Whitehead - Grow South Antrim

Islandmagee Road
Railway Line
Kings Road
Cable Road
Marine Parade
Belfast Road
c OSNI
1
Welcome to the public exhibition of draft proposals
for the Whitehead Masterplan. These boards have
been prepared to inform the people of Whitehead of
emerging ideas for the future of the village. We would
therefore like to invite you to study these proposals
and to let us know your comments by completing a
feedback form and/or emailing us at whitehead@pau
lhogarth.com.
This masterplan has been commissioned by GROW South
Antrim through Carrickfergus Borough Council and is
being developed by The Paul Hogarth Company, with
guidance of a steering group of local stakeholders. It is
one of three plans being developed simultaneously for
Doagh, Toome and Whitehead. The masterplans seek
to identify a range of initiatives by which to improve
the village over the next 5 – 10 years. By studying and
thinking about the village holistically, it is intended that
individual projects can be coordinated to maximise
their contribution to making Whitehead a better place
in which to live, work, play, invest and visit. This plan
will not replace statutory planning policy for the area,
but help key organisations from the public and private
sectors to target investment wisely.
As we are all very much aware, Northern Ireland is in
the midst of a major recession, resulting in spending
cutbacks in both the public and private sectors.
Funding for future projects will therefore be limited.
It is therefore vitally important for villages such as
Whitehead to plan for the future, so to ensure their own
social, physical and economic sustainability. Once
finalised, each of the projects identified in this plan will
be subject to a process of costing, prioritisation and
phasing. Key projects (or phases thereof) will then be
taken forward by a range of different stakeholders
subject to the availability of funding and more detailed
development and consultation with landowners and
statutory agencies. This will be set out in an Action
Plan to accompany the final masterplan.
WhiteheadDraft Village Masterplan
Introduction / Analysis

“ The unique identity of Whitehead will be strengthened to provide a safe and attractive place
in which to live and to develop business and leisure opportunities. The Village will once again
become a premier place to visit based on its rich heritage and wider natural environment.
Increased accessibility combined with an array of sustainable community projects will assist
in transforming Whitehead into a welcoming and thriving Railway Town shaped by its Victorian
and Edwardian townscape and distinctive sense of place ”
Establiched
communities
Green
connection
Railway
preservation
society of
Ireland
Potential
landmark
Village hub
Approach
routes
Improved
linkages
Railway line
Potential
destination
2
What kind of place would you like Whitehead
to be in the future Finding an answer to this
deceptively simple question is a critical first step
in developing a masterplan for the village. The
consultant team have worked with members of the
local steering group to compose the above draft
Vision Statement. This describes the kind of place
we think Whitehead should be in the future. What
do you think Any comments on how to improve
this vision are welcomed. To illustrate the vision, the
above graphic has been developed in the style of
a railway poster, helping to define and promote the
village to residents and visitors alike.
To achieve this vision, a series of Aims and Objectives
have been identified, which also remain in draft so
that you can shape them accordingly. These two
statements spell out the priorities for Whitehead as
a better place for its residents and for visitors to the
town. By improving the town for local people, whilst
sensitively enhancing its capacity to once again
serve as a day trip or weekend destination, we think
Whitehead has immense potential.
The draft Concept Plan shown above is the first
step in physically applying the aims and objectives
to the village. It outlines the key strategic moves
proposed for Whitehead. This includes strengthening
connections between all parts of the centre (Kings
Road, the Recreational Grounds, Blackhead Path
etc), so that they work together and that people
can move easily between them. The concept plan
also includes enhancing historic landmarks such
as the castle, Victorian buildings and the White
Harbour, so that they play a greater role in the life of
the town and contribute to its social and economic
vitality.
WhiteheadDraft Village Masterplan
Introduction / Analysis

Proposed Whitehead Wood
and Allotments
New tourist facility at
Bentra Golf Club
Extension of RPSI facilities
Improved connectivity
Reshaping of the recreation
grounds
Promotion of a new
visitor destination linked
to Marine Parade and
Blackhead path
New civic spaces
Sensitive infill development
opportunities
The Draft Whitehead Masterplan illustrates how the
village could look in 10 to15 years time. It is made
up of a series of individual projects which combined
would have a significant impact on the village as a
whole.
The traditional centre of Whitehead, including
Kings Road and Edwards Road, would be subject
to public realm enhancements, improvements
to shop frontages and formalisation of parking
arrangements, with potential for new parking areas
subject to landownership. Better foot and cycle
linkages would be provided across the railway
to the recreational grounds. This area would be
comprehensively redesigned to improve the way
in which the area looks and functions, including
the creation of a civic space and improved setting
for the Railway Preservation Society’s planned
development. Links to the coastline would also be
improved, with potential to refurbish and facilitate
access to Whitehead Castle. Along the waterfront,
upgrades to the quality of pathways and lighting
would be accompanied by a more ambitious
project to turn the Blackhead Path Car Park into
an events space. This creates a much more
attractive and lively area to increase the value of a
refurbished Blackhead Path. Also, other key projects
are the restoration of White Harbour as a potential
destination for steam trains from the railway society.
It is also proposed to enhance the arrival experience
into Whitehead and to create better views to the
town from the Coast and Glens Coastal Route,
making it more attractive to the casual passer by.
Public Realm
Improvements
Observation point at the
“Blah Hole”
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on the draft plan.
Do you think these projects would help to achieve
the vision for Whitehead Are there projects you
particularly like or dislike Do you have suggestions
for other projects that could help improve
Whitehead
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WhiteheadDraft Village Masterplan
Introduction / Analysis

Green connection to
Bentra
Public Realm
Improvements
Signalised traffic lights
at School
Proposed extension to RPSI
site
Refurbished
Blackhead
path
Outdoor
Amphitheatre
Islandmagee Road
Upgraded pedestrian
route
Spill out space for RPSI
Donegall Avenue
Informal spill
out space
Restaurant
Pedestrian Bridge
NI Water Pump House
Proposed Station building
Youth Club
Playground
Alexandra Avenue
Chester Avenue
Oldcastle Road
Multi Purpose Sports /
Community Complex
Boat Yard
Clachan Pier
Pedestrian route along
railway
Public Art
Widened footpaths at
King’s Road Bridge
King’s Road
Car Park / Public Realm
Improvements
Public Art
New link route
Improved accessibility to
Castle and Marine Parade
Civic / Event Space
Forward Road
Windsor Avenue
King’s Road
Redevelopment of Health
Centre Site
Development opportunity
with parking
Active Frontage on
approach to Bridge
Formalised pedestrian
link to P&R/Chester
Avenue
Potential car park
Village Square
This board explains some of the key draft masterplan proposals in
further detail. These include reshaping of the recreation grounds,
the blackhead path car park and the traditional Victorian town
centre.
The Recreation Grounds are an important part of Whitehead
Village Centre, providing good facilities for a range of sports.
However, the area is not as attractive or safe as it could be and
scope exists to improve the provision of facilities by increased
shared usage. The draft Masterplan therefore proposes a new
building which accommodates first class facilities for sports clubs
and community events. A new civic square is also proposed
fronting onto Chester Avenue, to provide space for events and
activities. The draft masterplan also proposes a new road link from
King’s Road. This would provide a more direct connection with the
town centre and help create a more prominent frontage to the
Railway Preservation Society, which is earmarked for investment to
improve its visitors facilities.
King’s Road
Cable Road
Balmoral Avenue
Victoria Avenue
Chester Avenue
Re-development
potential
Village Park
Minor change to Cable
Road alignment
Environmental
Improvements at railway
crossing
Railway line
The Blackhead Path is a popular destination with locals and visitors
alike. The draft masterplan proposes to repair and enhance the
pathway, which has suffered from coastal erosion over the years.
In addition, it is proposed to transform the car park into a visitor
destination capable of hosting events, such as concerts, plays and
festivals. This would include the design of an open-air amphitheatre
and a flexible performance space.
The Victorian centre of Whitehead has many qualities, including
fine buildings and the retention of good independent retailers.
The masterplan proposes a range of projects to restore the
streets, improve pedestrian circulation, organise car parking and
encourage further private sector investment. Included in the public
realm proposals is the potential to design as a square, retaining
parking but creating a far higher quality of environment.
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WhiteheadDraft Village Masterplan
Introduction / Analysis