£300k joint investment boosts economic development in Larne and North West Regions

PICTURED ABOVE: Back row from left, Brian O’Neill, Co-Chair North West Community Wealth Building Partnership and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive. Front row, from left are, Elisha McCallion, Development Trust Northern Ireland, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, Communities Minister, David Hunter, Programme Director Larne Community Wealth Building Partnership and Dr Andrew Grounds, Deputy Director of Queen’s Communities and Place (QCAP).

Following a £300,000 joint funding commitment from the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Department for the Economy (DfE), new strategies to drive inclusive economic and social development in the Larne and North West regions were formally launched at Stormont earlier this week.

The Larne Community Wealth Building Partnership and the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership will each receive £150,000. This investment will support a series of pilot projects designed to unlock economic potential, empower local communities, regenerate deprived areas, and encourage innovation in green and sustainable industries.

Led by LEDCOM and supported by key local partners including Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Access Employment Ltd (AEL), Larne Business Forum, Northern Regional College, Choice, the Port of Larne and Larne Football Club, the Larne Community Wealth Building Partnership aims to deliver transformational change, where it is expected that the programme will support the creation of approximately 2,000 new jobs with £50M of related investment over the next decade.

Led by Enterprise North West and supported by 25+ key community anchor organisations, Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC), NWRC, Londonderry Chamber, Ulster University and NIHE, the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership aims to improve the lives of people, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and create more successful places across the DCSDC area with capital development plans worth over £50M. 

Both partnerships align directly with DfC’s key strategic outcomes and according to David Hunter, Programme Director of the Larne Community Wealth Building Partnership, represent a strong example of cross-departmental alignment and a new model for best practice place-based transformation. “These partnerships are the first of their kind in Northern Ireland and demonstrate what can be achieved when Departments, Councils and local anchor organisations work together,” David explained.

“They support DfC’s mission to tackle deprivation and build community wellbeing, while also ensuring that DfE’s economic priorities are developed from the ground up – rooted in the strengths, needs and ambitions of local places. This approach will help create more resilient, sustainable and prosperous regional economies.”

“We are committed to delivering lasting change in both Larne and the North West. Our aim is to build a replicable local model that delivers measurable benefits for people, businesses and communities alike.”

Brian O’Neill, North West Community Wealth Building Partnership Co-Chair added: “We recognise that sustained change begins at a grassroots level, which is why initiatives like these are so important. By setting the stage for lasting economic and social prosperity in our local communities, it’s a bold commitment to reshaping our local economy so that it works for everyone. 

“We’re really looking forward to moving forward with our place-based initiatives and aim to make a significant difference to our local communities and the people who reside in them.” 

Speaking at the launch, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Today’s launch of the Larne and North West Community Wealth Building Partnerships Prospectuses is a significant milestone which celebrates the vision and determination of all involved. 

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“They show how the concept of Community Wealth Building can be turned into practical action, through collaboration and local leadership. I want to acknowledge the significant strides we have made in advancing Community Wealth Building in Northern Ireland and want to sincerely thank all those involved for their commitment and leadership. Your work is making a real and lasting difference.”

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald added: “Community Wealth Building initiatives are essential to supporting a more regionally balanced and inclusive economy where everyone can reap the benefits, whether that’s through employment opportunities or local regeneration.

“The pilot programmes in Larne and the North West will allow us to explore innovative approaches to local job creation and economic prosperity, helping communities thrive and ensuring regeneration efforts deliver lasting impact.”

Marking its 40th anniversary earlier this year, LEDCOM has been a cornerstone for economic development in Larne and Ballyclare by providing state-of-the-art workspaces for businesses and delivering mentoring and training opportunities for local entrepreneurs. 

LEDCOM CEO Ken Nelson MBE, confirmed that the business enterprise centre was excited to be a key leader on the project. “The importance of these initiatives simply cannot be understated,” he said. “Since our inception in 1985, LEDCOM’s mission has been to help local entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses and this new partnership builds on that legacy by fostering enterprise and nurturing more rural communities.  

“Similarly, our colleagues at Enterprise North West have for many years played a key role in the economic and social development of the North West and now both the Larne and North West communities stand to benefit a great deal both economically and socially, and by combining business expertise with community development, we’re helping to ensure inclusive and resilient growth for future generations.  

“Alongside Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) and Queen’s University, whose input has been instrumental, we’re proud to play a key role in supporting this project and are committed to building upon the foundations for economic and social prosperity in the Larne area and even further afield.” 

Elisha McCallion, Development Trust Northern Ireland (DTNI) added: “On behalf of DTNI we welcome this announcement and the commitment it demonstrates to community-led economic and social development. 

“It’s encouraging to see continued investment in approaches that put local people and towns at the centre of growth.”  

To view the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership strategy, visit: www.northwestcommunitywealth.com.  

For more information about LEDCOM and the services it provides, visit the website: www.ledcom.org.  

For more information about Enterprise North West and the services it provides, visit the website: www.enterprisenw.com.