New restaurant proposed for Ballymena town centre, promising jobs and vibrancy

Ballymena town centre may soon enjoy a fresh injection of life with a proposed new restaurant development on Wellington Street, according to a planning application recently submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The proposal, brought forward by Jonathan Wallace of Wallace’s Ballymena Ltd, outlines plans to transform the currently unused first floor of the retailer’s premises at 35–37 Wellington Street into a contemporary dining venue.

If approved, the restaurant would create around 20 new jobs and reactivate a long-dormant section of the town’s commercial landscape.

Wallace’s, a mainstay of Ballymena’s retail sector since the late 1940s, has in recent years expanded its footprint by acquiring and integrating the Wellington Street property with its original store on Church Street.

The building in question, formerly known as Wellington Court, was opened in the 1980s as a three-storey shopping centre complete with escalators and multiple retail units. However, its upper floors have remained closed to the public for decades.

The new plans mark the first significant step towards restoring public access to the first floor, signalling a shift towards mixed-use development in the town centre.

The escaltors in the original Wellington Court.

The proposal dovetails with the objectives outlined in the Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan (LDP) 2030, which aims to reinvigorate town centres by encouraging diverse uses beyond traditional retail. Central to the LDP’s vision is the transformation of town centres into vibrant hubs that accommodate retail, employment, leisure, and cultural activities.

The introduction of a leisure-oriented venue such as a restaurant is expected to complement existing services while contributing to the overall economic resilience of Ballymena’s core.

In support of the application, reference has been made to the findings of the 2018 Mid and East Antrim Retail and Commercial Leisure Need and Capacity Study. Commissioned by the borough council, the study emphasises the growing role of the food and beverage sector in attracting footfall to town centres. It highlights a shift in consumer behaviour, with diners increasingly seeking “grazing” experiences that blend eating and shopping. The study recommends the expansion of leisure offerings, such as restaurants and cafés, as a key strategy in reducing reliance on retail alone and enhancing the evening economy.

Floor plan for new restaurant proposal

The location of the proposed restaurant positions it advantageously to capitalise on this trend. The site offers convenient access to several parking and public transport options, including the adjacent Tower Centre multi-storey car park and nearby Church Street and Castle Street. On-street parking, including spaces for disabled users, will be available, while deliveries are set to be handled through existing loading bays to minimise disruption to traffic flow.

The proposal also demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility and regulatory compliance. The building will adhere to current Northern Ireland Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), with access to the first floor provided via escalator, passenger lift, and staircase. The ground-level entrance is step-free, and the internal layout has been designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility needs.

Environmental impacts have been considered in the planning process. Layde Consulting has prepared a separate noise and odour assessment to address any concerns from nearby properties. Additionally, the design makes efficient use of existing infrastructure, including foul waste connections and toilet facilities already in place from previous retail and food uses, thereby avoiding unnecessary strain on NI Water’s treatment systems.

If granted approval, the restaurant is expected to attract not only Ballymena residents but also visitors from surrounding areas, offering a new destination for dining and socialising. The creation of 20 new jobs would represent a welcome economic boost and further consolidate Wallace’s position as a significant local employer.

The initiative aligns with the broader aims of the Ballymena Town Centre Investment Plan and Town Centre Strategy, both of which advocate for a more sustainable, lively, and attractive urban core. The project is being viewed as a potential catalyst for further regeneration within the town centre.

As the application undergoes review by council planners, local residents and businesses will be keeping a keen eye on developments. For many, the proposal offers a promising glimpse of Ballymena’s future—one where heritage, innovation, and community meet to forge a revitalised town centre.