Green light for £8m Home Bargains development in Antrim as 95 retail jobs planned
CGI of the approved new Home Bargains store in Antrim
Friday 23 October 2026
Plans for a new £8 million Home Bargains store in Antrim have been approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, paving the way for a major retail investment expected to create 95 jobs and regenerate the former Townparks Car Sales site.
The development, located at the junction of Ballymena Road and Springfarm Industrial Estate, will see the existing site transformed into a new 2,183-square-metre retail store, with 116 parking spaces.
Alongside the 95 direct retail job opportunities, the project is expected to support a further 59 indirect retail jobs, bringing the total anticipated employment impact to 154 roles.
Major economic investment for Antrim
The development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits for Antrim and the wider borough, including an associated gross value added (GVA) of £7.8 million.
It is also projected to generate approximately £126,000 in annual rates revenue.
The approval marks a significant step forward for the development, which was previously subject to a pre-application community consultation process.
The proposals centred on redeveloping the former Townparks car showroom site, approximately one kilometre north of Antrim town centre, to accommodate a modern Home Bargains store.
Mayor welcomes investment and employment opportunities
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, welcomed the Planning Committee's decision and the opportunities it could bring to the town.
He said:
“This £8 million investment is welcome news for Antrim, bringing the prospect of new jobs and increased economic activity to the town. It is particularly encouraging to see a vacant site being brought back into use, with the potential to create lasting opportunities for local people and support Antrim’s continued growth.”
Regeneration of former car sales site
The redevelopment will bring the former Townparks Car Sales premises back into use, providing a new retail destination on Ballymena Road.
Chair of the Planning Committee, Alderman Lewis Boyle, highlighted the importance of regenerating existing sites and making effective use of land.
He said:
“The regeneration of existing sites and the effective use of land are integral to the future development of our towns. This approval will enable a significant retail investment in Antrim to move forward, with anticipated benefits for local employment, the town’s economy and the wider Borough.”
With planning approval now secured, the development can progress towards delivery, bringing the prospect of new employment opportunities, additional retail provision and investment in Antrim.
