New ice cream parlour at Antrim Castle Gardens set to generate £35,000 a year
Former shop at Clotworthy House to be transformed into ice cream parlour with indoor seating after operating costs almost doubled from £21,852 in 2023/24 to £39,936 in 2024/25
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved planning permission for a new ice cream parlour at Clotworthy House at Antrim Castle Gardens.
The proposal is for change of use of the existing shop/reception and garden exhibition area to an ice cream parlour with associated indoor seating area.
Councillors were told at the Planning Committee meeting the proposal would not have a “detrimental impact on the character of the area, listed building or amenity”.
A committee report said that Clotworthy House is a Grade B+ listed building. It is an early Victorian property in Tudor Revival style, which was originally built as a coach house and stables.
It noted the building retains most of its original exterior features although some of the original interiors have been lost. Antrim Castle Gardens is a registered historic park, garden and demesne.
The report indicated Antrim Castle Gardens are considered to be “a major attraction in terms of visitor numbers and historical and cultural importance, and significantly enhance the tourism offer within the borough”.
Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by party colleague Macedon Cllr Robert Foster. Following a vote, permission was granted unanimously.
During a discussion, which took place behind closed doors previously, councillors were told it was anticipated an ice cream parlour could generate revenue for the local authority of approximately £35,000 per annum at the visitor attraction.
It was proposed the ice cream parlour would offer a “wide range of high-quality ice creams” and hot and cold drinks and would remain open during the winter months.
More than 90,000 people attended the 2025 Enchanted Winter Garden festive event, held at the location, which for the first time, was extended into the period between Christmas and New Year although this was a reduction from 98,000 visitors who attended during December 2024.
Councillors were told previously the cost of operating the Clotworthy House shop has almost doubled from £21,852 in 2023/24 to £39,936 in 2024/25.