Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna with guests at the official unveiling.
MID and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce phase one of the Eglinton Barn and Yard conservation and refurbishment works in Glenarm is now complete.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, officially opened the Council facility last week, unveiling a plaque at an event showcasing the venue.
Council worked closely with the Glenarm Village Committee to complete phase one of the project - preserving the heritage value of this historical asset.
(L-R) Ald. Maureen Morrow, Ashleigh Moran (Chairperson of Glenarm Village), Committee Stephen Wylie, Site Foreman (Wilson & Mawhinney Ltd), Eamon McMullan (Capital Regeneration Manager), Mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, Leslie Morrow, (Secretary of Glenarm Village Committee)
Works at the top-class facility consisted of replacing the roof on the barn, undertaking essential conservation works to the walls of the barn and yard, demolition of the former office accommodation block, levelling of the yard surface and installation of electric power points and lighting in the barn.
These works were deemed essential to make the site safe for use following the recommendations set out in a structural engineer’s report commissioned by Council. The completion of the work will allow the site to be used once again by Council, the local community and Glenarm Village Committee for a wide range of events - including a monthly Artisan Market.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna.
Speaking at the event – which welcomed the wonderful choir from Seaview Integrated Primary School and showcased phase two of the redevelopment – was Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, who said:
“This revitalised space is a key part of the wider Tourism Led Regeneration Action Plan approved by MEA Council in June 2021. I am delighted to see it progressing so well – not only is it an amazing tourist destination in the beautiful village of Glenarm - it is also a multi-purpose events space which can be used for speciality markets, music events, community meetings and private events such as weddings.
“I’d like to thank the local community for being so supportive and particularly local groups who we have engaged with over the past few years to get this much needed project over the line. I look forward to the next stages of the redevelopment.”
On behalf of the Glenarm Village Committee, Secretary Leslie Morrow added:
“I would like to thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for all their hard work in regenerating this site, we have lots of exciting ideas on how to maximise this space and are looking forward to seeing phase two of the project being carried out when funds become available.”
Plans for phase two of the project have been developed by the Jones, Ramage and Robinson Consortium, with planning permission granted in April 2024.
Plans include a stunning ‘pod’ style community hub with washroom facilities and the Yard receiving a new paved finish with open-sided canopies along the sides of the Yard.
Further access and exit points are to be envisaged at the corner of the Yard near the roundabout and a new lighting proposal installed to fully compliment the design.
The interior of the barn will have new storage areas constructed at one end.
For further information, please contact Capital Regeneration Manager, Eamon.McMullan@midandeastantrim.gov.uk