IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSAL

Update, November 2009

The regeneration of Magheramorne Works is a unique project not just because of the extraordinary range of uses proposed but also because of our intention not to take profit out of the redevelopment of the site. Instead, as part of leaving a lasting beneficial legacy for the people of East Antrim who served the cement works so well over many years, any profit which would have been made is to be used to help with the costs of setting up the World Cycling Centre and the other recreational, educational and nature conservation elements of the scheme. It will also be used to help fund pioneering ‘green’ initiatives within the harbour village.

The forgoing of profit by Lafarge will not though be sufficient in itself to pay for all the recreational, educational and nature conservation uses contained in our master plan. Grant aid will be required in some instances and over the coming months we will be actively exploring the possibilities for such assistance.

Lafarge is not a developer. We do not build houses. Neither are we an operator of recreational facilities or nature reserves. In preparing our plans we have been talking to organisations who might work in partnership with us and build the harbour village and provide the various other facilities, all within a strict ‘eco-friendly’ ethos. Over the coming months, we will also be continuing to talk to these organisations as well as others who might wish to become involved. If you think that you or your organisation might have a part to play in taking forward the Magheramorne Works we would like to hear from you.

We now have outline planning permission for our proposals. This means that the uses we have proposed are acceptable in principle. However, before any building can take place, detailed plans of the design of individual buildings will have to be submitted for approval by Planning Service. Our hope is that some construction work could start on site in 2011.