Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, has announced funding towards a major investment project worth £4m in Ballymena.

The scheme will significantly enhance public space and accessibility within the town centre and is expected to add new vitality as well as stimulating support from within the local community to promote more creative uses for the area.

The main features incorporated in the scheme for the area are:

•The creation of a main focal point for the town centre and public space at Broadway

•The use of high quality materials such as Caithness stone

•Use of bespoke street lighting, street furniture and signage

-- Advertisement --

•Promoting a shared space so that people movements are given priority over traffic.

Minister McCausland said: "Ballymena has always been a great town to come and visit and has retained a very attractive blend of activities such as shopping, leisure and tourism. However the town centre really needs to be doing more to encourage people to stay longer and to take a stroll through the town, enjoying a more recreational atmosphere. This proposed new scheme to do a major upgrade of public realm in the town centre is a very positive move forward in implementing the strategy. Ultimately what we want is to provide a completely new look and feel to the whole of the town centre, putting people first, which is what really matters."

The scheme is being delivered by Ballymena Borough Council and has been developed after completing a thorough public consultation process this summer. This process included a programme of public events at various locations in the town centre as well as workshops held with local retailers. Using the information and views provided, the next step will be for the Council to complete a detailed design of the proposed Core Streets Public Realm Scheme for Broadway, Ballymoney Street, Broughshane Street, Wellington Street and Church Street.

(CD/GK)