Where's the 'and'? 100 hectares of employment land ready for investment in 'Antrim Newtownabbey' as 'Call for Sites' opens.

ANTRIM and Newtownabbey Borough Council is continuing to follow the path of Invest NI - and is for some reason dropping the ‘and’ - by launching a new investment proposition for the ‘Antrim Newtownabbey’ region at an £95k, two-hour Investment Showcase event held at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The event, hosted by Ulster MPs Robin Swann, Sammy Wilson and John Finucane was attended by over 120 investors, partners and stakeholders.

A press release from external public relations firm Morrow said: “The event comes at a pivotal moment with several transformative developments underway in the region, positioning Antrim Newtownabbey as a uniquely compelling investment location.

“The investment proposition branded ‘Antrim Newtownabbey: AN Investment that delivers’ has its sights firmly set on key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, aerospace, and health and life sciences.

“At the event, the council confirmed that, in addition to the 100 hectares of employment land currently accessible and available for development, additional land will be released through the Local Development Plan process, further strengthening the Borough’s investment proposition.

“This will be underpinned by the responses received to the council’s ‘Call for Sites’ which is now live and will run until February.

Landowners and other stakeholders are invited to submit land for consideration for economic and residential uses in suitable locations across the Borough.”

Attendees heard contributions from junior Ministers Joanne Bunting and Aisling Reilly from The Executive Office, British Business Bank, Belfast International Airport, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), MIVAN and the council’s own investment team.

Investors were said to have: “Learned more about Northern Ireland’s unique ‘dual market’ access to both the European Union and GB markets, offering manufacturing businesses a competitive advantage that no other region in the world can - the ability to move goods freely to both GB and European Union markets. Attendees were also introduced to the £100 million Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), set to open in spring 2026.

“Positioned at the heart of Antrim Newtownabbey’s investment ecosystem, this flagship project will drive regional growth through collaboration and innovation clustering like never before.”

Speaking at the event, The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said:

“Our investment proposition in Antrim Newtownabbey has never been more compelling. We are delighted to invite investors and partners to join with us in a new and exciting economic success story taking shape in our region.

“With unique ‘dual market’ access, significantly lower operating costs, an industrial rates reduction for qualifying manufacturing businesses, major strategic investments in advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, prime development locations, and unrivalled market and transport access, there’s never been a better time to invest here.”

Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Councillor Ben Mallon added: “Our message and commitment to investors is clear: whether you are investing with us for the first time, relocating to the area or expanding an existing business, you can trust us to stand alongside you to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and turn ideas into results.

“In Antrim Newtownabbey, investors benefit from a proven track record of successful investment delivery combined with a hands-on, ‘can-do’, approach to support them. We are known for going further and faster to support our investors, and we are extremely proud of that fact.”

At the event the council also launched a new bespoke investment website www.investantrimnewtownabbey.com and a supporting brochure to highlight the Borough’s new investment focus. Together, they provide further information on the investment proposition, available development opportunities, and the range of investment support the council offers.

What the proposals are:

The key investment proposition in Antrim Newtownabbey includes the following:

“Strategic and Competitive Location: Just minutes from Belfast, Antrim Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland offers significantly lower operating costs – on average 30% lower than the rest of the UK - and a 70% industrial rates reduction for qualifying manufacturing businesses.

“Dual Market Access: Northern Ireland offers businesses something no other region can - dual market access. This unique proposition gives companies the ability to move goods freely to both Great Britain and European Union markets.

“Excellent Transport Links: Situated within Northern Ireland’s primary gateway, the location offers direct links to the motorway network and excellent rail connections. The Borough is home to Belfast International Airport and also lies within easy reach of both Belfast and Larne Harbours. Belfast City Airport is accessible in under 30 minutes, while Dublin Airport is less than two hours away.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Centre: Funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and a £10m contribution from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, AMIC represents a significant strategic investment in Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing future and associated supply chain. Due for completion in spring 2026, it will provide world-class facilities and a platform for businesses to scale, innovate, co-locate and connect with global partners. It will offer world-class facilities including a ‘Factory of the Future’.

“Leading the Way in Planning: Recognised as the top performing planning authority in Northern Ireland, including most recently in the 2025 Royal Town Planning Institute awards. The Council consistently exceed statutory targets and have put in place a dedicated team to bring forward major economic and infrastructure projects to deliver fast, efficient, and joined-up decision-making, giving investors confidence and certainty from day one.

“Skilled Workforce & Industry Clusters: Home to a highly skilled workforce and thriving clusters in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, health & life sciences, and logistics. Strong partnerships with Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, further education colleges and schools help provide a steady pipeline of highly educated and skilled talent. We are also home to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), a leading centre for agricultural education, research, and rural skills development.

“Global Company Presence: Currently Antrim and Newtownabbey features over a fifth of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies, as well as many major international companies.

“The region also host growing innovation clusters that create a strong ecosystem for partnerships and supply chains.

“Room to Grow: Today the region has well in excess of 100 hectares (247 acres) of employment land accessible and available for development. More will be added through the upcoming Local Development Plan, offering a variety of site locations and flexibility for future expansion.

“Call for sites: Following the adoption of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Local Development Plan (LDP) Plan Strategy (PS) on 03 July 2025, and the launch of the next stage of the LDP process, the Draft Local Policies Plan (DLPP) on 07 November 2025, the Council’s Planning Section continues to progress DLPP topic-based assessments and studies. As part of the evidence gathering for the DLPP, the Council is undertaking a Call for Sites (CFS) exercise, in relation to Strategic Employment Land and Housing Land.”