03/07/2009
Ambitious Plans For Larne Eco-Village
An approved regeneration scheme at a former Larne quarry will include a world cycling centre and all-Ireland scuba diving facility, it has been revealed.
Permission was granted for the ambitious redevelopment of the works and quarry site at Magheramorne last month.
Developer Lafarge Cement UK's owns the grounds, which spans more than 153 hectares
Plans to transform the area into a major recreational and leisure attraction were originally submitted by Lafarge in May 2006.
The centre aims to be one of the best venues in Europe for downhill mountain biking and is expected to play host to televised World Cup events.
An All-Ireland Scuba Diving Centre, taking advantage of a large lake in the quarry, also features amongst the recreational and leisure elements.
A short heritage railway line and historic railway visitor centre will also be built for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
A new 450-dwelling harbour village is to be created over 15 hectares.
Buildings here will be at the forefront of eco-friendly design, according to the developer.
Land and Planning Director for Lafarge, David Simms said: "This project is a big 'thank you' to the local community. It is not about making money, it is about leaving a legacy from which the next generation can benefit."
Also included in the future plans for the site is land for the establishment of international film and television studios.
Town planning and urban design consultancy, David Lock Associates, has acted as lead consultants and master planners on the project since work began in 2002.
The Belfast office of Turley Associates has provided local town planning services and managed the planning application and environmental assessment processes.
Turley Director, Dr Michael Gordon, says: "Given that the site is not defined as being within an urban area, the onus has been on the applicant to illustrate exceptional circumstances 'in the public interest' to justify the residential element within the overall proposal.
"It is these special circumstances which the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, has acknowledged in giving the go-ahead for the project."
(PR/JM)
Permission was granted for the ambitious redevelopment of the works and quarry site at Magheramorne last month.
Developer Lafarge Cement UK's owns the grounds, which spans more than 153 hectares
Plans to transform the area into a major recreational and leisure attraction were originally submitted by Lafarge in May 2006.
The centre aims to be one of the best venues in Europe for downhill mountain biking and is expected to play host to televised World Cup events.
An All-Ireland Scuba Diving Centre, taking advantage of a large lake in the quarry, also features amongst the recreational and leisure elements.
A short heritage railway line and historic railway visitor centre will also be built for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
A new 450-dwelling harbour village is to be created over 15 hectares.
Buildings here will be at the forefront of eco-friendly design, according to the developer.
Land and Planning Director for Lafarge, David Simms said: "This project is a big 'thank you' to the local community. It is not about making money, it is about leaving a legacy from which the next generation can benefit."
Also included in the future plans for the site is land for the establishment of international film and television studios.
Town planning and urban design consultancy, David Lock Associates, has acted as lead consultants and master planners on the project since work began in 2002.
The Belfast office of Turley Associates has provided local town planning services and managed the planning application and environmental assessment processes.
Turley Director, Dr Michael Gordon, says: "Given that the site is not defined as being within an urban area, the onus has been on the applicant to illustrate exceptional circumstances 'in the public interest' to justify the residential element within the overall proposal.
"It is these special circumstances which the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, has acknowledged in giving the go-ahead for the project."
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 February 2016
Entrepreneurs Sought For Disused Railway Tunnels Redevelopment
Belfast City Council are asking companies, retailers and groups to pitch innovative ideas for a network of disused railway tunnels in the city centre. The eight railway tunnels, which have not been used in more than 70 years, connect the Markets area with Belfast Central Station, St George's Market and Lanyon Place.
Entrepreneurs Sought For Disused Railway Tunnels Redevelopment
Belfast City Council are asking companies, retailers and groups to pitch innovative ideas for a network of disused railway tunnels in the city centre. The eight railway tunnels, which have not been used in more than 70 years, connect the Markets area with Belfast Central Station, St George's Market and Lanyon Place.
23 June 2011
Bid To Halt Portadown Food Store Fails
A food retailer has lost an appeal against planning permission being granted for an unnamed rival food store in Co Armagh. Local builders are now due for a much needed boost after the court's refusal to judicially review the Department of the Environment over its decision on land at Edenderry, Portadown.
Bid To Halt Portadown Food Store Fails
A food retailer has lost an appeal against planning permission being granted for an unnamed rival food store in Co Armagh. Local builders are now due for a much needed boost after the court's refusal to judicially review the Department of the Environment over its decision on land at Edenderry, Portadown.
30 September 2011
Airport Volume 'Up In The Air'
The 'volume' of traffic in and out of NI's only city-based airport is back in focus today as the Stormont Environment Minister begins a public process that will eventually modify the existing Planning Agreement between the Department of Environment and George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA).
Airport Volume 'Up In The Air'
The 'volume' of traffic in and out of NI's only city-based airport is back in focus today as the Stormont Environment Minister begins a public process that will eventually modify the existing Planning Agreement between the Department of Environment and George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA).
11 August 2011
Scenic Mourne's Coastal Towns Set For Fillip
A strategic plan for the regeneration of three picturesque towns on Northern Ireland's south east coast has been unveiled. A well-known consultancy, URS Scott Wilson, has been chosen to produce the plan that will take around 12 months to produce.
Scenic Mourne's Coastal Towns Set For Fillip
A strategic plan for the regeneration of three picturesque towns on Northern Ireland's south east coast has been unveiled. A well-known consultancy, URS Scott Wilson, has been chosen to produce the plan that will take around 12 months to produce.
29 July 2011
Attwood Highlights Planning Errors
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has highlighted serious procedural errors in two planning applications and has asked for them to be reprocessed. The Minister recently called for the review of all Article 31 (major) planning applications. Following this two applications were found to have procedural defects.
Attwood Highlights Planning Errors
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has highlighted serious procedural errors in two planning applications and has asked for them to be reprocessed. The Minister recently called for the review of all Article 31 (major) planning applications. Following this two applications were found to have procedural defects.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.