Regional Development Strategy Context for the Borough

In relation to our Borough the RDS identifies Metropolitan Newtownabbey as part of the Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area, where significant investment should be centred, including employment opportunities and infrastructure provision. Global Point is highlighted as one of four key locations for economic growth. Antrim is defined as a Main Hub town, with the Strategy identifying the well-developed transport infrastructure that provides easy access to all the main gateways for Northern Ireland, as the area's principle strength. Further to this, the RDS clusters the well-connected Main Hub towns of Antrim, Ballymena and Larne, noting the potential advantage in attracting business. The Strategy recognises the Borough's rural area and indicates that a strong network of smaller towns supported by villages will help to sustain and service the rural community.