A BIG BOOST FOR THE HEART OF BALLYMENA!

Funded by the Department for Social Development and managed by Ballymena Town Centre Development Ltd, the programme will help revitalise the town’s renowned trading thoroughfares of Church Street and Bridge Street.

To mark the commencement of the programme, bargain hunters are being urged to take advantage of the Annual Traders’ Day Sale in Church Street and Bridge Street on Thursday, November 1.

The Revitalisation Programme will provide funding for improvements to shop and gap site facades that will create a bright and vibrant appearance for local businesses.

It will also deliver a range of promotional activities that will aim to attract increased footfall and drive trade into the town centre which will help sustain the retail economy in the town, particularly independently owned shops in the area.

Minister Nelson McCausland, said: “The Revitalisation Programme will provide a much brighter and more vibrant streetscape for the many shoppers who come to Church Street and Bridge Street. This in turn will encourage more footfall in this area, which will help sustain the local economy, particularly the independent traders and encourage new investment.

“It is encouraging to see so many of the traders take up this opportunity to make improvements to the street appearance and play their part in rejuvenating what was historically the main shopping area of the town.”

Ballymena Mayor, Alderman P.J. McAvoy, said: “We need to keep our independent shops open as they play a vital part in the Ballymena Shopping experience. Ballymena Borough Council is fully committed to supporting this and future town centre initiatives to maintain Ballymena’s position as the number one provincial shopping town.”

Willie Alexander, Chair of the Revitalise Programme Steering Group, said: “Ballymena Town Centre Development Ltd is delighted to have secured investment through the Department for Social Development and for Ballymena Borough Council’s on-going support.

“The programme has received tremendous interest from local businesses that have recognised the potential for the regeneration of the area and attracting new investment.

“We have already supported several businesses to avail of the funding which has created a much brighter and vibrant street appearance and we are currently processing a number of other applicants that will help further transform the area.

“The application process is still open and we would encourage all businesses in the Church Street and Bridge Street area to participate in the programme and submit their applications by November 23.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about the Revitalisation Programme can contact Grace Gillen on: Tel: 028 2563 5915 or Email: [email protected]