New £13.5m Co Antrim MOT centre celebrates key construction milestone

In a significant step forward for Northern Ireland’s vehicle testing system, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has hailed the progress of the new £13.5 million Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) Test Centre in Mallusk, where a traditional topping out ceremony marked the completion of the main structural work.

This state-of-the-art facility, funded by the Department for Infrastructure, is set to transform vehicle testing services in the region, addressing the growing demand for MOT and vehicle inspections.

The topping out ceremony, a time-honoured tradition in construction, signifies a major milestone in the project, with the structural framework now complete.

The Mallusk DVA Test Centre is expected to be fully operational by Autumn 2025, delivering enhanced capacity and modern facilities to meet the needs of Northern Ireland’s drivers.

Cutting-edge facilities to meet rising demand

The new test centre will boast advanced design, including a ten-lane testing area, seven ramp-based lanes dedicated to light vehicles, and a specialised bay for motorcycle testing.

Additionally, the site will feature a new internal road network, ample car parking, and an off-road motorcycle driving test track, ensuring a comprehensive service for all vehicle types.

The project, delivered by construction firm Henry Brothers on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure, is part of a broader commitment to improving public services across Northern Ireland.

The investment comes at a critical time, as demand for vehicle testing continues to rise.

Minister Kimmins highlighted the scale of this demand, stating, “DVA conducted more than 1.16 million vehicle tests from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, which is the highest number ever recorded.”

She added:

“The construction of the new centre at Mallusk is part of our continued strategic investment in infrastructure across the North, helping us meet the increasing demand for vehicle testing and improving this critical public service. This new facility in Mallusk will provide additional capacity allowing us to test more than 100,000 vehicles per year at this site.”

A boost for local infrastructure and services

The Mallusk DVA Test Centre is poised to become a cornerstone of vehicle testing in Northern Ireland, alleviating pressure on existing facilities and offering drivers a more efficient and accessible service.

The inclusion of dedicated motorcycle testing facilities and an off-road track underscores the centre’s commitment to catering to a wide range of vehicles, from cars to motorbikes.

The project also reflects the Department for Infrastructure’s focus on long-term investment in public services. By increasing testing capacity, the new centre will help reduce waiting times for MOT appointments, a common concern for drivers across the region.

With its modern design and expanded facilities, the Mallusk centre is expected to set a new standard for vehicle testing in Northern Ireland.

Looking ahead to autumn 2025

As construction progresses, anticipation is building for the centre’s completion this autumn. The £13.5 million investment is not only a boost for local infrastructure but also a testament to the Department for Infrastructure’s commitment to enhancing public services.

The project is expected to create jobs during the construction phase and provide long-term benefits for the community by ensuring safer, more reliable vehicles on Northern Ireland’s roads.

The topping out ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards opening the Mallusk DVA Test Centre. With its state-of-the-art facilities and increased capacity, the centre is set to play a vital role in meeting the region’s vehicle testing needs for years to come.