‘Major investors’ signal interest as Wrightbus land transfer moves forward

The land had been a sticking point during negotiations between the Wright family and the industrialist Jo Bamford, who would eventually take over the business.

The deadlock was resolved when an agreement was reached for the 40 acre site at Lisnafillan to be gifted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as a legacy for the people of Ballymena.

The council has now said it will move to begin the formal process for expressions of interest in the site, with four “major investors already signalling their interest”.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Pending the signing of the Transfer Deed, Council will move to begin the process for Expressions of Interest in the site.

“Council Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy, told elected members at this month’s Full Council meeting it was encouraging to see a variety of proposals from the potential investors covering the advanced manufacturing, renewables and education sectors.

“At a Special Council meeting last month, members agreed to accept the sealing of the transfer of the land at Lisnafillan.

“Pending the signing of the Transfer Deed, Council will move to begin the process for Expressions of Interest in the site.”

Mayor, councillor Peter Johnston said: “These lands will be crucial in securing more jobs for our people and the growth of our economy in Mid and East Antrim.

“I am pleased to see the progress which has been made in the transfer process and it is very positive news that we have already shown by a number of potential investors.”

He added: “The transformation of the Lisnafillan lands will be a significant and historic boost to Mid and East Antrim’s long tradition of creating a sustainable economic future and landscape for all our citizens.”

TUV councillor Timothy Gaston, who was involved in discussions over the deal, said: “It’s being transferred over from Jeff Wright to us.

“This is a good news story for Ballymena and it gives us the opportunity to build on the Wright legacy of innovation.

“It’s up to council now to work with investers to get jobs into Ballymena.”
He added: “It is important to secure the right investment to build on our manufacturing base in Ballymena.”

At the time of the deal for the sale of Wrightbus to Bamford Bus Company last year, shareholder Jeff Wright described the gift of land as “a tribute not only to my father, his father before him, and the Wright family members, but most importantly it is a ribute to the generations of workers who helped build a proud manufacturing tradition in Ballymena.”

He added: “It is my true wish to see this legacy used for the purposes of expanding manufacturing and benefitting our local economy.”