Ballymena gets slice of Applegreen

A new Applegreen service station is doing big business on the former site of the Fort Royal Inn.
Applegreen at Ballymena's Crankill Road. (Editorial Image).Applegreen at Ballymena's Crankill Road. (Editorial Image).
Applegreen at Ballymena's Crankill Road. (Editorial Image).

Greggs, Subway and Chopstix are all part of the new roadside services facility which also features a petrol filling station with covered forecourt.

Work got underway on the development last year after Mid & East Antrim Borough Council’s planning committee gave the application by Chic Limited for the new outlet at 147 Crankill Road the green light at their meeting in July.

Despite some local objection, planners recommended approval to councillors describing it an “appropriate form of development” for the site.

The spacious forecourt at the new Applegreen Service Station on the Crankill Road outside Ballymena. (Editorial Image).The spacious forecourt at the new Applegreen Service Station on the Crankill Road outside Ballymena. (Editorial Image).
The spacious forecourt at the new Applegreen Service Station on the Crankill Road outside Ballymena. (Editorial Image).

Speaking at that time, a spokesperson for Applegreen said the new service station would bring jobs to the area.

“This station will boost local employment and have such facilities akin to our Templepatrick Motorway Service Area, albeit of a smaller scale. We are delighted to be providing well needed facilities for commuters and locals alike north of Ballymena,” the spokesperson said.

The new Ballymena Applegreen outlet is on a site which fronts on to the southbound lane of the main A26 Crankill dual carriageway. and which was previously home to a long established roadside restaurant and nightclub.