Location of the proposed site for the retreat lodge
Ballymena based charity LoveHope&Faith are excited after securing land in Ballymena to build and establish a specialist retreat lodge for families who care for a loved one with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Plans for the fantastic half a million pound vision have taken a large step forward after Mid & East Antrim Borough Council gave the project their support with a site within the Ecos Nature Park - the perfect haven providing much needed rest and relaxation.
The proposed site was formerly designed to be used as a caravan site in the park although this hasn’t been utilised in recent years. With the location secured it is down to gaining planning permission and raising the necessary funding.
Proposed design of the new retreat lodge in the Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena
Local couple, Darren and Emma McGinty, experienced the trials and tribulations associated with having a child grow up and deal with spina bifida and hydrocephalus daily.
Darren & Emma’s daughter, Avah, was born in 2011 with Spina Bifida - a lifetime condition that unfortunately can lead to other complications. It, like any other disability, can have a massive impact on the individual and their family.
Inspired by their daughter’s strength and determination, the couple, along with Avah who is now 12-years-old, set up LoveHope&Faith.
Commenting on the development, Darren said:
“It’s our pleasure to share this information with our stakeholders as a collective that we’ve secured land for our half a million pound project - a site within the Ecos Nature Park Ballymena.
“We’ll now prepare with our architects a case for planning permission, at the same time we’ll start the process for funding from across the UK with S3 Solutions.
”The Retreat project will include the construction of two accessible bedrooms, a living space to include a kitchen, accessible cinema room, hydrotherapy pool and a sensory garden.
“LoveHope&Faith is a Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus charity but all kids with disabilities across Northern Ireland will benefit from the hydro pool facility.
“We’re very proud to be able to bring this to our home town of Ballymena - it’s a great community and this will be something everyone can be proud of!”
Floor plans for the new retreat lodge
Darren added:
”We would like to take the time to say thanks to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council who is giving this project their full support. We’d also like to show our appreciation to North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston who excelled himself with guidance to this community project.”
A spokesperson for Mid & East Antrim Borough Council said:
“Council has agreed in principle for LoveHope&Faith to progress a Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Retreat at the former caravan site near the Ecos Centre. The charity will now seek Planning Permission for the Retreat.”
To find out more about LoveHope&Faith and the project visit here.