New vision could see Harryville’s Mill House become community hub for Ballymena South
CGI of Mill House on Henry Street in Ballymena, where a fresh vision could see the building be transformed into a brand new community hub.
Monday 28 September 2026
A developing vision to transform the Mill House building in Harryville into a Community Hub has been unveiled as part of a major new regeneration plan for Ballymena South.
The proposal would see Mill House become a place where community organisations, services, young people, families and residents could come together, with opportunities for support, training, collaboration, social enterprise and sustainable community development.
While the Community Hub remains a developing vision rather than a confirmed project, it was among the ideas presented as the Ballymena South Community Regeneration & Action Planning Report was officially launched at the Adair Arms Hotel on Thursday 24 September.
A wider plan shaped by 326 residents
CGI of Mill House on Henry Street in Ballymena, where a fresh vision could see the building be transformed into a brand new community hub.
Floor plans for the proposed Mill House Comunity Hub in Harryville, Ballymena
The report has been developed following seven months of work by voluntary community groups and draws on the views of 326 residents across Harryville, Clonavon, Ballee and Ballykeel.
It combines those experiences with demographic information, community mapping, consultation with partner organisations and other available evidence to identify the challenges, opportunities and priorities facing the four communities.
Gary Lamont, Chairman of Ballymena South Community Forum, speaking at the launch event on Thursday.
Gary Lamont, Chairman of Ballymena South Community Forum, said the report belongs to local people and reflects concerns and aspirations they have shared throughout the process.
“Most importantly, this report represents the voices of people who have sometimes felt unheard or unlistened to. It belongs to the people of Ballymena South and reflects what residents have told us about their communities, their concerns and their hopes for the future.”
Four priorities identified for Ballymena South
Attendees gathered for the launch of the Ballymena South Community Regeneration & Action Planning Report
Four key priorities have emerged from the consultation: Safer, Cleaner & More Confident Neighbourhoods; Children, Young People & Families; Health, Wellbeing & Inclusive Communities; and Community Leadership, Participation & Partnership Working.
The report also recognises positive work already taking place across Ballymena South, including environmental improvements, housing initiatives, youth provision, safeguarding, health and wellbeing projects, community development and partnership working.
Community representatives stressed that despite challenges facing the area, there is a strong sense of pride, resilience and commitment among residents, with significant work already taking place, often quietly and without wider recognition.
Partners brought together at launch
Some of those who contributed and were involved with launching the new vision for Ballymena South.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Tom Gordon speaking at Thursday launch event.
The launch brought together residents, community organisations, schools, churches, elected representatives, statutory agencies and voluntary sector partners.
Junior Minister in The Executive Office Joanne Bunting MLA was among those attending, while Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Tom Gordon also addressed those gathered.
A panel discussion included PSNI Inspector Jock McToal; community member Zarra-Louise Bamber; Katy Little from Sunflower Circle; Linsey Kenny from Teen Challenge; Tracy Kerr from Northern Health & Social Care Trust; and Pastor Richard Hastings from Green Pastures Church.
Their contributions offered different perspectives on challenges facing local communities while highlighting existing work and the importance of partnership, community involvement and practical action.
Turning priorities into action
Attendees gathered for the launch of the Ballymena South Community Regeneration & Action Planning Report
Mr Lamont used the event to outline the developing vision arising from the report and the need to translate the priorities identified by residents into tangible action.
“This event was not simply about launching a report. It was about beginning the next stage of the journey. The report gives us the evidence, the four priorities provide our direction, and the Action Plan gives us a route forward. The real challenge now is to work together to turn those priorities into meaningful action.”
Call for authorities to act on community plan
Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley, who has worked with the group for more than a year, welcomed the community-led approach and said the report must now be taken seriously by those in authority.
He said:
“It’s great to see the community taking the lead and producing this very comprehensive document.
“I have worked with the group for over a year now and want to commend all those involved for the dedication, commitment and hard work they’ve put into delivering this very important piece of work.
“This is a document created by the local community, and it’s important that it’s taken seriously and acted upon by all those in authority.”
Debbie Watters OBE, Director of Northern Ireland Alternatives, concluded the launch with a reflection and summary, drawing together the main themes and reinforcing the importance of partnership in delivering change.
Next stage for the communities
Ballymena South Community Forum thanked residents and community groups who contributed during the seven-month process, particularly those who gave their time and shared their experiences to help shape the report.
The next stage will involve continued engagement with residents, voluntary and community organisations, statutory agencies, elected representatives, churches, schools, businesses and other partners to develop and deliver actions identified through the process.
For Mill House, the Community Hub concept now provides one potential physical focus for that wider ambition, but further work will be required before the developing vision can become a delivered project.
Copies of the Ballymena South Community Regeneration & Action Planning Report are available from the Carson Centre, 176 Queen Street, Ballymena.
