Causeway Council reaches major milestone towards securing the one-off opportunity for a £125 Million Growth Deal

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has reached a significant milestone in delivering its landmark Growth Deal, with all four Phase 1 Outline Business Cases (OBCs) now submitted to the relevant Government Departments for review and approval.

This marks a crucial step forward in unlocking £81.5 million of investment for the first phase of the programme, which aims to transform the Borough’s economic and social landscape of over the next decade.  The Growth Deal has been initiated by a £72m government investment, with the NI Executive and UK Government each contributing £36m over the next decade.

The four Phase 1 projects submitted for approval are Coleraine Leisure & Wellbeing Centre (£47.0m), Ulster University's Centre for Food & Drug Discovery (£22.0m), North West Regional College's Foodovation^TM & Skills Centre (£5.8m) and Dungiven Regeneration Programme (£6.7m).

Subject to approval of these business cases, Council remains on track to sign the Deal Document by Summer 2026, a pivotal moment that will unlock Contracts for Funding and enable these four projects to move to the planning and delivery stage.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: "This is an extremely proud moment for our Council area.

“The submission of all Phase 1 business cases represents months of dedicated work by our officers, project partners, and Government Departments. We are now one step closer to seeing these transformational projects become a reality.

"The Growth Deal will attract new industries, create high-quality employment opportunities, and help secure long-term prosperity for our communities. These Phase 1 projects alone represent a £81.5 million investment in our people, our infrastructure, and our future."

Council continue to work closely with partners on the five Phase 2 projects, with business cases currently under development. These will be submitted to Departments as they are completed throughout next year, with all submissions expected by December 2026, subject to available budgets.

Phase 2 projects include Bushmills Regeneration Programme (£6.9m), Business Innovation & Incubation Hub (£16.5m), Connected Causeway Traffic & Parking (£9.7m), Greenways: Portrush to Giant's Causeway (£9.0m) and Cushendall Innovation Centre (£1.7m).

The total Growth Deal investment of £125.3 million represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Causeway Coast and Glens. The programme is designed to attract and grow businesses, regenerate rural settlements, improve tourism infrastructure, and raise aspirations and employability across the Borough.

For more information please visit: https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/work/strategic-projects/growth-deal