The old Woodsides building in the centre of Ballyclare could be demolished and replaced with a multi-million pound retail and housing development soon.

Creating work for the local construction trade, the Planning Service this week gave the go-ahead for the demolition of the former Main Street department store, which has been lying vacant for several years since Woodsides sold the property and moved to new premises in nearby Granges Street.

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There had been speculation in the town that part of the building was 'listed' and couldn't be demolished, but planners have confirmed that that is not the case.

On Monday evening, Newtownabbey Borough Council's Planning Committee welcomed the decision to approve an application by Morrow Contracts to level the site at The Square and build retail units and 38 apartments.

However, the Managing Director of Morrow Contracts has warned that due to the current economic climate he can't confirm if or when work will get under way on the project.

(BMcC/GK)