THE Stormont Executive have agreed the sale of the former Shackleton military barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry for £1 million to the MJM Group.
MJM Group plans to create over 100 jobs initially on over 600 acres on the site and provide a range of facilities benefitting the local community.
But the sale of the site could lead over the next of number of years to the creation of up to 1,000 jobs.
MJM Group will use the site to fit out private planes.
Announcing the deal, Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Today is the start of the next chapter of the Shackleton story. The successful company MJM Group is a local company with global ambition.
“This investment will deliver huge social and economic benefits for local people. It may be the first private investment on the site but I am sure it will not be the last.
“MJM Group will now develop the site so some of the other initial sale proposals could well be part of their plans depending on commercial discussions and negotiations.
“A key aspect of MJM’s proposal was its commitment to providing significant community benefits, including a refurbished community building and outdoor recreation facilities.
“The site will now be accessible and become an important part of community life.
“The combination of private investment alongside DARD’s new headquarters bringing 600 jobs will be the economic injection the North West needs.”
First Minister Arlene Foster added: “I’m pleased to confirm we have agreed to sell the Shackleton site to MJM Group.
“This site which was gifted to the Executive under the Agreement at Hillsborough Castle, presents a unique opportunity for MJM Group to maximise its potential.’
“With NI Water’s plans to develop part of the Site for an Integrated Constructed Wetland and DARD’S plans for its new Headquarters, the entire Site will soon be brought back into use by the new owners.
“At a time when our manufacturing sector has had a number of disappointing announcements, this is a good day not just for Ballykelly but for the manufacturing sector of the wider North West.”
MJM Chief Executive Jarlath said of the deal: “We are delighted to have been the successful bidder to purchase this 600 acre former military site in Ballykelly.
“We will endeavour to develop the site by establishing a number of new business ventures on the site such as a facility to refurbish and fit our private jets as well as having a specialist fabrication business on the Shackleton site and therefore creating significant employment in the local area.
“Other business ventures under serious consideration by us are the creation of one of the largest solar panel plants in Europe with the development of a 60MW Solar Farm at a cost of £60m.
“In addition MJM Group could also continue to facilitate the use of the site by film crews and would accommodate other business proposals from interested parties to help further develop the site to help achieve its full potential.”
The site of the old barracks at Ballykelly
