The changing ‘face’ of Ballymena town centre. A proposed development pictured in views from Broadway Avenue looking toward Wellington Street.
Big changes to the 'face' of Ballymena town centre look set to continue with two separate planning applications lodged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in recent weeks.
Focussed on the Broadway area where the town's main thoroughfares of Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, Broughshane Street, Broadway Avenue and Church Street converge, the streetscape viewed from Harmony Hub will gain new heights and perspectives if the applications are successful.
The first application relates to the former Bank of Ireland (BoI) building located on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Church Street. The building became vacant in October 2021 after the BoI closed a number of branches in the province, citing a change in customers banking habits.
The proposal includes retail use for the ground floor of the current old bank building with alterations to provide residential apartments on the first and second floors. The applicant is also seeking to construct a 'standalone' four storey building to the rear of the old bank building for further apartments.
In total the development would see a total of 19 apartments earmarked for social housing.
The front of the old bank building with a new mansard roof providing second storey apartments.
The view of the development looking at the side from Broadway Avenue, showing changes to the existing old bank building and new 'standalone' apartment block at rear.
The view of the ‘standalone’ apartment block from the inner courtyard.
A cross section view looking into the side of the proposed development from Broadway Avenue.
The application at the old bank building is being made in the name of PJD Construction London Limited, and like other recent residential applications, is such as the apartments opposite on Broadway Avenue and the just approved development on Springwell Street in Ballymena, no parking provision is included.
The second application concerns a number of properties on the corner of Wellington Street and Church Street, across from the old bank building.
The application follows the continuing trend of mixing retail and residential, and is made in the name of Bryan Property Ltd, seeking approval for the demolition of a number of existing buildings (83-95 Wellington Street and 112-126 Church Street) to make way for the construction of 20 two-bed apartments and two ground floor retail units.
From above - yellow arrows showing building to be demolished and area of proposed development.
Buildings marked for demolition and area of proposed development on Wellington Street.
Buildings marked for demolition and area of proposed development on Church Street.
A number of the buildings marked for demolition have been vacant for a number of years, including the former Ballymena Guardian offices and the Imperial Bar. Two businesses are currently still trading at the site including Robin Adair Jewellers and Kennedy's Jewellery shop.
The planning supporting statement makes a case for the proposal saying:
"The application site is located within Ballymena Town Centre and will retain ground floor retailing whilst also introducing residential units on the ground and upper floors. The proposed design will enhance the character of the area and will complement the existing buildings nearby."
The proposed development on the corner of Wellington Street and Church Street.
Views to the proposed development from (top) Broughshane Street, (bottom L-R) Church Street, Wellington Street, and Ballymoney Street.
Ground floor plans showing two retail units and two apartments, along with a proposed inner courtyard.
Inner courtyard views.
The planning design statement for the proposal concludes saying:
"Overall, we believe that our interventions meet all applicable planning policies and will extend the charm, character and usability of this place for years to come."
Both applications will be considered by planning officers at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in the months ahead.
CLICK HERE TO READ: Green light for new residential apartment complex in Ballymena