LEDCOM launches £300k refurbishment of Foundry House to create Ballyclare Enterprise Centre

Pictured are, from left, Dr Norman Apsley OBE, LEDCOM Chairman, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive. 

A major refurbishment project is set to transform Ballyclare’s Foundry House into a new enterprise and innovation hub, following a £300,000 investment from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in partnership with LEDCOM.

The ambitious redevelopment aims to support 200 new business start-ups and create approximately 300 jobs across the next ten years, delivering a lasting boost to the local economy.

The upgraded Foundry House, located on Doagh Road, will expand from 6,500 to 7,800 square feet and feature state-of-the-art private office units, coworking facilities, and a meeting suite with conferencing capabilities.

LEDCOM, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2025, has a long history of supporting enterprise in the Ballyclare and Larne areas. The not-for-profit organisation is recognised as a centre of excellence for local businesses, offering workspace and mentoring across its properties in Larne and Ballyclare.

Boosting Local Enterprise and Employment

Pictured outside Foundry House in Ballyclare, from left are, Councillor Ben Mallon, Chris Doyle, Economic Development Department at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Dr Norman Apsley OBE, LEDCOM Chairman, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive.

Aligned with the Council’s ‘Space’ brand, the refurbished facility will serve as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.

In addition to fostering start-ups, the project will support 200 individuals from unemployment through dedicated training programmes.

The financial impact is expected to exceed £8 million, with around £1 million recirculated into the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey economy. Initially, the project will safeguard 10 jobs and create an additional 15 within the first two years through tenancy and local enterprise growth.

Council Welcomes Investment

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, centre, is pictured outside Foundry House in Ballyclare, alongside LEDCOM staff and councillors from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said the partnership represents a significant investment in Ballyclare’s future.

“We’re delighted to support such a worthwhile project in partnership with LEDCOM, that will bring new life to Foundry House, creating economic and employment opportunities as well as providing a hub for local businesses, right here in Ballyclare.

“This investment demonstrates the Council’s commitment to strengthening our local town centres, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the facilities necessary to start and scale successful businesses that will ultimately bolster our wider rural economy.

“Ballyclare is already well known as a strong business community, and with the modern facilities that will soon be available at Foundry House, we’re confident that even more entrepreneurs will choose the town as their base.”

A New Era for LEDCOM and Ballyclare

Founded in 1985, LEDCOM (Local Economic Development Company) currently manages over 100,000 square feet of workspace across its four main properties — Willowbank Business Park and Bank Road Business Park in Larne, and Foundry House and The Work Cube in Ballyclare.

These sites collectively provide high-quality business accommodation and mentoring opportunities, helping new and growing companies to thrive in the local economy.

The refurbishment of Foundry House is expected to be completed by March 2026, marking a new chapter in LEDCOM’s long-standing contribution to regional development.

LEDCOM Chief Executive Ken Nelson MBE said the new facilities will help position Ballyclare as a destination for modern, ambitious enterprises.

“This project marks an exciting new chapter for LEDCOM and the Ballyclare community, as we establish a permanent, larger hub in the town.

“This refurbishment will provide modern workspaces, business support and event space, enabling us to host more start-ups, scale ups and training programmes. The expansion allows the pipeline from outreach and mentoring to translate into physical spaces where businesses can grow and thrive.

“At LEDCOM, we don’t believe that businesses need to establish themselves within city centres and this investment will add to the locality’s network of modern workspaces, supporting local entrepreneurship whilst stimulating job creation and economic activity.

“We hope that the refurbishment of Foundry House will bring more people, businesses and opportunities to the area, strengthening the economy and wider community in turn.”

For more information on LEDCOM and its services, visit www.ledcom.org.