£367,000 regeneration investment delivers new park, shopfront upgrades and streetscape improvements in Larne
- Love Ballymena
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Pictured at the new pop-up park on Main Street in Larne are (l-r) Ald. Thomas Gordon, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council; Eamon McMullan, Capital Regeneration Manager, MEABC; Ryan Black, Director of Growth & Major Projects, MEABC; Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Gail Kelly, Town Centre Development Manager, MEABC
A previously derelict site in Larne has been transformed into a new pop-up park as part of a wider £367,750 regeneration programme aimed at improving the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
The regeneration projects, delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC), have also funded environmental improvements on Dunluce Street and grants to help local businesses upgrade their shopfronts.
The Department for Communities invested £331,945, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council contributing £35,805, with the three projects funded on a 90% DfC and 10% council basis.
Derelict site given a new purpose
During a visit to Larne, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons viewed the completed projects, highlighting how a series of relatively small investments can combine to make a noticeable difference to a town centre.
He said:
“It is encouraging to see how a number of small regeneration projects can collectively make a difference to a town centre for residents, visitors, and local businesses. My Department has worked with the council to deliver these initiatives, which are helping to enhance the centre of Larne.
“The new pop-up park, created on a previously derelict site, has transformed an unused space into an attractive community asset. Whilst the Dunluce Street area continues to face challenges, this investment has helped improve its appearance and contributes to a cleaner, more attractive streetscape.
“I am also pleased to see local businesses benefiting from the latest Revitalisation Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme, which is helping to enhance the overall look and feel of the town centre.”
The projects form part of continuing efforts to encourage more people into Larne town centre while improving its appearance and supporting local trade.
Support for businesses continues
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the investment demonstrated the value of partnership working between the council and the Department for Communities.
He said:
“Partnership working is essential to driving regeneration and investment across the borough. This investment in Larne has created new opportunities for businesses and residents alike, helping to strengthen the town centre and enhance the experience for everyone who visits.
“The improvements to shop fronts, together with the creation of a pop-up park, have made the town centre a more attractive and welcoming place, giving young children a space to play while families and friends enjoy shopping and dining together.
“I would like to commend the businesses and community organisations that worked with our council teams to help transform Larne town centre. Larne already has so much to offer in terms of its culture and strong community spirit, and these improvements will help build on those strengths for the future.”
The shopfront grants are part of a wider Revitalisation programme, which also includes animation activities in the town centre and support for businesses through the provision of outdoor furniture to improve the visitor experience.
Businesses interested in applying for the latest round of Shopfront Improvement Grants can do so via the
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council application portal:
Applications close at 4pm on Monday, 7 September 2026, subject to available funding.
While the completed projects represent relatively modest investments individually, together they reflect a continuing strategy to improve Larne’s town centre, encourage footfall and support local businesses through targeted regeneration rather than large-scale redevelopment.