Planning approval has been granted for a new purpose-built storage and distribution hub for timber products supplier James Latham PLC at Ballyearl Business Park, Newtownabbey. The development represents a £10 million investment and is expected to create 35 jobs, while also providing apprenticeship and skills development opportunities for the local area.
The new facility will replace the company’s existing Duncrue Street operation, which no longer provides the capacity or operational efficiencies required to support future growth. The development will include a warehouse, office accommodation, external yard space, vehicle parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Once operational, the hub will offer increased storage capacity, fully enclosed warehousing, weather-protected loading areas and enhanced supply chain resilience. Its strategic location near key transport links and Belfast Port will further strengthen the company’s distribution capabilities across Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for James Latham PLC said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for our new facility at Ballyearl Business Park. This is a significant investment in the future of James Latham in Northern Ireland and will provide the modern, purpose-built hub we need to continue growing and serving customers across the region.
“The development will strengthen our supply chain, improve resilience and increase our ability to hold the high-quality and increasingly sustainable timber products required by the construction and manufacturing sectors. We look forward to moving the project into delivery and making a long-term investment in Antrim & Newtownabbey.”
The facility will support a wide range of customers, including builders’ merchants, manufacturers, contractors and fit-out specialists. It will also help meet increasing demand for timber products as the construction industry adopts more modern and sustainable building methods.
The planning application was supported by Avison Young, which provided planning, property advisory and project management services throughout the process.
Speaking following approval, Jago Bret, Principal & Managing Director at Avison Young, said: “Securing approval for this important investment is a strong outcome for James Latham and for Antrim and Newtownabbey.
“Avison Young has been pleased to lead the planning, property advisory and project management work, helping to bring forward a high-quality development that will support the company’s continued growth, strengthen its regional operations and deliver meaningful economic benefits.”
Welcoming the development, Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “I am delighted to welcome James Latham Timber PLC to the Borough and to see this significant £10 million investment progressing at Houston’s Corner.
“The new facility will provide the additional storage and operational capacity the company needs to support its future expansion, while also delivering tangible benefits for our local economy.”
Alderman Lewis Boyle, Chairman of the Planning Committee, added: “This investment is a welcome boost for Antrim and Newtownabbey, further strengthening our position as a key location for business and economic growth. I look forward to seeing the new facility take shape and the benefits it will bring to our local economy.”
The new hub is targeting BREEAM Very Good accreditation and aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, with 92% of its products certified as sustainable in 2024. Construction is expected to progress once final planning documentation has been issued.
