Planning permission to redevelop Carnfunnock Country Park given green light

A new bikers’ haven on the Antrim coast is one step closer to becoming a reality after planning permission to redevelop Carnfunnock Country Park was given the green light.

The bike park will appeal to everyone, particularly older children and adults, while the adventure play park will be refurbished and extended to include additional accessible play equipment.

There will be a new maze viewing platform – a once-existing feature – at the park, and the pathways will be upgraded across the site.

Plans for a new visitor centre, featuring a retail shop, café and function rooms overlooking the coastline, as well as a new caravan amenity facility with a coffee dock and new toilet provision will ensure a top-quality visitor experience.

Both buildings will be designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards to reduce the energy requirements in accordance with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s (MEABC) Climate Action Plan.

MEABC said it was a key milestone for the £7m project, which also aims to reinvigorate the parklands and cater for an expanding range of visitors, following investment from the UK Government.

A Council spokesperson said the redevelopment would be a great addition to the community, serving local people and tourists alike.

“Carnfunnock Country Park is a jewel in Mid and East Antrim’s crown, providing us with a fantastic outdoor space for everyone.

“The contribution from the UK Government will help contribute to renewed growth and prosperity and futureproof the site for years to come”.

Having recognised the need to develop the park, and to better cater for an expanding range of visitors, MEABC successfully bid for funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The project will reinvigorate the country park through the upgrade of its visitor centre and tourist amenities. It will also provide additional activities for older children and adults.

At present, there are accessibility issues in the park, the existing visitor centre and amenity block are dated, with poor energy rating and no longer fit for purpose.

Following input from the public, several measures have been taken to improve the project, including the allocation of funds for new planting within the walled garden.

A dog park has also been included in the proposal, the access to paths during construction has been expanded and the external appearance of proposed buildings have been amended to better integrate into the surrounding environment.

Carnfunnock, which opened as a country park in 1990, is a 191-hectare park situated on the Antrim Coast Road, approximately 20 miles from Belfast on the east coast of Co Antrim, between Larne and the village of Ballygally.