Foundry House, a state-of-the-art building on the Doagh Road, provides 700 square metres of office, retail and community space and is a replacement for the temporary building from which the organisation had previously operated.
One of a number of funders, the Department for Social Development provided almost £300,000 towards the overall cost of the project through the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
Speaking at the official opening, the Minister commended the work of Ballyclare Community Concerns for the "invaluable contribution" they have made to the local community over the past 16 years.
"Already, people can avail of advice sessions, youth facilities, a lunch club and a Credit Union to name just a few of the services on offer. This wonderful new building will allow them to expand the range of services they provide.
"The successful letting of the office and retail space also has the potential to create new jobs for the area which is vitally important. The Foundry House project is pivotal to the further economic regeneration of Ballyclare and hopefully will act as a lever for further development and investment," she said.
Tom Gray, Chairman of Ballyclare Community Concerns, described Foundry House as "a landmark building."
"This will provide the impetus for enhanced community activity in Ballyclare and permit Ballyclare Community Concerns to build a successful and self sustaining future," he said.
Alexander Smyth, Joint Director General of the International Fund for Ireland, which contributed £300,000 to the project added: "The opening of these new premises will allow Ballyclare Community Concerns to fulfil their aim of improving the quality of life for people in Ballyclare and the surrounding area. The new multi-purpose space now enables the group to offer services that can meet both the social and economic needs of the community and we wish everyone involved every success for the future."
Newtownabbey Borough Council provided £100,000 to the scheme, and the Mayor, alderman Nigel Hamilton, said he was delighted to see the project come to fruition.
"The building will provide an essential asset as a community facility, given its location and design. It provides a much needed and sustainable opportunity as an attracter of commercial enterprise in Ballyclare. Newtownabbey Borough Council recognises the importance of social economy to a project of this nature and we believe Ballyclare Community Concerns will be well placed to attract this aspect of growth to this fine building," he commented.
Lynn Frazer, Chair of Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership added: "Newtownabbey LSP were delighted to fund Ballyclare Community Concerns £70,000 under the Peace 2 programme for their new community building. The LSP would like to congratulate Ballyclare Community Concerns on their completion of this ambitious project and wish them continued success with future projects."
Pat McCudden, Chairman of Ballyclare Community Enterprises, who was involved in the planning and construction of the new building, described it as "an excellent facility."
"My thanks go to the funders and the construction team, also the centre manager, her team and the committee who have all worked so hard to make this dream a reality," he said.