A ‘monumental day’ for Magheramorne
30-6-09

A ‘monumental day for Magheramorne’. That was how Northern Ireland Assembly Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, described events on Friday as he announced on a visit to the site that he was granting outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the old works and quarry. The Minister praised Lafarge for its imaginative scheme and the way the company is seeking to leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of the local community and the wider area.

The Minister also had praise for the local community, their support for the project and how they had worked with Lafarge to bring about a scheme that is set to put Magheramorne on the map and provide a major boost to the fortunes of the area. Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created and millions of pounds pumped into the local economy as visitors make their way to Magheramorne to use the various, new visitor attractions – not least the World Cycling Centre in which mountain bikers will be able to enjoy some of the best downhill trails in Europe.

Pictured below, looking at a model of the proposed development, (from left to right) are Lloyd McInally, Lafarge Cement UK rating and regeneration manager, Sammy Wilson and David Simms, land and planning director at Lafarge.

It has been over seven years since work started on the project and over three years since the company submitted its planning application. The company now hopes that by the end of 2010 preliminary development works on the site will have commenced and another milestone reached.