Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland has submitted a planning application to extend its ReStore premises in Ballymena, based in the Bridge Retail Park.
The proposed development, if approved, will see the store expand to the right side and will provide an additional 105 sqm of floorspace at ground floor and 105 sqm with the construction of a new mezzanine.
Habitat for Humanity NI states that the proposed development represents ‘a modest but important extension of an established use at the Bridge Retail Park’.
The additional ground floorspace will meet the need that Habitat for Humanity has for additional display areas. The mezzanine will enable Habitat for Humanity to provide improved ancillary accommodation for staff including office, staff and training rooms.
ReStore opened in Ballymena in September 2016, and represented a new concept for the town by selling donated new and used building and home improvement materials.
An extension of Habitat’s well-documented global charity initiatives, ReStore launched with the vision of serving thousands of families who need help to improve their homes at low cost, as well as diverting tons of material from landfill.
ReStore also provides a means of supporting local people through training and employment opportunities and raises funds to support Habitat’s work here at home and around the world.
ReStore’s local expansion plans in Ballymena are evidence of how successful the concept has been and how many homes have been helped in County Antrim.
A spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity told Love Ballymena:
“Habitat ReStore, the low-cost DIY store that builds sustainable communities, directly tackles poverty here in the island of Ireland. ReStore helps local people access low cost materials to improve their homes, supports people to learn skills for employment and protects the planet by diverting tons of reusable material from landfill.
“Since opening in Bridge Park almost six years ago, ReStore Ballymena has built strong partnerships with local councils, like-minded support organisations, companies and local people.
“The cost of living crisis means the demand for low cost alternatives is growing. We are hopeful, if granted, that an extension would allow us to deliver a broader range of home improvement items and increased space for training which will extend the impact that ReStore has for the community in Ballymena.”
Habitat for Hummanity believes the proposed investment and improvement of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore facility will result in a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area.
The proposals will be considered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee in the months ahead.