Carrick Rangers: Planning application lodged for new clubhouse

It comes after the announcement that an American businessman has bought a majority share in the club.

Taylor's Avenue Credit: Google Maps

A planning application has been lodged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a new clubhouse at Carrick Rangers FC.

The club has also proposed new changing and multi-purpose community room at its Taylors Avenue grounds.

The grounds are leased to Carrick Rangers by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

In September 2020, the club was granted planning permission by the local authority for two new stands.

The existing west stand at Taylors Avenue will be demolished to make way for a replacement which will be able to accommodate up to 568 fans.

There will also be provision for a first floor viewing lounge and educational and training rooms, turnstiles and security/media tower.

Plans also include a new 635-seater east stand and repositioning of floodlights and fencing.

The Department for Communities (DfC) has been urged to progress the distribution of funding earmarked for investment in football grounds in Northern Ireland which would contribute to finance for development of the new facilities at Carrick Rangers.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in association with Carrick Rangers, Larne FC and Ballymena United is bidding for £17m funding.

In 2015, the Northern Ireland Executive allocated £36m for a stadia funding programme for local football through the sub-regional stadia programme.

On Tuesday it was confirmed American businessman Michael Smith has bought a majority share in the club.

Smith, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Estée Lauder Companies Inc who was previously in high level positions at big brand companies Nike and Mylan, has been in consultation with Carrick