Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce that, working in partnership with the Town Centre Recovery Group, have supported the local hospitality sector by creating pavement cafes and introducing Parklets.
After securing funding from the Department for Communities as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme and following consultation and an application to the Department for Infrastructure - Council agreed to provide Julianos with a Parklet at the front of their premises on Broughshane Street Ballymena.
The Parklet, was installed in May 2022 on a six month trial basis, and instantly created a new social and green space for their customers!
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said:
“Parklets are growing in popularity as a safe way to increase the seating capacity of hospitality businesses and a meeting place for shoppers and visitors. They are also a great way of bringing greenery to town centres.
"The repurposed space encourages outdoor socialising and supports biodiversity.
"In addition to the Julianos Parklet, there are three other public Parklets where anyone can meet and come together to enjoy a coffee or a chat. The public Parklets are located in Springwell Square Ballymena, Broadway in Larne and the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus.”
Julianos, which provides delicious ice-creams, waffles, crepes and desserts and is owned by Gerard O’Boyle and Julie Nichol, who said:
“The Parklet has made a positive impact on our business by increasing our seating capacity - especially at peak times. Our customers love sitting outside when the weather permits, with the plants and screens providing shelter to those customers who still prefer to be outside.
"We are very fortunate that we were successful in our application and met all the necessary criteria to get a Parklet installed.”