Digital innovation hub at barracks site

As part of £1bn of co-investment outlined through the Belfast Region City Deal proposals, around £26m of investment is earmarked for the ambitious project in the town.

Belfast Region City Deal sets out a plan to grow the economy, boost jobs and tourism, increasing skills, encouraging investment and developing infrastructure.

The substantial economic opportunity includes plans for around £80m of investment in Mid and East Antrim.

The proposed Integrated Industrial Inspiration and Innovation Campus, i4C, in Ballymena will encompass an inspiration programme to inspire and harness the talents of young people through a controlled series of high quality work experiences creating unique personal profiles for each person, matching them to an online mentor and connecting them to future matched enrichment activities.

The activities will focus on identifying the entrepreneurs of the future and linking them to workshops with existing entrepreneurs, linking the coders of the future to coding clubs, and providing a pathway for future apprenticeships.

Seven Mid and East Antrim councillors sit on Mid and East Antrim’s Belfast Region City Deal committee.

Councillor Timothy Gaston said: “The plans for St Patrick’s are really ambitious and would breathe much-needed new life into our town in the wake of the significant job losses from Michelin and JTI in recent years.

“This is all about diversifying and putting in place the ideal environment for our next generation to grow their skills and create a state-of-the-art hub for innovation in Ballymena.”

Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: “We are doing everything within our power to create a vibrant business and economic culture in Ballymena and across Mid and East Antrim.”