Ballymoney town is on the up

Having last year launched the Ballymoney Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) following the award of £1.29 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Ballymoney Regeneration Company (BRC) is delighted to announce that work is due to commence this month on the first project to be delivered through the scheme.

Built circa 1898 as a purpose built haberdashers and later occupied by Curries, No.2 Main Street, located opposite the Clock Tower on the corner with Church Street has lain empty and in disrepair for the past ten years.

Now with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund secured through the Ballymoney THI and match funding from the Department for Social Development (DSD), refurbishment works are due to commence.

This will enable the building to be brought back into full commercial use as a jewellers, whilst retaining its historic character and reinstating many architectural features.

The main contractor has now been appointed and the scheme is programmed to be completed by the end of November in time for an official opening before Christmas.

The Ballymoney Regeneration Company has worked closely with the owners, Roy and Anne Shiels, who on completion, will be transfer their existing jewellery business from their current premises in Victoria Street.

Welcoming the progress made the Chairperson of Ballymoney Regeneration Company, Mrs Winifred Mellett said: “The Ballymoney Regeneration Company is absolutely delighted that Roy and Anne have agreed to participate in the THI scheme.

“We are delighted that they have agreed to commit significant personal investment into this project, which within the next six months will transform the existing redundant building into an attractive commercial premises that will significantly contribute to the economic and physical regeneration of the area.”

Currie’s Corner work begins closely with the owners, Roy and Anne Shiels, who on completion, will be transfer their existing jewellery business from their current premises in Victoria Street.

Welcoming the progress made the Chairperson of Ballymoney Regeneration Company, Mrs Winifred Mellett said: “The Ballymoney Regeneration Company is absolutely delighted that Roy and Anne have agreed to participate in the THI scheme.

“We are delighted that they have agreed to commit significant personal investment into this project, which within the next six months will transform the existing redundant building into an attractive commercial premises that will significantly contribute to the economic and physical regeneration of the area.”