Ballymena backlash grows as petition gathers momentum over Council rejection of family leisure complex

The Ballee Playing Fields site brought to market by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, now accused of putting financial value ahead of community value

A growing public petition has sparked renewed calls for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to reconsider its controversial decision to reject a £1.1 million bid by a well-known local business to develop a large-scale family leisure complex on the Ballee Playing Fields site in Ballymena.

The decision, taken during a behind-closed-doors meeting of the Council in June 2024, saw councillors vote 17 to 14 in favour of a competing £1.15 million bid from a private developer – just £50,000 higher than the offer made by Raceview Karting owner Josh Mulholland.

Now, one year on, the sale has yet to be legally finalised, and it is widely believed that the site is earmarked for the construction of a car showroom by a major automotive brand.

The news has provoked widespread public criticism from residents across Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim borough, who argue that the rejected proposal would have delivered desperately needed family-friendly facilities for the town.

Community backs vision for local families

The detailed proposal presented to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council by owner of Raceview Karting, Josh Mulholland, backed by a bid of £1.1 million.

The now-rejected proposal by Mr Mulholland included an extensive masterplan to transform the former playing fields into a major leisure and entertainment destination for families. The plans, designed by Vision Design, featured:

• A large outdoor electric go-kart track

• Indoor and children’s karting areas

• A modern ten-pin bowling alley (currently absent in Ballymena)

• Padel ball courts, mini-golf, and arcade/gaming areas

• An indoor soft play centre and outdoor play park

• A full-size 4G pitch for local schools and clubs

• A solar energy array to power the facility and reduce environmental impact

Despite broad community appeal and environmental considerations, councillors opted for the marginally higher commercial bid.

Political frustration over Council priorities

The decision has been met with strong criticism from members of the public and some political figures. TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston, a former councillor on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, spoke out:

“Regrettably the bid accepted by the majority of Councillors was based on the monetary value and not the community value the minority of us were after.”

“This is the last remaining site in the Ballymena South area and it’s imperative it’s utilised to ensure regeneration and has a community involvement for the town.”

North Antrim TUV MLA, Timothy Gaston

Mr Gaston also stated:

“Prior to putting the Ballee lands on the market, myself and the other TUV Councillors pressed the need for a section of this site to be zoned for community use.

“As the minutes outline, three bids were presented to Councillors, two of these were clear in setting out their plans for both the site and how it would incorporate community use and the other was a monetary value.

“The recorded vote is clear for all to see how Councillors voted on the 10th June 2024.

Despite the wide-ranging community and sustainability benefits, the Council voted 17–14 in favour of “Offer 3” – the highest financial bid on the table with no plans outlined for community use.

A recorded vote was taken on the proposal by DUP Alderman William McCaughey, seconded by party colleague, DUP Councillor Lawrie Philpott to accept Offer 3. Votes were cast as follows:

The record of vote from June 2024, when councillors in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council rejected Josh Mulholland’s bid of £1.1m with a proposal that would have created a family leisure and entertainment complex.

DUP Councillors: Mr William McCaughey & Mr Lawrie Philpott

DUP Alderman William McCaughey, who proposed the motion to accept the highest offer, told Love Ballymena:

“Best value for the ratepayer must always be a consideration when making a final choice on such important matters.”

Love Ballymena also spoke to DUP Councillor Lawrie Philpott, who last June seconded the proposal. He said:

“I was really happy that the site was being sold and the proposals for a community space written in.

“The highest bid won the tender but it wasn’t just because it was the highest bid… commercial and community development was key.

“I look forward to seeing this site developed… What I would like to see is a large space for the community to be able to access and enjoy.”

Timothy Gaston MLA disputes Councillor Philpott’s assertion that proposals were written in for a community space with the chosen bidder. He expressed his disappointment that “no assurances were sought upfront from the winning bid” in terms of community provision.

Residents slam Council’s decision

As the petition continues to gather hundreds of signatures, many residents have taken to social media to express their anger and disbelief at the Council’s decision:

• “That’s a disgrace actually… please don’t give up on this! Get a petition going!”

• “Those proposals you have would be awesome for the town and an investment in motorsport for a change too.”

• “Shame on every single one of those councillors who decided to go for the highest bidder instead of helping the community.”

• “That’s the kind of ambition this town has been crying out for and also a demand that this town is crying out for. Would have been top drawer to see this implemented.”

• “Why would the Council not… fully support this for the town – madness.”

• “I’m absolutely disgusted to read this. What a wrong decision. As a community we need to all get behind plans like yours to ensure we get what benefits the families here, not what makes the Council the most money. What a shortsighted decision.”

Raceview Karting: Still committed

Owner of Raceview Karting, Josh Mulholland

Josh Mulholland has said he remains committed to his vision for Ballymena.

“The whole Raceview team was genuinely disappointed and, frankly, bewildered by the Council’s decision.

“We put everything into a proposal that we believed would bring real value to Ballymena.”

He added:

“We’re still fully committed to making this facility a reality, and if the site were ever to become available again, we would jump at the opportunity to bring our vision to life.”

With no legal completion of the alternative sale one year on, residents and campaigners are hoping growing public pressure may yet force councillors to revisit their decision – and back a plan many believe truly serves the needs of the town’s families, youth, and future.

If you would like to show your support by signing the online petition, tap the button below.

Sign Petition

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council last week told Love Ballymena:

“The sale of the Ballee Playing Fields was agreed to the highest bidder, but the sale has not yet completed.

“We understand that part of the site will be allocated to community use, but no planning application has been lodged to date.”