police station site is an exciting new development for our borough.

"This substantial investment not only serves to enhance the physical infrastructure of Glengormley, but also lays the groundwork for sustainable economic prosperity, creating a ripple effect of opportunities for existing local businesses and residents alike.

“This development highlights the council’s commitment to fostering growth and entrepreneurship in our community. The new Workspace Hub, alongside broader regeneration initiatives, is a key driver to support the future success of Glengormley town centre.”

Minister Young, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, explained: “I’m delighted that work has started to transform this empty site at the heart of Glengormley – a major step forward on the road to creating an amazing asset for the community.

“This investment is helping to breathe new life into the town centre with a state-of-the-art new space where people can learn new skills and businesses can be supported.

"Regenerating areas and giving people greater pride in the places they live is what levelling up is about and I can’t wait to visit once it’s finished.”

This development is part of a broader plan to enhance the workspace landscape across the borough. Alongside similar hubs set to open in strategic locations in Antrim and Ballyclare, the Glengormley Workspace Hub promises to revolutionise workspace amenities, providing wrap-around professional support, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses with best in class facilities.

The Department for Communities played an important role in the preparation of the site for this exciting project, providing funding and supporting the delivery of a meanwhile use space on the site. Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for Communities added: “I welcome this investment in Glengormley to create a modern Workspace Hub on the former police station site which will drive inward investment and create opportunities for people.

"I was excited to be on site to mark the beginning of the construction phase and to hear about the other ambitious regeneration projects my Department and council have planned for Glengormley.”

The Glengormley Workspace Hub is integral to a larger regeneration project in the town, including the renovation of shop front facades, major enhancements to the Farmley Road Car park and commercial area and a new right-hand turning lane at the junction of Church Way and Glenwell Road.

A significant public realm scheme will also commence in early 2025 and will include new footpaths, street furniture, lighting and increased pedestrian space.

Plans to create a one-way system through Farmley Road, exiting at the Glenwell Road had been mooted, but Michael McKenna and Majella McAlister confirmed that these plans were not being progressed at this stage following the successful introduction of the right-hand turning lane at the Church Road/Glenwell Road junction.