The Triangle
The Triangle is a local term for three northern coast towns – Coleraine, Portrush, and Portstewart – each about 5 miles apart. Atlantic Link Campus is situated just outside Coleraine.
On the doorstep of the Giant’s Causeway, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to much of the Game of Thrones backdrop Portrush and Portstewart are two of Northern Ireland’s most prominent tourist destinations, each with beautiful beaches, restaurants and surf.
Coleraine is a historic market town, with a strong retail focus and a world renowned Ulster University Campus.
The Triangle is also renowned for its world-class events, with the North West 200 one of the most famous motorcycle-racing events in the world. The Airwaves International Airshow attracts six-figure audiences every year. In 2019 golf’s premier event, The Open Championship, returns to Royal Portrush for the first time since 1951.
Economy
Causeway Coast and Glens has the lowest median wage as historically, commerce in Northern Ireland’s north coast has focused on the twin pillars of agriculture and tourism, and the seasonal nature of these sectors has seen the region generally lag a little behind the economic curve.
But through a combination of a strong focus on education and a youthful demographic, there is a clear shift towards a highly skilled, knowledge based economy. This has seen over 700 jobs generated in a wide range of sectors over the past year, and a further 200 in the pipeline from the decentralisation of the public sector.
The NI Executive is committed to developing new industries in the area, as seen by the initial steps being taken to convert the Shackleton Barracks into a centre of excellence for the aviation industry.
The curve is reversing, and it is a scenario that presents an unusually obvious opportunity for investors to get ahead.