Opinions sought on ‘Pop-Up’ shops plan

Cullybackey man Stephen McClelland is proposing ‘Pop-Up’ units as a way of occupying empty properties in a concerted bid to improve the aesthetics of the streets, showcase what is good about Ballymena and allow for the possibilities of short-term business ventures.

It’s a concept that has already been successfully taken forward by some architectural students at Queen’s University, Belfast, who set up a Pop-Up Studio on Sandy Row and their efforts have been subsequently documented in Perspective magazine.

Not content to merely blog about this (http://essessblog.blogspot.co.uk) Stephen came in contact with a kindred spirit in ‘Redeeming Our Communities’, Jonathan Leaky, and set up a public meeting.

This took place recently in Café Couture, with kind permission of the management, and was attended by a variety of interested people including Alliance Councillor Jayne Dunlop, local church and local business representatives.

Stephen outlined his plan to set up a Pop-Up unit for a week in September and subsequent discussion on what could best fill the unit came up with ideas including paying tribute to notable local people such as David McWilliams or Liam Neeson; displaying the work of local artists, photographers etc.; and creating a wall of stories of Ballymena collected from older residents of the town.

Stephen is looking for more feedback from local people so, if you feel that you could contribute to the Pop-Up unit or want to know more email him on [email protected] or phone 07950631236.