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Mid and East Antrim Council says it is delighted to have secured design, architectural and engineering specialists, McAdam Design to help deliver the initiative.

The aim is to regenerate, reposition, and rebrand Carrickfergus as a heritage-led, tourism hub, and a ‘must-visit’ starting point to the internationally acclaimed Causeway Coastal Route.

The Mayor, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “The appointment of McAdam Design is excellent news and crucial to our continued progress on the Belfast Region City Deal vision for Carrickfergus and Mid and East Antrim.

Pictured with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, at the announcement of the design team appointment for the Carrickfergus City Deal regeneration project are (l-r): Jonathan Porter, council; Councillor Bobby Hadden; Jonathan McGrandle, council; Alderman Robert Logan; Paul Price, DfC; Andrew Todd, Tandem Design; Gerard Murray, DfC and Hannah Lambe, McAdam Design. Photo submitted by Mid and East Antrim Council.

“McAdam Design is rightly regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in design, engineering and architecture and we are delighted as a council to have secured their expertise, experience and knowledge on this crucial project that will vastly improve Carrickfergus for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”

The investment will deliver upgrades and improvements to Carrickfergus Castle – including its visitor hub and historic walls – alongside a significantly enhanced public realm scheme that will improve the Norman castle’s connection to the town centre.

It is expected to boost the borough’s economy by more than £9m and create around 155 jobs in the attractions. Construction work is expected to create more than 140 jobs per year with work due to be completed by 2029.

Gerard Murray, director of the regional development office, Department for Communities (DfC), said: “We have reached a significant milestone in the Carrickfergus Regeneration Project with the appointment of McAdam Design.

An artists impression of the how the historic town might look. Pic submitted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

“I am delighted that we are another step closer to the realisation of the vast benefits stemming from the Belfast Region City Deal for Carrickfergus.

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“By enhancing its buildings and spaces in a way that complements the restoration of its historic features, this significant regeneration will make Carrickfergus even more attractive and engaging to those who live, work, visit and invest in it.”

Martin Hare, managing director, McAdam Design, said: “Together we can enhance the existing historic Carrickfergus infrastructure to provide a vibrant tourist destination and prominent gateway to Northern Ireland’s world-famous north coast.”

Belfast Region City Deal funding totalling £80m locally will also see the creation of an i4C Innovation Centre in Ballymena and Phase II of development of The Gobbins visitor experience in Islandmagee.

Design team announcement ‘significant milestone’ in £42m Carrickfergus Regeneration Project