NEWS
Construction output remains high
Northern Ireland construction output is currently 23% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. While the total volume of construction output saw a slight downturn in Q1 2026 from the 15- year high in Q4 2025, it remains historically high. Since Q1 2025, construction activity here has grown by 10.1% with all three sub-sectors in growth, led by housing (+27.4%), followed by infrastructure (+3.9%) and other work (+0.7%). While the volume of new work has increased by 18.6% over the last year, there has been a drop in repair and maintenance activity (-2.5%) over the same period. Housing, including both new construction and repair and maintenance, grew by 7.6% in Q1 2026 compared to the previous quarter and has experienced an overall upward trend since Q4 2023, reaching a new 15-year high in Q1 2026. View the full report at: https://datavis.nisra.gov.uk/ economy-and-labour-market/ construction-bulletin-northern- ireland-quarter-1-2026.html
The Kilnbridge team officially opens its relocated Lisburn office.
Kilnbridge to double Lisburn team
Structures specialist Kilnbridge is marking 10 years in Lisburn with a move to a bigger office offering capacity to double its team to 24 employees. Kilnbridge delivers engineering, design and construction services across multiple sectors, working with leading infrastructure clients and major contractors to support complex, large-scale projects nationwide. Its skilled Lisburn team provides technical design services for projects such as Crossrail Whitechapel, Heathrow Airport, Old Oak Common Station for HS2 and Beaulieu Park Station.
The opening of the new office was attended by senior representatives from across Kilnbridge, including Chief Executive Owen Dannatt, Managing Director of Kilnbridge Design and Engineering Richard Garvey and Head of Design Management Peter Adams. “Over the past decade, we’ve built a strong, highly-capable team that plays a crucial role in delivering complex projects for Kilnbridge across the UK,” said Peter. “We’re continuing to invest in our people and our capabilities and that will bring new job opportunities as we continue to expand.” www.kilnbridge.com
RSUA urges demolition investigation
A thorough investigation has been urged into the demolition of the Antrim Arms in Ballycastle, with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) calling for punitive action to be taken if permission was not granted. The listed Georgian building had already been cordoned off due to concerns over its structural integrity prior to an alleged arson attack earlier this year. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is disputing owner Declan Wright’s claim he was granted permission to tear down the building.
Antrim Arms, Ballycastle (pre-demolition).
Ciarán Fox, RSUA Director, said, “This continues the awful pattern of our local heritage being lost. An owner allows an important building to fall into dereliction, they want it demolished, permission is refused, then someone starts a fire and before long it gets demolished. “Government needs to send a clear message that owners who don’t look after their listed buildings will not be able to profit from their careless demise.” www.rsua.org.uk
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