A recent announcement on funding for Larne town centre sparked a broader discussion among residents on the amenities and features they’d most like to see. Photo: Google mapsplaceholder image
A recent announcement on funding for Larne town centre sparked a broader discussion among residents on the amenities and features they’d most like to see. Photo: Google maps

What would make Larne a better town - according to readers

By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2023, 13:03 GMT
Updated 18th Oct 2023, 13:03 GMT

To be an even better town, Larne needs lower business rates, more free parking spaces, and to address the problem of vacant shop units, Larne Times readers say.

A recent announcement on funding for the town sparked a broader discussion on social media about the amenities and features residents would most like to see.

Many calls for action focused on the town centre, including the former Dunnes Stores building on Main Street, which has lain empty since 2019.

Some hope to see the retailer return to the town, while others suggested the building could be repurposed.

Business rates and the dwindling numbers of free car parking spaces were also popular talking points for many residents.

Meanwhile, a look into the Larne Times archives revealed some recurring themes that residents would like addressed.

Here are 10 suggestions that Larne locals believe would make the town even better – do you have any to add to the list?

The issue of vacant properties in the town centre is one that has been raised repeatedly as a priority for traders and shoppers alike. In 2021, the town centre had 282 commercial units; of these, 63 were vacant and five derelict.

5. Tackle vacant properties

The issue of vacant properties in the town centre is one that has been raised repeatedly as a priority for traders and shoppers alike. In 2021, the town centre had 282 commercial units; of these, 63 were vacant and five derelict. Photo: Google maps

A market at Broadway was another item on the wish list, with one resident suggesting: "Turn [Larne] into a market town, cover Broadway and allow market traders to use the Main Street as well."

6. Utilise space at Broadway

A market at Broadway was another item on the wish list, with one resident suggesting: "Turn [Larne] into a market town, cover Broadway and allow market traders to use the Main Street as well." Photo: Google maps

One feature many residents picked up on is Larne's need for more affordable social housing, with some saying it should be the "main priority". Earlier this month, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive predicted that 856 new social housing properties will be needed in Mid and East Antrim by 2027, with 75 of these in Larne town, 18 in Carnlough, and four in Glenarm.

7. More affordable housing

One feature many residents picked up on is Larne's need for more affordable social housing, with some saying it should be the "main priority". Earlier this month, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive predicted that 856 new social housing properties will be needed in Mid and East Antrim by 2027, with 75 of these in Larne town, 18 in Carnlough, and four in Glenarm. Photo: Unsplash

Some residents called for the pedestrianisation of Main Street and the addition of further outdoor seating along the town centre thoroughfare.

8. Pedestrianisation of Main Street

Some residents called for the pedestrianisation of Main Street and the addition of further outdoor seating along the town centre thoroughfare. Photo: Google maps

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