McCausland backs Ballymena traders’ call for town centre refurb

The Minister visited the town centre last September to hear about the many issues facing traders.

Making his announcement, he said: “I recognised that we had to do much more to help sustain and animate our High Streets in regional towns. The traditional retail areas in many towns, such as Church Street in Ballymena, have really been struggling for some time now to attract shoppers and secure the investment needed to keep shops open for business.

“I know in recent months there has been a spate of closures in the town. I am concerned that this pattern of decline will continue unless we take steps to get these areas back on their feet again.

“I am, therefore, pleased to announce this funding by my Department for the Church Street and Bridge Street area. The programme will provide a much brighter and vibrant street appearance for existing businesses to operate in and encourage new investment to get vacant units let. This should encourage more footfall in the area and will help sustain the local economy in the town particularly for the independently owned shops which complement established national retailers.”

The grant award has been made to Ballymena Town Centre Development Ltd which deals with town centre issues. Details of the scheme will be made available to all eligible traders in the area and applications for assistance will be processed by a working group agreed by the company.

Andy Storey, Chairman of Ballymena Town Centre Development Ltd, said: “I am delighted that Ballymena Town Centre Development has been able to work with the Department for Social Development and Ballymena Borough Council to secure this investment for Church Street.

“The Revitalisation Project will provide a boost for Ballymena and I am grateful to William Alexander, Chair of our Masterplan and Regeneration Sub-Group, for driving this initiative forward. I feel certain traders and shoppers will feel the benefit of this work being completed.”