Project promoter, Louise McFall, was no stranger to running her own childcare facility, having previously owned and managed a successful nursery in Newtownabbey for 15 years. Being back on the farm she realised that the outdoors lifestyle made it an ideal location for a childcare facility.
Hidden behind the lush green fields on the Lisglass Road close to Ballyclare is the family farm of Louise and Ian McFall. In addition to the sounds of cows, sheep and miniature goats, the laughter of young children is always in the air as the farm is also the home of Primrose Hill Day Nursery, playing host to 48 children aged two and above.
In order to set up the business, Louise built new premises and received funding of £47,500 to construct the nursery, fit out the building and purchase indoor and outdoor play equipment.
The business has provided spaces to care for 39 children and has created 5 full-time and 5 parttime jobs.
“We carried out market research which clearly indicated that there was a gap in the market and a need for nursery facilities on the main commuter route between Larne and Belfast. I felt this was the ideal opportunity to not only generate a new source of farm income but to also create employment opportunities and a unique experience for children to enjoy the great outdoors.”