Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Driving growth for a sustainable future
Following a local government reform, designed to empower councils in Northern Ireland, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council was officially established on 1 April 2015.
The new council succeeded the former Antrim Borough Council and Newtownabbey Borough Council, bringing together their resources and governance to enhance service delivery to the community.
Ten years on, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough has undergone significant transformation, emerging as a prime destination to live, work, invest, and visit. This progress is a testament to the Council’s strategic leadership and its unwavering focus on community-driven development.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Driving growth and sustainability
Through bold initiatives and visionary planning, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has become a leading force in fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and shaping a sustainable future for its residents.
Key strategic initiatives
- economic growth and public service enhancement;
- development and infrastructure revitalisation;
- responsible financial management;
- progressive policies; and
- community engagement.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of its residents, safeguarding the environment, boosting the prosperity of the Borough, and ensuring the seamless delivery of all council services.
Key achievements
- Leading planning authority: Recognised as one of the leading planning authorities in Northern Ireland.
- Investment in innovation: The Council’s commitment to encouraging economic growth is exemplified by its £10 million investment in the £100 million Belfast Region City Deal, funding for an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) led by Queens University at Global Point, Newtownabbey.
- Investing in first-class leisure facilities: £18 million investment in upgrading our award-winning Leisure facilities, providing inclusive amenities that support the health and wellbeing of the community.
- Financial responsibility: Maintained one of the lowest rates increases among all councils since its formation in 2015, while still delivering high-quality services to residents.
- A new vital service for the community: The award-winning Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium opened in 2023. Offering an essential service not only to residents of the Borough but also the wider community of Northern Ireland.
- Recycling excellence: Top-performing council in Northern Ireland for recycling, achieving an impressive 62 per cent recycling rate. This achievement was celebrated with a prestigious Gold Award in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey.
- Enhanced visitor attractions: Skate100 Urban Sports Park at V36 at the Valley, Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, Gateway Visitor Centre on the shores of Lough Neagh and the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Borough.
These key initiatives and achievements have culminated in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council being named APSE UK Overall Council of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition stands as the pinnacle of our success, highlighting the Council’s dedication to excellence in service delivery, innovation, and community development.
Looking ahead for the future
As the Council celebrates its achievements over the past decade, it extends its gratitude to the elected members, corporate leadership team, and staff whose vision, leadership, and dedication have contributed to the ongoing success of the Borough.
While the Council celebrates this milestone, it remains firmly focused on the future, looking ahead to the next 10 years with ambition, determination, and a continued commitment to being best in class and a trusted organisation.
