Plans For 'World Class' Larne Redevelopment

An approved regeneration scheme at a former Larne quarry will include a world cycling centre and all-Ireland scuba diving facility, it has been revealed.

Permission was granted for the ambitious redevelopment of the Works and Quarry site at Magheramorne last month.

Developer Lafarge Cement UK's owns the grounds, which spans more than 153 hectares

Plans to transform the area into a major recreational and leisure attraction were originally submitted by Lafarge in May 2006.

The centre aims to be one of the best venues in Europe for downhill mountain biking and is expected to play host to televised World Cup events.

An All-Ireland Scuba Diving Centre, taking advantage of a large lake in the quarry, also features amongst the recreational and leisure elements.


A short heritage railway line and historic railway visitor centre will also be built for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

A new 450-dwelling harbour village is to be created over 15 hectares.

Buildings here will be at the forefront of eco-friendly design, according to the developer.

Land and planning director for Lafarge, David Simms said: "This project is a big 'thank you' to the local community. It is not about making money, it is about leaving a legacy from which the next generation can benefit."

Also included in the future plans for the site is land for the establishment of international film and television studios.

Town planning and urban design consultancy, David Lock Associates, has acted as lead consultants and master planners on the project since work began in 2002.

The Belfast office of Turley Associates has provided local town planning services and managed the planning application and environmental assessment processes.

Turley Director, Dr Michael Gordon, says: "Given that the site is not defined as being within an urban area, the onus has been on the applicant to illustrate exceptional circumstances 'in the public interest' to justify the residential element within the overall proposal.

"It is these special circumstances which the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, has acknowledged in giving the go-ahead for the project."

(PR/JM)