Former Michelin Club site goes on the market for £700,000

The site of the former Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena has been listed for sale with an asking price inviting offers over £700,000.

The club was a popular spot in years past with many of the factory workers and their families, and became a hub for various community and charity events.

Before pubs were permitted to open on a Sunday in Ballymena, the bar in the Michelin Club, alongside the Ballymena United Social Club, and BT Club offered the perfect venue to catch up with friends over a pint.

Michelin announced its intention to wind-down the factory operation in Ballymena in 2015, and three years later in 2018 the plant ceased production. The Michelin Athletic Club also closed at the same time and has not been used since.

At the time, a spokesperson for the club said:

“It is with sincere regret that we inform you that The Michelin Athletic Club Company will cease trading after 31st August 2018. This decision has been taken predominantly due to the current financial climate, and the closure of the Michelin Tyre PLC, Ballymena.

“As a result of this decision, we will not be taking any more bookings.

“This club has been involved with a huge number of charity and community events, and we are extremely proud of all that we have accomplished in these glorious years and could not be more thankful to those customers and suppliers who have believed in us and supported the MAC (Michelin Athletic Club).

“On behalf of Michelin Athletic Club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your loyal and continuous support shown to us over the years.”

The 8.44 acre site of the former MAC has been brought to market by O’Connor Kennedy Turtle (OKT) who state the site has development potential, subject to planning.

The lands at Woodside Road “comprise the former Michelin Sports Pitch, former clubhouse and lands adjoining the former Michelin Factory”.