Over 70 new apartments proposed for Ballymena town centre
An application for full planning permission has been lodged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for 74 new apartments in Ballymena town centre.
The proposal is for retention of the existing retail units (2-6) and change of use of unit one to a community hub, construction of new-build residential units above, demolition of storage buildings and a new residential block with amenity space, landscaping and cycle storage at 83-111 Church Street.
Planning permission was granted in respect of unit 2 at the application site for change of use from a shop to a social enterprise unit offering educational and employment training and support services and a social enterprise shop in September.
A planning statement submitted with the current application said the Church Street frontage comprises existing retail units. The rear of the site contains a service yard and a vacant warehouse building backing onto an adjoining car park.
It continued: “The redevelopment introduces residential accommodation into the town centre site while retaining retail uses along Church Street.
“The rear storage and service areas are to be replaced by a residential block and landscaped communal spaces which will serve to enhance the setting and character of this part of the town centre.
“The lay-out comprises two principal buildings: block one at the Church Street frontage and block two to the rear. The development provides 74 apartments, comprising 25 within block one and 49 apartments within block two. The proposed accommodation comprises nine one-bedroom, 63 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom apartments.”
Within block one, the third-floor apartments will occupy the courtyard side of the building only, with roof voids towards Church Street. Block two will provide accommodation across four floors.
The planning statement indicated the proposed development will provide “no dedicated on-site car parking” but the location provides access to surrounding public parking facilities,
It said: “The proposal seeks to retain and re-use part of the existing units to facilitate returning the site to a long-term sustainable use which comprises a mix of residential, retail and community uses.
“Despite being a prominent site in Ballymena town centre which represents an opportunity for significant investment, a significant portion of the site is currently vacant and the existing built form has become dilapidated due to a lack of maintenance."
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter