£10m Newtownabbey Warehouse Investment Set to Create Jobs

A major £10 million investment in Newtownabbey has been approved for a new James Latham Timber warehouse and distribution facility at Houston’s Corner.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council says the development is expected to create around 10 new jobs and contribute an estimated £2.76 million in annual Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy.

£10m Newtownabbey investment approved

Plans for a new £10 million warehouse and distribution facility at Houston’s Corner, Newtownabbey, have been approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

The development is being brought forward by James Latham Timber PLC, one of the UK and Ireland’s established timber and panel product distributors.

The new facility will include a warehouse with ancillary office space, an external yard, HGV facilities and car parking.

Readers can find more Newtownabbey news, events, businesses and local information through Northern Ireland Online’s Newtownabbey coverage and town pages.

New jobs expected at Houston’s Corner

According to the council, the investment is expected to create approximately 10 new employment opportunities.

These roles are expected to cover areas including:

• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Logistics
• Associated business services

The development is also expected to generate an estimated £2.76 million in annual GVA for the local economy.

The project represents another significant commercial investment in the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

Mayor welcomes £10m investment

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, welcomed the investment.

He said:

“I am delighted to welcome James Latham Timber PLC to the Borough and to see this significant £10 million investment progressing at Houston’s Corner.

“The new facility will provide the additional storage and operational capacity the company needs to support its future expansion, while also delivering tangible benefits for our local economy.”

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alderman Lewis Boyle, also welcomed the development.

He said:

“This investment is a welcome boost for Antrim and Newtownabbey, further strengthening our position as a key location for business and economic growth.

“I look forward to seeing the new facility take shape and the benefits it will bring to our local economy.”

Who is James Latham Timber?

James Latham traces its history back to 1757 and supplies timber, panels and decorative surfaces to customers across the UK and Ireland.

The company operates a network of distribution locations and currently has a Northern Ireland operation at Duncrue Street in Belfast.

Its products are supplied to customers operating across sectors including:

• Construction
• Joinery
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Furniture production
• Building and timber trades

The Houston’s Corner facility will provide additional storage and operational capacity to support the company’s future growth.

Plans previously revealed for 48,000 sq ft facility

The project was first brought forward through the planning process in 2025.

Council planning records described proposals for a storage and distribution warehouse with ancillary office space, an external yard, car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure at Ballyearl Business Park, Houston’s Corner.

Earlier reporting on the investment indicated that the proposed development would extend to around 48,000 square feet.

Newtownabbey location offers strong transport connections

Houston’s Corner is well positioned for a distribution operation, with access to the wider road network around Newtownabbey and Greater Belfast.

For a business moving timber and other large products, the site’s road connections and HGV facilities will be an important part of the operation.

The development will also allow James Latham to increase its storage and distribution capacity in Northern Ireland.

What happens next?

With planning approval now secured, attention will turn towards the development of the new warehouse and distribution facility.

The £10 million project is expected to deliver new employment opportunities while adding further commercial investment to the Newtownabbey area.

Northern Ireland Online will continue to follow major developments, investment announcements and new employment opportunities across Newtownabbey and Antrim.