A new improvement scheme has reached completion in Ballymena, bringing significant improvements to the town centre.

This project at Pat's Brae follows on from the upgrade at Lower Mill Street back in May, meaning the area has benefited from almost £700,000 of investment in recent months.

The scheme was made possible thanks to grant funding of approximately £600,000 by Department for Communities, matched by a contribution of approximately £67,000 from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The improvements to Pat's Brae include the installation of new granite paving, drainage and street lighting.

The earlier investment has enhanced the appearance of Lower Mill Street with new lighting, bins, street furniture and granite paving and the work carried out to each street will complement the high quality public realm work already completed on other nearby streets.

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The work was carried out by the Department for Infrastructure.

The Pat's Brae public realm improvements, together with Lower Mill Street, will mean the main pedestrian routes from the train and bus station to Ballymena town centre are greatly improved.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: "The completion of this work is another step to creating a town centre which is welcoming and attractive to shoppers and visitors.

"As a Council we are proud to support our local businesses who have experienced exceptional challenges throughout the pandemic, and the Lower Mill Street project will enhance the retail offering we have in Ballymena."

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, added: "The completion of Pat’s Brae in quick succession to the completion of Lower Mill Street earlier in the year, shows my commitment to investing to enhance the appearance of our town centres. 

"These streets look fantastic, modern and welcoming which I hope will help Ballymena as it recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Ballymena has already benefitted from significant public realm investment in recent years and these latest works have helped further enhance the appearance of the town centre."