No timeline for demolition of Ballymena college site as safety concerns grow

The former Northern Regional College building at Trostan Avenue in Ballymena

Frustration is mounting in Ballymena after it emerged there is still no timeline for the demolition or redevelopment of a derelict former college site on Trostan Avenue, despite ongoing reports of vandalism, trespass and fire-setting.

The Department for the Economy has confirmed that the former Northern Regional College campus remains tied up in a disposal process and is still awaiting valuation, meaning no formal steps towards demolition can yet begin.

Residents left waiting as site deteriorates

The update came in response to an Assembly Question submitted on April 28, 2026 by North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston, who sought clarity on when action would be taken given the level of antisocial behaviour reported at the site.

In its reply, the Department outlined that Northern Regional College is currently engaging with Land and Property Services, part of the Department of Finance, to progress disposal of the site under the required D1 public sector disposal process. However, the process cannot move forward until a valuation is completed.

While discussions continue between agencies, the site itself has continued to deteriorate, with repeated incidents of trespass, broken windows and fires raising concern among nearby residents.

Mr Gaston said the lack of a clear timeframe was unacceptable, warning that people living in the area are being left to deal with the consequences of delay.

“I am disappointed that the Economy Minister has failed to provide any timeline for the demolition of the former Northern Regional College site on Trostan Avenue,” he said.

He added that the response pointed to an ongoing process but offered no reassurance, with the site continuing to attract antisocial behaviour while decisions remain pending.

Safety concerns and calls for urgent action

The Department confirmed that Northern Regional College has met with the PSNI to review risks linked to the site and is exploring further measures aimed at deterring vandalism and antisocial activity.

However, local representatives argue that mitigation alone is not enough, with growing concern that the site now poses a wider health and safety risk as it continues to fall into disrepair.

Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong said the situation reflects a wider failure of coordination between public bodies, with delays involving the Department for the Economy, Northern Regional College and Land and Property Services leaving the site in limbo.

He warned that the lack of progress has allowed the building to become a focal point for antisocial behaviour, with the community left to deal with the consequences of inaction.

Bureaucratic delays under scrutiny

At the centre of the issue is the D1 disposal process, a standard mechanism for handling surplus public sector land and buildings. The process requires formal valuation and engagement between departments before any sale, demolition or redevelopment can proceed.

In this case, the valuation stage has yet to be completed, effectively halting progress and preventing any definitive timeline from being set.

Critics say that while procedures are being followed, the pace of progress has failed to match the urgency of the situation on the ground.

Mr Gaston has indicated he will continue to press the Department for answers, calling for both immediate action to secure the site and a clear, deliverable plan for its future.

With no confirmed timeline in place, the former college campus remains a growing concern for residents, caught between procedural delay and increasing safety risks, with pressure now building for decisive action to bring the site under control.

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At a glance

• No timeline has been set for demolition or redevelopment of the former Northern Regional College site on Trostan Avenue

• The site is still awaiting valuation before the D1 public sector disposal process can proceed

• Reports of trespass, vandalism and fires continue at the derelict campus

• Northern Regional College is working with Land and Property Services on disposal plans

• The PSNI has been consulted on safety risks and mitigation measures are being explored

• Local representatives say delays are unacceptable and pose a growing safety risk

• Residents remain affected by ongoing antisocial behaviour linked to the site