Councillors claim: UUJ move ‘a blow to Carrick’

CARRICK’S elected representatives have expressed concern over the local impact of a redevelopment masterplan at University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus.

The proposals, which enter a consultation period next week, detail the relocation of a number of educational facilities to the Belfast campus, with future plans for the development of an urban village at the existing Jordanstown site.

Changes are expected to come into operation once the bulk of educational activity is relocated to Belfast in 2018, although the university has confirmed it will retain a ‘significant presence’ on the campus.

The specialist engineering research facility FireSERT and the Dalriada student village will be retained, with enhanced sporting facilities also in the works.

“The University is determined to ensure there is a positive legacy around the future development of the land we vacate and is proposing an urban village style residential development, with mixed use residential, commercial and retail development,” a UUJ spokesperson added.

However, a number of Councillors queried how the masterplan, presented by Pro-Vice Chancellor and Provost for Jordanstown Professor Alastair Adair at Monday night’s meeting of the Chief Executive’s Office, would benefit the Carrickfergus area in particular.

“These plans will result in an exodus out of East Antrim; how are we to maintain train services to the area if there are going to be reduced numbers of students going to Jordanstown?” said Cllr Jim McClurg after the meeting.