Council divulges details of its plan to create a new 'beach' in Carrickfergus
Some details have emerged of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s plans to build an “urban beach”.
This beach in Carrickfergus will not in fact lead into the sea; instead, it will be a land-based sand pit next to Carrickfergus harbour.
The News Letter has been asking for details of this beach since plans were revealed for a large-scale redevelopment of central Carrickfergus.
The revamp consists of four different planning applications covering alterations to the town’s castle, its town hall, visitor centre, and High Street.
The ‘urban beach’ was listed among these developments, but there was no information about what it was or where it would be.
The News Letter has since pressed the council for more information.
Meanwhile more documents have been uploaded to the planning portal online which also shed some light on it.
The council has now told the News Letter: “It is designed to be a standalone beach with no direct access to the sea.
“Accessible ramps will lead down to the beach area ensuring it can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.
“Sand for the beach will be brought in from outside specifically for the project.
“To minimise the risk of windblown sand escaping the site, the beach will be set approximately 600mm [roughly two feet] below the existing car park.”
It will “provide an area for outdoor fitness classes and casual gatherings that foster strong community ties”, and the council said it “will maintain and clean the urban beach throughout the year”.
There will also be a water area next to the beach, described as an “interactive water play feature, incorporating water jets and a shallow layer of water of approximately three inches” which will “add to the visitor experience and provide a fun, engaging attraction for children and families”.
It added: “While the development will require the removal of some parking spaces within Harbour Square car park, there remains sufficient parking capacity across Carrickfergus town to meet current and anticipated demand.”
All this will stand next to the old, dilapidated Swift bar/restaurant, which is soon to be demolished and turned into apartments.
The beach and water feature will form part of “a new waterfront park within the harbour-side area,” according to a planning statement which has now been lodged online.
“The park will comprise a sequence of complementary spaces, including a sunken urban beach with integrated perimeter seating, a shallow reflective water feature incorporating interactive pop-up jets, areas of gently modelled landform, a flexible paved plaza, and informal play and recreation areas.
“The water feature will be capable of being drained to provide additional usable event space.
“The landscaped areas will include pine trees, ornamental grasses and coastal planting, together with seating edges and sheltered spaces for relaxation, informal gathering and play.”
The applicant is the council, and the council is also the adjudicating authority.