Since Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council was established on 1 April 2015, it has delivered significant milestones and earned national recognition, including being awarded the APSE UK Overall Council of the Year 2024 for Service Delivery and shortlisted as a finalist for the 2025 title.

These honours reflect the unwavering dedication of our incredible staff, the high standard of our front-line services, and the bold initiatives we continue to champion for the benefit of our residents.

The Council is recognised as one of the leading planning authorities in Northern Ireland. It has maintained one of the lowest district rates across all Northern Ireland councils since 2015 and is ranked as the top‑performing council in Northern Ireland for recycling.

Other significant milestones achieved include:

- Recognised as one of the leading planning authorities in Northern Ireland.

- Multi-million investment in innovation, including a £10 million contribution to the £100 million Belfast Region City Deal for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), led by Queen’s University at Global Point, Newtownabbey.

- £18 million investment dedicated to transforming the Council’s award-winning leisure facilities.

- Opening of the award‑winning Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium in 2023. 

- Enhancement of key visitor attractions, including Skate 100 Urban Sports Park at V36 at The Valley, The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, The Gateway Visitor Centre and The Coronation Garden at Hazelbank.

- £2 million investment to refurbish 34 Play Parks across the Borough.