Public invited to shape £42.2M transformation of Carrickfergus as regeneration plans move to next stage

Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on the future of Carrickfergus, as a major £42.2 million regeneration scheme moves into its next phase with a new public consultation event later this month.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has confirmed it will host a free drop-in session on Thursday 23 April 2026 at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre, giving the public an opportunity to view the latest designs for the Carrickfergus City Deal Regeneration Project and see how earlier feedback has already influenced the plans.

The event, running from 4pm to 8pm, comes at a key stage in the project’s development, as detailed design work continues to refine how the ambitious transformation of the town will look and function.

Designs revealed as project enters detailed development phase

The April consultation marks the first opportunity for the public to view updated designs following months of detailed development work.

Project teams have been refining proposals around design, accessibility and public spaces, while maintaining a strong focus on preserving and enhancing Carrickfergus’ historic character.

At the event, attendees will be able to explore a series of exhibition boards, updated visualisations and information displays, outlining proposals across key areas of the town. These include plans for the castle and harbour area, wider public realm improvements, and strengthened connections between heritage sites and the town centre.

Castle Access, Promenade & Location for the ‘Result’ - a celebrated schooner vessel

At present, many areas of the Castle are difficult to reach, with steep ramps, narrow stairs, and no lifts. The new plans will remove these barriers, creating easier access routes throughout the site, including into the Keep. This means visitors of all abilities will be able to enjoy much more of the Castle.

The session has been designed as an open and informal drop-in, allowing people to engage with the material at their own pace and speak directly with those leading the project.

Public feedback already shaping the plans

Council leaders have emphasised that community input remains central to the regeneration scheme, with earlier consultation feedback playing a direct role in shaping the evolving designs.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the next stage of engagement is critical in ensuring the project reflects local priorities.

“Regenerating Carrickfergus is a major investment in the town’s future, and a key part of the Belfast Region City Deal. The earlier consultation showed how strongly people care about their town and its heritage so it’s important that the community continues to play a central role in shaping it.

“This project is about celebrating heritage, but it’s also about creating the conditions for increased footfall, supporting local businesses and attracting new investment into the town over the long term. This next event is an opportunity to see how those views have been considered and to continue that conversation as the project moves forward.”

The Schooner Result was built in 1893 by renowned Carrickfergus shipbuilder, Paul Rodgers. During her 74-year working life Result became one of the best-known and most successful schooners in the coastal and home trades, noted for her speed, profitability and graceful design.

Schooner Result

Visitors attending the event will be able to submit feedback through written comment forms, take part in discussions, and engage in one-to-one conversations with members of the project team.

Project team encourages strong public turnout

Design specialists involved in the scheme say the updated proposals will provide a clearer picture of how the regeneration will work in practice.

Visitor Centre & Connections in the Town… The Visitor Hub will deliver a world-class experience for everyone coming to Carrickfergus. It will serve as both a flagship landmark and a welcoming gateway, guiding visitors to the Castle, town centre and seafront, while celebrating the town’s rich heritage and culture.

Martin Hare, Managing Director at McAdam Design, said the consultation will allow people to better understand how the plans translate into everyday use.

“We have been carefully reviewing the feedback received and using it to further develop the designs. This stage allows us to present clearer detail and explain how the project will function day-to-day for residents and visitors.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Carrickfergus to come along, look at the proposals and speak to the team.”

Council officers, designers and members of the wider project team will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and discuss the proposals in detail.

Part of wider £1bn City Deal investment programme

Irish Gate and South West Bastion… Two striking interventions are proposed along the Town Walls route: a sensitive reconstruction of the Irish Gate and a landmark sculpture at the South West Bastion. Together, they will strengthen the Town Wall Walk, reimagine missing parts of the medieval defences, and provide visitors with powerful points of pause and storytelling.

The Carrickfergus regeneration scheme forms part of the wider Belfast Region City Deal, a £1 billion investment programme aimed at driving economic growth across the region.

Of the £42.2 million allocated to Carrickfergus, £26.4 million is being delivered through the City Deal, with the Department for Communities acting as the accountable department for the project.

Civic Centre & the North East Bastion

The regeneration aims to reposition Carrickfergus as a heritage-led destination and establish it as the “Gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route”, with a focus on boosting tourism, increasing footfall and strengthening the local economy.

Alongside physical improvements, the project is expected to deliver enhanced public spaces, upgraded facilities and improved connectivity throughout the town.

Open invitation as plans continue to evolve

North Gate Pocket Park… The pocket park at North Gate will transform a neglected area into a vibrant public space. Positioned on the walking route from the train station to the Castle, it will provide a much-needed pause point for tours and a pleasant spot for locals, helping to bring new energy and investment into North Street.

North Gate Pocket Park from above

The consultation event is free to attend, with no booking required. Members of the public can drop in at any time between 4pm and 8pm to view the plans and share their views.

Further updates on the regeneration scheme are expected as the design process continues to progress, with additional opportunities for engagement anticipated as the project moves closer to delivery.

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At a glance

• Public consultation event set for Thursday 23 April 2026 at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre

• Drop-in session runs from 4pm to 8pm, free with no booking required

• Event will showcase latest designs for £42.2M Carrickfergus regeneration project

• Plans include upgrades to castle and harbour area, public realm, and town centre connections

• Project aims to reposition Carrickfergus as a heritage-led destination

Town Hall and Courtyard

• £26.4M of funding comes from the Belfast Region City Deal

• Department for Communities is the accountable department

• Public feedback from earlier consultations has already shaped updated designs

• Visitors can engage directly with designers, council officers and project team

Further updates expected as detailed design phase progresses