Village Renewals programme Mid and East Antrim

idverde has successfully delivered the third phase of the Village Renewals programme for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, transforming public spaces across the villages of Gleno, Glynn and Whitehead in Northern Ireland. The project combined landscape design, hard and soft landscaping, grounds maintenance and public realm improvements to create welcoming environments that support local communities and visitors alike.

Each location required a tailored approach to respond to its unique setting and community needs. In Gleno, works included extensive site clearance, new granite pathways, steel edging, boundary fencing, railings, street furniture and a comprehensive programme of tree and shrub planting. These improvements enhanced accessibility while creating a more attractive and functional village centre.

At Whitehead Promenade, idverde carried out a major refurbishment of the seafront public realm. The existing resin promenade surface was replaced, the seawall was steam cleaned, new bollards and kerbs were installed, and road markings and stainless steel road studs were upgraded. Together, these improvements refreshed one of the area’s key public spaces while improving safety and durability.

In Glynn, the project included utility diversions, demolition and reconstruction of boundary walls, the construction of a new car park, bespoke storage facilities, fencing, access improvements and new planting. The completed works have enhanced the functionality of the area while creating an improved environment for local residents and community facilities.

Delivering construction works across active public spaces presented a number of operational challenges. At Whitehead Harbour, activities were carefully phased to minimise disruption, with regular communication maintained with the harbour master and local rowing club throughout the programme. In Gleno, teams worked adjacent to a steep cliff face overlooking a waterfall, requiring specialist safety procedures including fall restraint systems and permit-to-work controls.

At Glynn, construction was planned around the school calendar, with the programme aligned to summer holidays wherever possible. During term time, work was temporarily paused each morning to ensure pupils and parents could safely access the nearby school.

The completed Village Renewals programme demonstrates idverde’s ability to deliver complex public realm schemes across multiple locations while balancing construction, safety and community needs. The renewed spaces provide lasting environmental, social and economic benefits, creating attractive places that support everyday life and strengthen local communities.