The futuristic plans were announced by Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy as she launched the Borough's last corporate plan before it merges with Carrickfergus and Larne to form the new Mid and East Antrim Council in two years time.
"This new village will go further than any other development in the Borough when it comes to protecting our environment," she said.

"It will tackle the combined challenge of climate change, the need for more sustainable living and affordable housing for first time buyers and families. On top of that it will create hundreds of jobs during its construction and more than two hundred in the hotel and business park when complete."

"Some really innovative ideas have already been proposed including super efficient insulation building elements, zero fossil fuel usage, onsite ecological water treatment and the possibility of car share schemes and solar powered electric vehicles."

The village will be built on land at the council owned Ecos Centre, further enhancing the council's strong lead on sustainable planning. In recent weeks the Borough's new Braid Museum and Arts Centre has scooped several top eco design awards

Ballymena Borough Council's Corporate Strategy outlines the Council's plans to improve the quality of life for all citizens and to develop the borough as an attractive place to live, work, do business or visit.

The strategy also outlines the council's vision where the borough will consolidate its role as a place of significance in the heart of Northern Ireland contributing to the local region, the UK and beyond.

"Our vision is citizen centered and promises to keep the council connected to our people, representing their needs and delivering top quality services," said Mrs Donaghy.

"We will forge partnerships through community planning to improve the health and well being of our citizens and we will continue to provide state of the art leisure and recreation facilities. We seek to foster diversity to make Ballymena a welcoming place. Ballymena in 2012 will be seen as 'a Great Place to Be'"

The new Corporate Strategy covers a three-year period between 2009 and 2012 and is the basis for the work of the council in those three years.