Ballymena Business Centre honours founding figure as bold growth plans unveiled for 2026

The Ballymena Business Centre team

Ballymena Business Centre has paid a heartfelt tribute to one of the figures who helped shape its story, while unveiling ambitious plans aimed at driving fresh energy into the town centre and supporting future business growth across the wider area.

At its 2026 Annual General Meeting, the organisation reflected on its legacy, honoured the late Honorary Chairman PJ McAvoy, and set out a forward-looking vision centred on regeneration, enterprise and community development in Ballymena.

In a moving moment during the AGM, members paid tribute to Mr McAvoy, whose vision and dedication as a founding director in 1990 helped establish Ballymena Business Centre as one of Northern Ireland’s leading Local Enterprise Agencies.

The late Honorary Chairman PJ McAvoy

His contribution to the town over decades was recognised as a lasting part of Ballymena’s economic and civic life.

James Perry MBE DL, Chairperson of Ballymena Business Centre, said:

“PJ’s love for Ballymena and the Ballymena people was evident in his commitment as a politician and ambassador for Ballymena. We remember his 40 years of voluntary service and, as we look forward to new town centre initiatives in 2026, we are confident his legacy will continue.”

Tribute and transformation

The AGM also highlighted the centre’s continued focus on growth through its 2022–2026 strategy, which remains central to its work with local and regional partners.

That strategy is focused on delivering innovative solutions that support business development, economic regeneration and wider community prosperity.

One of the most visible examples of that work came in 2025 with the major refurbishment of the Midtown Makers Gift Shop on Church Street.

Originally launched a decade ago as a town centre regeneration project, the shop now supports more than 60 local artisans and offers space for regeneration and social enterprise organisations.

The recent revamp has refreshed the retail space while strengthening its role as a vibrant hub for locally made products and creative talent in the heart of Ballymena.

New visitor hub and community plans

Alongside the refurbishment, Ballymena Business Centre also launched a new Visitor Information Hub in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The hub is designed to strengthen Midtown Makers’ role as a tourism focal point, providing information and support for residents, visitors from across Northern Ireland, and international tourists exploring the town.

Looking ahead, the organisation says it is preparing a new programme of community-focused initiatives to bring further footfall and activity into Ballymena town centre.

These plans include creative workshops, health and wellbeing programmes, and enterprise support initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship while helping strengthen community connections.

Later this month, Ballymena Business Centre is also set to partner with the Rotary Club of Ballymena to launch the Rotary Rest Space.

The new area will offer a calm, welcoming space for shoppers and visitors, while also providing an opportunity to explore Ballymena’s rich 400-year history and engage with local makers and staff.

Supporting future industry

Beyond the town centre, the organisation is also exploring longer-term economic development opportunities.

Options are currently under consideration to develop 2.5 acres of grow-on manufacturing land at Woodside Industrial Estate, a move that could create fresh opportunities for local businesses to expand and strengthen Ballymena’s industrial base.

Chief Executive Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE, alongside the executive team and charity trustees, is continuing to lead the organisation’s charitable and social mission as Ballymena marks 400 years since the town’s founding.

With regeneration, enterprise and community initiatives all moving forward, the centre says it is positioning Ballymena for an exciting new chapter.

The message from this year’s AGM was clear: while honouring those who built its foundations, Ballymena Business Centre is firmly focused on the future.

---

At a glance

• Ballymena Business Centre held its 2026 AGM

• Tribute paid to late founding director PJ McAvoy

• New 2026 growth and regeneration plans outlined

• Midtown Makers shop recently refurbished

• More than 60 local artisans supported

• New Visitor Information Hub launched

• Community workshops and wellbeing programmes planned

• Rotary Rest Space launching later this month

• 2.5 acres of industrial land being explored for development

• Focus remains on Ballymena’s long-term economic growth