Ballymena BID backs plans for 24-hour town centre coffee shop and arcade

The new soon-to-open arcade and coffee shop in Ballymena town centre

A new coffee shop and amusement arcade planned for Ballymena town centre could operate around the clock under an application submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The premises at 41–43 Church Street already have planning permission to change from a vacant retail unit into a coffee shop and amusement arcade.

The approved operating hours are 9am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am to 9pm on Sundays.

The latest application seeks permission to vary that condition and allow the business to operate from 9am until 9am the following day, seven days a week — effectively enabling 24-hour opening.

Conversion work nearing completion

A council development management officer’s report on the original proposal said it would “enhance the building to include new shop fronts and windows, and re-painting of the building”.

It would also “return a vacant unit within Ballymena town centre to use”.

Documents submitted with the latest application state that “most of the conversion works are now complete”.

Ballymena BID supports extended hours

Ballymena Business Improvement District has submitted a letter supporting the principle of the application and its potential contribution to the town’s evening and night-time economy.

The organisation said:

“As an organisation focused on supporting the economic vitality, vibrancy and long-term sustainability of Ballymena town centre, we recognise the importance of developing a diverse evening and night-time economy alongside our established retail, hospitality and service offering.

“Town centres must continue to evolve in response to changing consumer habits. Encouraging appropriate leisure, hospitality and entertainment use beyond traditional retail hours can help increase activity, attract a broader range of visitors and ensure that our town centre remains active for longer periods of the day.

“The proposal for the premises to provide a safe, staffed and monitored environment throughout the night could also have wider benefits. An active premises with lighting, CCTV, Wi-Fi and toilet facilities may provide an additional point of safety for people working, socialising or travelling through the town centre late at night.

“Ballymena BID is keen to see a town centre which is not solely dependent upon traditional daytime retail hours. A successful town centre should provide a balanced mix of retail, hospitality, leisure, services and experiences, while ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect surrounding businesses, residents and the wider community.

“Ballymena BID supports the principle of this application and the positive contribution that a well-managed late-night leisure business could make to Ballymena town centre.”

The application will be considered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council through the planning process.