The i4C project is a proposal by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for an Innovation and CleanTech Centre located within the St Patrick’s Regeneration site close to Ballymena Town Centre.
The proposed centre will provide an ultramodern hub for innovation, enterprise and collaboration. In practical terms, the i4C will be a four-storey building providing a dedicated space where businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators can access specialist facilities, equipment and support to develop innovative ideas, products and technologies.
It will complement the long-term regeneration of the former St Patrick’s Barracks site is being led by the Department for Communities (DfC) and is aimed at transforming the area through the comprehensive mixed-use development of this strategically important 15-hectare site.
As a new facility it will bring together event space, specialist labs, flexible workspaces, workshops, office accommodation, and collaboration space, which will support businesses to innovate, grow and work together. With a particular focus on CleanTech, it will help businesses respond to opportunities associated with sustainability, low-carbon technologies and the transition to net zero.
This flagship project is funded through the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD). The Belfast Region City Deal is a landmark investment programme designed to support innovation, regeneration, tourism, infrastructure and skills development across the region. Supported by investment from the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and regional partners, the programme represents more than £1 billion of investment and aims to create new opportunities for businesses, communities and workers while driving inclusive economic growth.
We would like to make you aware of proposals for the i4C Innovation and CleanTech Centre at St Patrick's Regeneration Site, Demesne Avenue, Ballymena, BT43 7QA.
The council is currently undertaking a Pre-Application Community Consultation (PACC) and is keen to engage with residents, businesses and stakeholders on the emerging proposals. If this proposal is of interest to you, there are a number of ways to find out more and provide feedback:
Public Consultation Event
An in-person public consultation event will be held on:
Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Venue: ECOS Hub, Kernohans Lane, Ballymena, BT43 7QA
This event will offer an opportunity to view the proposals, speak with members of the project team and provide feedback on the emerging design.
Information on the proposal can be viewed online at:https://junoplanning.com/public_consultations/i4c/
The consultation period will run from Wednesday 12 August 2026 to Wednesday 9 September 2026, for a statutory period of 28 days. During this time, members of the public will be able to view information on the proposal and provide comments through the project website.
Please note that comments made during this Pre-Application Community Consultation process are not formal representations to the planning authority. There will be a further opportunity to make formal representations should a planning application be submitted.
