Belfast Region City Deal – Carrickfergus
An integrated programme of investment to regenerate, reposition and rebrand the town of Carrickfergus
| Current Status | Active |
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| Key Contact |
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| Category | Physical Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure |
Project Description
The Belfast City Region Deal will see a total investment of up to £850m by the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and local councils over the next 15 years. Carrickfergus is well placed to make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.
The City Deal objectives focus on increased economic activity and levels of employment, with a major uplift in visitor numbers. Investment in Carrickfergus will strengthen the Causeway Coastal Route by attracting and holding visitors on its less frequented southern stretches and acting as a ‘counterweight’ to the ever‑popular Giant’s Causeway. Only a short train ride from Belfast, it will encourage the growing number of city visitors to venture out and explore the region, thereby extending their stay and contribution to the economy.
The project aims to stimulate job creation and private sector investment across the region, aligned with the themes of Innovation & Digital, Tourism & Regeneration, Infrastructure, and Employability & Skills.
It will regenerate, reposition, and rebrand Carrickfergus - celebrating its remarkable heritage while shaping an inspiring future. This heritage‑led transformation will establish the town as an authentic tourism hub and a must‑visit destination on the internationally renowned Causeway Coastal Route.
Carrickfergus - a story reborn - glory in the old made new.
The project contains a series of transformational elements including:
• A state‑of‑the‑art Visitor Centre
• A dynamic new Arts & Cultural Venue
• A Town Wall Walk, animated by day and illuminated by night
• Extensive refurbishment and activation of Carrickfergus Castle
• High‑quality, targeted public realm improvements
The project will realise the potential of Carrickfergus and deliver clear, measurable outcomes, including increased Castle visitors, higher town centre footfall, reduced vacancy rates, and the creation of over 300 jobs across construction and long‑term operation.
It will make Carrickfergus a place where people want to visit, invest, and live.
Project Status
The contract for funding was signed off in November 2022 and we are currently progressing towards full business case and the onsite delivery of the project.
We are also running public engagement sessions through the concept design process to obtain feedback and address the community needs where possible.
SIB Involvement
SIB has been involved in the project since its inception in 2019 and has provided support at strategic case stage and now providing project management support to deliver the OBC.
