Work on £150 million Enkalon project to start 'within weeks'

PLANNING permission has been granted for a new £150 million extension and redevelopment of Enkalon Business Park in Antrim.

Four decades after the closure of the factory that had shaped ‘Antrim New Town’, the new owners of the site are confident that Enkalon will once again be seen as a driver for growth.

Errigal Group’s application, which was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee this week, is one of the most significant planning applications in the borough.

It will see the development of more than 900,000 square feet of new build warehouse and distribution space in addition to the redevelopment of existing warehouses on the site, completed with a rooftop solar farm.

The creation of the new business park will bring with it around 200 construction jobs over the six-year build period.

And once operational and fully let, it has the potential to create upwards of 1,000 jobs, generating around £46 million in wages in the local economy annually.

Cormac McCloskey, Joint Manager Director of Errigal Group, welcomed the planning approval for the scheme.

“We are excited to have secured planning permission for our proposed redevelopment of Enkalon Business Park,” he said.

“Since lodging the PAN with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in early 2023, we have been strongly encouraged by our engagement with both elected representatives and council officials regarding this incredibly significant application for the Antrim area.

“Since acquiring the site in 2019 we have completed over £2 million of improvement works, and this planning permission will be transformational for the existing business park and the surrounding lands.

“Following the news breaking of our intentions for the business park, we have been very pleased with the interest from businesses enquiring about space at the site, and we are looking forward to these plans fully developing now we have secured planning permission.

“We express our thanks to the design team of this scheme led by TSA Planning, RPS and Alan Bennett Architects.”

Errigal Group plans to commence works on site, located adjacent to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, in ‘the next number of weeks’.

Mayor Neil Kelly warmly welcomed the decision to proceed with the massive project.

“This landmark development represents a major step forward for Antrim Town, it will transform the landscape of the area, restoring the original Enkalon site,” he said.

“The £150 million investment will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance community development.

“The positive impact on our local economy and the opportunities it will bring to our residents are truly exciting.”

Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown said it was a turning point for the area.

“The approval of this project at Enkalon Business Park is a pivotal milestone for Antrim Town,” she said.

“It underscores the Council’s commitment to supporting developments that boost economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

“We eagerly anticipate the long-term benefits this project will bring to our community.”

A council spokerpserson added: “Major investments like this bolster the Council’s ambition to supporting a vibrant and prosperous economy and attracting investment across Antrim and Newtownabbey.”