SPACE Ballyclare at LEDCOM Foundry has officially opened, creating a modern, flexible business and enterprise hub in the heart of Ballyclare. Delivered by LEDCOM, the enterprise centre for Larne and Ballyclare, in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the development marks the transformation of Foundry House into a workspace for start-ups and growing businesses.

The launch event on Friday 6 November brought together local businesses, elected representatives, partners and community representatives to celebrate the opening.

The two-storey building has around 9,100 square feet of accommodation in total, including a mix of office space, meeting and conference facilities and an expanded mezzanine level. Improvements include upgraded office accommodation, better circulation and access, and upgraded heating and building services. The redevelopment provides an enhanced environment for local businesses, entrepreneurs and growing enterprises, while strengthening LEDCOM’s capacity to support economic development in the wider Ballyclare area.

The project represents a total investment of almost £600,000, including £300,000 of funding from the Council through its Workspace Development Fund. SPACE Ballyclare at LEDCOM Foundry is the second site to open under the Council’s SPACE brand, following SPACE Antrim.

Over the next 10 years, the centre aims to help 200 businesses start up and create approximately 300 jobs, while supporting 200 individuals into employment through support programmes. The project is expected to deliver an economic impact of over £8 million, with £1 million recirculated into the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey economy.

In its first two years, the project is also expected to safeguard 10 jobs and create a further 15 through tenancy. Businesses have already moved in and there is a healthy pipeline of enquiries from others.

SPACE Ballyclare

Speaking at the opening, Ken Nelson MBE, Chief Executive of LEDCOM, said: “Opening SPACE Ballyclare marks an exciting new chapter for LEDCOM and for the Ballyclare community. We now have a permanent, modern hub in the town where start-ups and growing businesses can find the workspace, support and networks they need. As the enterprise centre for the Ballycalre area, we hope this investment will bring more people, businesses and opportunities to the area.

“With a proven track record of successful and sustainable delivery, LEDCOM continues its focus on regional economic growth, aiming to support local communities whilst boosting employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We’re working with ANBC and the Local Economic Partnership on how to provide future managed workspace facilities for the Ballyclare area. We want to help encourage business start ups, business expansions and attract businesses to the area.”

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said: “It was a pleasure to join LEDCOM to mark the opening of SPACE Ballyclare. This investment shows the Council’s commitment to strengthening our town centres and giving entrepreneurs the facilities they need to start and scale successful businesses. With the growth of the Ballyclare area, this centre will provide the kind of facilities a growing population needs, and I am confident that even more entrepreneurs will choose the town as their base.”