A new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub has been granted planning permission in Coleraine.
The site, branded Grow to Go, is the first hub developed by local firm IPG and will be located at 5 Somerset Road, on the grounds of a former car garage and dealership yard.
Plans were first submitted in 2022. The development will feature up to 31 charging bays and two signature canopies. It will operate entirely off-grid using gas generators powered by renewable bio-gas from a nearby facility co-owned by the developer.
In addition to charging infrastructure, the project will feature a community hub, comprising a café, gym, health and wellbeing space, and an autism-friendly sensory area.
The Grow to Go EV Community Centre is a facility that serves both the local community and the broader region, focusing on five main elements:
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Performance EV Charging: Featuring advanced 400kwh chargers, the Centre provides fast charging for up to 30 electric vehicles. These off-grid chargers address the grid limitations in Northern Ireland, making charging efficient and practical compared to the current slow chargers.
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Cafe with Autism Sensory Room: The on-site cafe caters to EV users, families with additional needs, and the local community. It includes an autism-friendly design and a sensory room for families to relax and socialise.
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Autism Therapy Room: Funded by the Centre, this room offers state-of-the-art equipment and an in-house therapist. It also includes a swim spa and sauna for sensory therapy, with long-term funding secured from the Centre’s profits.
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Gym: A boxerise pod system gym offers a time-efficient workout while users charge their vehicles. It allows users to complete a full workout tailored to the charging time, eliminating the need for home chargers.
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Admin Area: Designed for remote or hybrid workers, the Centre includes soundproof work pods for a quiet working environment, complementing the downstairs cafe as a family-friendly space
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