Future of Ballymena’s former Woolworths remains uncertain as MEA Council seeks alternatives

The former Woolworths store on Bridge Street, Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has deferred a decision on the sale of the former Woolworths premises in Ballymena town centre.

The property at 12–16 Bridge Street was discussed in a closed session at a council meeting last month. Councillors had been asked to approve placing the building on the market.

The former chain store, which closed in 2008, sits opposite council headquarters at The Braid.

Last year, the council tendered for an architect-led design team “to develop options to assist in determining the preferred scale and location for grade A office accommodation in Ballymena”, focusing on three potential sites: the former Woolworths store, Bridge Street Car Park and the St Patrick’s regeneration site at Demesne Avenue.

It is understood that a feasibility study was to examine whether staff from various Ballymena offices could be relocated into the town centre, as part of the council’s review of its wider estate management.

The local authority had also been exploring the possibility of constructing new civic offices at the regeneration site, despite facing financial pressures including a £7.2m budget shortfall.

However, the council later ruled out the option and agreed to write to the Department for Communities stating that the land “should not be held for council purposes” after receiving an update behind closed doors in July.

Minutes of last month’s meeting indicated that options other than the disposal of the former Woolworths premises — including office accommodation for staff, car parking or redevelopment — should be explored.

Interim Chief Executive Valerie Watts proposed that “given the views expressed by the council on the report, the matter be deferred and officers explore other viable options for future consideration”.

Separately, at the same meeting, it was proposed by Larne Lough Ulster Unionist Councillor Roy Beggs and seconded by Coast Road Sinn Féin Councillor James McKeown that the council proceed with the sale of agricultural land at Brustin Brae Road, Ballytober Road and Old Glenarm Road, Larne.