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Antrim council has backed plans for an Asda superstore in the area, urging planners to approve the development - the proposals for which were lodged almost two years ago.
The Planning Service has continued to deliberate over its decision on the 52,000 square foot store - which could become one of the retailer's flagship outlets in Ireland.
Asda's Property Manager Philip Bartram has expressed optimism over the application, and said he anticipated a decision within several months.
Mr Bartram met with the Mayor and deputy Mayor of Antrim last week, and told the councillors - should the scheme be given the green light - the new store could open as early as next autumn.
Deputy Mayor Adrian Watson said: "Mr Bartram is very confident that the application process is now in its final stages with a decision imminent."
He explained to the councillors Asda had submitted everything necessary to the application and was confident it had met all terms laid down by the Roads Service and Environment Agency.
"He is hopeful of a decision within the next three months and if it is successful, work will begin as soon as possible with a nine-month completion date - this could mean the store open by this time next year," Mr Watson said.
"Hopefully the Planning Service will see sense and give the application the thumbs up," he added.
The potential store would create around 300 jobs to the area, in addition to some much-needed work in the construction sector.
The deputy Mayor called on those who had originally opposed the scheme to "see sense and realise it is wanted by the people of Antrim".
Unionist Party Councillor Drew Ritchie said, despite the council have no indication on the future of the project, he got the impression the public wanted the store.
He said: "I, and my fellow councillors, have no answers to give the public; we are as in the dark as to whether the proposal will be approved.
"Certainly, the impression I'm getting from the public is that they want the store to open," added Mr Ritchie.
(PR/JM)
