Global Alumni members total 400

The establishment of a worldwide network of high profile people to champion the borough has taken on fast, it was confirmed at last week’s latest monthly meeting of Council.

Offically launched at the Braid in mid-January, the initiative has a business focus and aims to connect Ballymena’s international diaspora in order to create a global alumni network to market opportunities for investment and economic growth.

Hopes are that it will build a network of expertise both locally and globally with the aim of developing 17 identified key sites in the borough.

These include St Patrick’s Barracks, Alexander Street, Ballymena Construction Company site, Cosby/John Crane site, Bridge Street, former sites of St Marys and Ballee Primary Schools, Ballee Playing fields, Ballee roundabout lands, George Street/Linenhall Street and ecos.

Bringing a positive update to councillors, their Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy revealed that the current 400-strong membership included people with connections to the borough from as far away as Australia and the United States who, she stressed, have “a real interest” in Ballymena, its residents and in investment.

She said interest had been expressed by some members in finding out more about the development potential of the key sites.

“It’s out there, and people are starting to use it,” she said of the initiative.