Frew welcomes clarity on Ballymena park and ride as concerns addressed

Entrance to Ballymena Park & Ride off Princes Street

A major new park and ride development at Ballymena Train and Rail Station has been given a boost of confidence after local MLA Paul Frew secured key reassurances from Translink over access and parking concerns.

The project — which will deliver 387 additional spaces — had sparked questions among residents about whether existing facilities would be affected. However, Frew has confirmed that both current parking and pedestrian access will remain in place.

Existing parking to stay alongside expansion

Speaking after engaging with Translink, Mr Frew said he sought clarification following queries raised by constituents.

“After Translink announced the fantastic news that work had begun on a new 387 space park and ride at Ballymena Train and Rail Station, I contacted Translink with a few queries constituents has raised with me in respect of the plans,” he said.

He confirmed that the development is an expansion rather than a replacement.

“I am happy to confirm that Translink have confirmed to me that the existing car park will remain available for park and ride by vehicles, saying the current project is for additional capacity on top of what already is available.”

Pedestrian access concerns also resolved

Ballymena Park & Ride

In addition to parking, residents had raised concerns about access routes to the station — particularly from Parkmore Drive and Upper Princess Street.

Frew said Translink had provided clear assurances on this point.

“They have also confirmed that the current pedestrian access from Parkmore Drive/Upper Princess Street will still be available to access the station.”

Ongoing engagement promised

Welcoming the response, the North Antrim MLA thanked Translink for addressing concerns quickly and pledged to remain involved as the project progresses.

“I thank Translink for their cooperation and timely response to my constituent’s concerns, I will continue to engage with them on this issue and look forward to seeing the progress continue.”

The expansion is expected to significantly increase capacity for commuters using Ballymena station, while maintaining existing access arrangements — a key issue for local users.

At a glance

• New 387-space park and ride under construction at Ballymena Train and Rail Station

• Concerns raised locally about loss of existing parking and access

• Paul Frew contacted Translink for clarification

• Existing car park will remain in use alongside new spaces

• Pedestrian access from Parkmore Drive/Upper Princess Street will be retained

• Project confirmed as an expansion, not a replacement

• Frew welcomes “timely response” from Translink

• Ongoing engagement promised as development progresses