Townscape Heritage Initiative pays a visit to Ballymoney

Ballymoney Mayor John welcomed the group on their first visit to Ballymoney. Addressing the meeting Regeneration Company Chair, Mrs Winnifred Mellett said: We are delighted to host your forum in Ballymoney and to hear of the work being taken forward in other parts of the Province.

“We, in Ballymoney, are delighted to get the investment in our town and to now be started project implementation. The scheme will have a positive impact on the town’s built heritage as well as bringing properties back into economic use and available for new investors.”

THI Managers from across the Province received a presentation on the Ballymoney THI from Project Manager, Nick Brown, followed by a walkabout the town to see some of the properties targeted to benefit from the investment from the THI project which is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and other statutory agencies.

Ballymoney will see an investment of £2.5M over five years, £1.29 million of which is from Heritage Lottery, towards the repair and bringing back into use of 22 buildings in the town centre conservation area. The scheme focuses on three “clusters” - Victoria Street, Diamond/Main Street and Upper High Street.

Ballymoney Regeneration Company will also deliver a programme of community activities, and training and education programme aimed at encouraging people of all ages to become more aware of and actively involved with their shared heritage.