£370,000 facelift for Glengormley street

Cllr Phillip Brett, Mayor Fraser Agnew, DSD Minister Nelson McCausland MLA and Jacqui Dixon, chief executive of Newtownabbey Borough Council, check out the plans for Portland Avenue.

The project, which is being funded by the DSD and Newtownabbey Borough Council, will improve pavements, lighting and street furniture in Portland Avenue.

The work is being carried out as part of the Newtownabbey Regeneration Strategy, which was launched in March 2011.

The masterplan noted the significant potential to improve the quality of the space in Portland Avenue by providing improved parking facilities (on one side of the street) and introducing new materials, street furniture and planting.

Visiting the site on Friday morning (February 28), Minister McCausland said: “I welcome this significant investment for the centre of Glengormley which is aimed at encouraging people from the local community and surrounding area to support the existing traders and hopefully act a catalyst for new development which will in turn attract new investment.

“Work has been progressing on a number of actions contained in the masterplan including a revitalisation scheme for property improvements and marketing for events in the area. In addition a Transport Study is currently examining a number of options to mitigate traffic congestion. All of these actions are designed to improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of Glengormley to both local residents and visitors alike.”

Mayor Fraser Agnew welcomed the investment, adding: “The council is delighted that the Portland Avenue scheme will now progress. The visible improvements that will be created through this regeneration initiative are of key importance to businesses on the street and in the wider Glengormley area. Creating an attractive environment which draws people to shops and to businesses is essential to our town centres and we welcome this much needed investment.”

Iain Patterson, President of Glengormley Chamber of Commerce & Traders’ Association, also welcomed the scheme and the benefits it will bring.

“The scheme, through new paving, lighting and street furniture, will re-image Portland Avenue, making it brighter, more accessible and an attractive place to visit. This investment will deliver a comprehensive improvement to the area and we thank the DSD, the council, Roads Service, businesses and other agencies for their support,” he commented.