Public Invited to Next Stage of Carrickfergus Regeneration Consultation on 23 April
April 2, 2026Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is hosting a public consultation event to allow residents, businesses and visitors to view the latest designs for the £42.2M Carrickfergus City Deal Regeneration Project, taking place on Thursday 23 April 2026 at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre.
The free drop-in event, which will run from 4pm to 8pm, will provide the community with an opportunity to view the latest design developments for the project and see how ongoing feedback from the public has influenced the proposals as the scheme progresses through the next stage of detailed design.
The consultation will run as an open, informal session with a series of exhibition boards, updated visualisations and information displays. They will outline proposals across key areas of the town including the castle and harbour area, public realm improvements and enhanced connections between heritage sites and the town centre.
Members of the project team, council officers and designers will be present to answer questions and discuss the plans directly with attendees. Visitors will also be able to provide feedback through written comment forms, discussion points and one-to-one conversations.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “Regenerating
“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 April consultation follows detailed design work carried out over recent months, with the project team refining proposals around design, accessibility and public spaces while ensuring the town’s historic character remains central to the plans.
Martin Hare, Managing Director at McAdam Design added:
“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.”
The event is free and open to everyone. There is no need to book, and people can drop in at any time during the event from 4pm to 8pm to view the information and share their views.
The £42.2 million Carrickfergus City Deal Regeneration Project aims to reposition the town as a heritage-led destination and the ‘Gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route’. It will deliver real benefits for local communities through improved public spaces, facilities and connectivity. Of the £42.2 million, a substantial £26.4 million is being delivered through the £1bn Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment, with the Department for Communities acting as the accountable department for the project.
Further updates will be shared as designs progress.
For more information on the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment, visit www.
