BID Board members (l-r), Councillor Lawrie Philpott, DUP are pictured with, Lesley McCaughan of Follow Coffee, Emma McCrea, BID Manager, Stephen Reynolds, BID Chairperson, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, Roy Smyth from Outdoor Adventure, Valerie McLernon, Centre Manager at Fairhill Shopping Centre and Gail Kelly, Town Centre Development Manager, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and Thomas McKillen, McKillens of Ballymena
Representatives from Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) recently hosted a constructive meeting with Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, to address pressing challenges impacting the local business community.
The meeting, described as ‘overwhelmingly positive’, underscored the commitment to collaborate towards sustainable solutions for the town's continued economic resilience and growth.
Among those present were local dignitaries and BID Board members, Councillor Lawrie Philpott DUP, Gail Kelly, Town Centre Development Manager, Front Page owner and BID Chairperson Stephen Reynolds, Lesley McCaughan of Follow Coffee, Roy Smyth from Outdoor Adventure amongst others.
Minister Lyons expressed keen interest as well as praise and support for Ballymena BID’s achievements to date, emphasising the crucial role of town centres and BIDs in community vitality.
The meeting addressed several critical issues, including the increased rate of retail theft in Ballymena town centre. This challenge significantly impacts local business owners… 74% of whom make up the retail, service and hospitality mix within the town.
As much as Ballymena BID and local business owners are very much in favour of regeneration of vacant town centre properties, for both commercial and domestic use, such projects do not come without their challenges.
The recent rates revaluation, combined with conversation of commercial property for domestic use, has resulted in a 20% reduction in BID levy funding.
BID Chairman Stephen Reynolds also highlighted challenges in Government legislation, with regard to allocation of public housing, to assist local families in availing of local housing opportunities.
The meeting also underscored the urgent need for increased government support to bolster town centres and address systemic challenges faced by local businesses. Councillor Lawrie Philpott DUP reaffirmed the government's commitment to collaborating with BID and other stakeholders to enhance support packages and foster a more vibrant economic environment.
Speaking about the meeting, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, said:
“Successful BIDs can be a powerful bespoke vehicle for regeneration and providing town centres with the extra support they often need. The achievements to date of the Ballymena BID demonstrates how successful a town centre BID can be.
“I fully support the Ballymena BID in their vision for Ballymena town centre; I am keen the Ballymena BID and my department continue to work closely together to improve the sustainability and appeal of the town for the benefit of everyone.”
Stephen Reynolds, BID Chairperson, expressed his gratitude for the support received to date.
“We wish to thank the Minister and his team for their support and commitment to helping Ballymena's local businesses thrive. Their willingness to listen and engage with us is a positive step towards addressing the challenges we all face.”
Emma McCrea, BID Manager, stressed the importance of community support and urged residents to prioritise local shopping and services, over online alternatives. Emma said:
"Now, more than ever, we need to rally behind our local businesses. They are the lifeblood of our community, and their success is crucial for Ballymena's future."
BID highlighted successful local adaptations, such as Wyse Byse's adjustment to weekend footfall by opening on Sundays, as examples of resilience and responsiveness to customer needs. Furthermore, major investments by local businesses such as Barrs’ Butchers expansion and the upcoming £7 million Primark superstore underscored confidence in Ballymena's economic potential.
In closing, Emma McCrea reiterated the BID’s call for continued government advocacy and public support to sustain the vibrancy of Ballymena’s town centre.
"Supporting local businesses isn’t just about shopping; it’s about investing in our community’s future. We are committed to further collaborating with our local elected representatives to enhance Ballymena for everyone who lives, works, visits, and does business here.”
Ballymena BID was established in 2015 as the first Business Improvement District in Northern Ireland. Its mission is to promote Ballymena as a prime retail, hospitality and tourism destination, ensuring it remains a safe, clean, and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. Through strategic marketing, events, and community engagement, Ballymena BID aims to attract investment and support local businesses.