Ballee Playing Fields plans reignite debate as Josh Mulholland issues open letter to Ballymena residents

Extensive Trust Ford garage proposed by Turkington for Ballee Playing Fields site.

Fresh development proposals for the former Ballee Playing Fields have reignited one of Ballymena’s most closely watched local controversies, with local businessman Josh Mulholland issuing a strongly worded open letter warning the town’s future is at stake.

The latest plans, now entering pre-application community consultation, outline a mixed-use development including drive-thru restaurants, a car hire facility, car showroom, recreation areas, community hub, changing pavilion, cultural uses, car parking and landscaping works on land immediately north west of the Ballee Roundabout.

The proposals, brought forward through TSA Planning on behalf of Turkington, come amid continuing public debate over Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s controversial decision to dispose of part of the former Ballee Playing Fields site.

The overall site plan proposed in the consultation by Turkington, including extensive Ford garage, car hire facility and two drive-thru restaurants.

That earlier decision has already drawn significant criticism, particularly after the rejection of a rival leisure-led proposal from RaceView Karting owner Josh Mulholland.

Councillors at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council voted 17–14 to reject Mr Mulholland’s £1.1 million shovel-ready proposal for a major family leisure destination, choosing instead a rival bid from Turkington worth £50,000 more.

Sources indicate the higher commercial offer was actively backed by a defined group within the chamber, raising fresh questions over how strongly community value featured in the final decision.

Now, with fresh plans emerging and a public consultation event scheduled, the issue has once again become a focal point for wider concerns about regeneration, community priorities and Ballymena’s identity.

‘Where is the vision for Ballymena?’

Ballymena businessman, Raceview Karting owner Josh Mulholland

In an open letter addressed to residents, Mr Mulholland said he was writing “not just as a business owner, but as someone who genuinely cares about the future of Ballymena”.

He described himself as “not only dumbfounded, but quite frankly devastated” by what he said was the council’s apparent decision to sell “a key piece of public land” to an out-of-town developer.

“At a time when Ballymena is clearly in decline, this decision feels not only short-sighted, but completely disconnected from what this town actually needs.”

In a deeply personal appeal, he said the issue went far beyond one development site.

“This is about more than just one site. It Is about the direction Ballymena is heading in.”

Trust Ford garage proposed by Turkington for Ballee Playing Fields site.

Referencing the town’s changing retail landscape, Mr Mulholland said Ballymena had seen “the steady erosion of Ballymena’s identity”, citing the loss of long-standing local names including McKillens and Wyse Byse.

“And yet, instead of a bold regeneration strategy focused on rebuilding that identity, we are now facing the prospect of more generic developments that could be dropped into any town in the UK.

“So I have to ask: where is the vision for Ballymena?”

Raceview vision pitched as family destination

Mr Mulholland, who currently operates RaceView Karting, said his vision for the Ballee site had been to create a major destination venue for the town.

A site plan showing Josh Mulholland’s vision for a destination family attraction in Ballymena

He said the plans would have included:

• expanded indoor and outdoor karting

• activities for all age groups

• food and social spaces for families

• safe structured spaces for young people

• the ability to host large-scale outdoor events, live entertainment and seasonal attractions

“This was about creating a true destination — something Ballymena currently does not have.”

He added:

“Because the reality today is simple: if you live in Ballymena and want high-quality leisure or entertainment, you either travel elsewhere… or you go without.

“That is not good enough.”

Mr Mulholland said the proposal was designed to encourage residents and visitors to stay in the town and spend time locally.

“This proposal aimed to change that — to give people a reason to stay, to visit, and to spend time in their own town.”

He argued that the plan aligned with both policy and community need.

“It aligned with planning policy. It aligned with community need. And it aligned with what I believe should be the council’s responsibility — investing in developments that deliver long-term social and economic value.”

New £20m plans unveiled

One of two new drive-thru restaurants proposed by Turkington

Meanwhile, the newly published consultation material from TSA Planning sets out a significantly different vision for the site.

According to the consultation documents, the development would include:

• drive-thru restaurants

• car hire facility

• car showroom

• recreation areas

• community hub

• changing pavilion

• community and cultural uses

• car parking

• landscaping and access works

The site covers approximately 7.5 hectares and is described as a strategically important location on the southern approach into Ballymena.

A community hub proposed by Turkington with its proposal images showing a sign for local organisation, ‘Coaching for Christ’

The games pitch

The planning consultants said the wider scheme would represent investment of around £20 million, including football and health/community elements.

Projected economic benefits include:

• 100–125 jobs

• leisure and commercial investment

• community and health hub provision

• economic regeneration at a gateway location

The consultation material states:

“This provides for substantial community and economic benefits, incorporating leisure and commercial developments in a key location at the entrance to Ballymena.”

Public consultation now under way

A community hub proposed by Turkington

A public consultation event was held recently at the Adair Arms Hotel, and an online consultation now open.

Mr Mulholland has urged local residents to take part in the consultation and make their views heard.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who cares about the future of this town to ask questions, and make their voice heard.”

He said the issue was not about negativity, but standards and ambition.

“This is not about being negative. It is about demanding better.”

He also raised concerns over how the site disposal process had been handled.

“There is also a serious concern that if the site has indeed been sold subject to planning approval, then the council may now be in a position where it must effectively approve whatever is brought forward — or risk the deal collapsing altogether.”

He added:

“Because this is public land it belongs to the people of Ballymena — not external developers.”

Wider significance for Ballymena

Ballee Playing Fields site plan for Turkington proposal.

The debate around the former Ballee Playing Fields has evolved into a much wider conversation about Ballymena’s future.

For some, the new proposals represent significant investment, employment and regeneration.

For others, the site has become symbolic of a bigger question: what kind of town Ballymena wants to become.

With feedback open until Friday 24 April 2026 at 5pm, residents can comment online at www.balleeroadconsultation.com, by email at info@tsaplanning.co.uk, or by post to TSA Planning, 20 May Street, Belfast, BT1 4NL.

As the consultation period continues, the future of one of Ballymena’s most prominent gateway sites is once again firmly in the public spotlight.

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At a glance

• New mixed-use plans unveiled for former Ballee Playing Fields

• Includes drive-thrus, car showroom, community hub and recreation areas

• Approximate investment value of £20m

• Estimated 100–125 jobs

• Josh Mulholland issues open letter criticising direction of plans

• Feedback closes 24 April 2026 at 5pm

• Site remains one of Ballymena’s most debated redevelopment projects