New Tourist Information Hub opens in Ballymena’s vibrant Midtown Makers Gift Shop

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Jackson Minford visits Ballymena's new tourist information hub located at Midtown Makers Gift Shop at 51 Church Street, joined by Melanie Christie-Boyle, MBE Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre and Midtown Makers Gift Shop (middle) and Catriona O’Hara, Tourism Ambassador, Mid Town Makers (left).

A dynamic new chapter for tourism in Mid and East Antrim has begun with the launch of Ballymena’s Tourist Information Hub, strategically located within the bustling Midtown Makers Gift Shop at 51 Church Street.

This innovative partnership between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Ballymena Business Centre aims to enhance the visitor experience by combining local artistry with comprehensive tourism resources, showcasing the best of Ballymena and its surrounding areas.

The new hub, nestled in the heart of Ballymena’s town centre, capitalises on the strong footfall generated by Midtown Makers’ vibrant display of locally crafted goods. Visitors can now access a wealth of information through an interactive iPad, detailed maps, and striking imagery highlighting the borough’s stunning landscapes and attractions.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide personalised recommendations, ensuring visitors and residents alike can fully explore the Borough’s rich offerings.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Jackson Minford visits Ballymena's new tourist information hub located at Midtown Makers Gift Shop at 51 Church Street, joined by Adeline Wright from Midtown Makers.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, hailed the initiative as a significant milestone for the region’s tourism strategy.

“Tourism is one of our key strategic priorities, and we’re proud to invest in locations that can welcome visitors and showcase our Borough. This is a fantastic step forward for Ballymena and the wider area.

“By locating our main Tourist Information Hub at Midtown Makers Gift Shop, we are connecting visitors directly with the creativity and character of our community.

“Alongside the new neighbourhood hubs, this initiative will ensure more people discover what makes our towns and villages so special, while supporting local businesses and encouraging sustainable tourism growth,” he said.

The hub’s integration with Midtown Makers Gift Shop, a town centre regeneration project supported by Ballymena Business Centre, creates a unique synergy between tourism and local enterprise.

Midtown Makers gift shop welcomes Ballymena's new tourist information hub featuring an interactive iPad for digital information access.

Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE, Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre and Midtown Makers Gift Shop, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“The opening of Ballymena’s Tourism Information Hub in Midtown Makers Gift Shop represents an exciting step forward in promoting our town centre and surrounding villages as a visitor destination.

“By combining visitor services with a showcase of local artisans, we are connecting visitors with creativity, promoting our heritage and extending the warm welcome Ballymena is known for.

“Enterprise is at the heart of Ballymena Business Centres vision, and this collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to support the continued growth of tourism and promote everything Ballymena has to offer,” she said.

In a further boost to regional tourism, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a pilot scheme establishing neighbourhood tourism hubs across the Borough.

These hubs, located at Broughshane House, Whitehead Centre, Carnlough Heritage Hub, Gracehill Old School House, and Cullybackey Hub, aim to distribute visitor footfall more evenly, increase local tourism spend, and promote sustainable growth.

Each hub features individualised information displays and dedicated iPads for easy access to online tourism resources.

The pilot scheme, supported by promotional materials, staff training, and networking opportunities from both the Council and Tourism NI, will be reviewed in March 2026 to assess its impact and inform future tourism strategies.

The Council is also inviting expressions of interest from local businesses, community groups, and creatives to shape the future of neighbourhood tourism experiences. These initiatives focus on authentic, community-driven activities such as local food festivals, guided walks, hands-on workshops, and outdoor adventures that reflect the unique character of each area.

By fostering these experiences, the Council aims to ensure tourism growth delivers tangible benefits for local communities.

For those interested in contributing to the Neighbourhood Tourism Experience Development programme, further details and an expression of interest form are available at www.shapedbyseaandstone.com.

Visitors keen to explore Midtown Makers Gift Shop can find more information at www.midtownmakers.co.uk.

This dual approach of a central hub in Ballymena and decentralised neighbourhood hubs underscores Mid and East Antrim’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

By blending local creativity with accessible visitor services, the Borough is poised to attract more visitors while celebrating its unique heritage and community spirit.