Plans lodged for new 12-lane bowling alley and amusement centre in Ballymena

Ballymena could soon welcome a major new family entertainment destination, as plans have been submitted to transform the town’s existing IMC Cinema into a vibrant hub featuring a 12-lane bowling alley and amusement centre.

Submitted on 6 June 2025, the planning application by Carngore Ltd outlines proposals for an extensive renovation and extension of the IMC Cinema on St Patrick’s Link, with the goal of creating a long-anticipated attraction for the local community.

Carngore Ltd is a joint venture between prominent County Antrim property developer Samuel Morrison and the Ward family, the owners of the Irish Multiplex Cinemas (IMC) chain, which operates the Ballymena cinema.

The IMC in Ballymena

The planning drawing shows the addition of the bowling alley and new first floor mezzanine for the amusements and seating area at the IMC in Ballymena.

The proposed extension, to be built at the side of the existing building, would house part of the 12-lane bowling alley, while the cinema’s current open foyer area would also be repurposed as part of the bowling facility.

To accommodate the changes, the existing number of cinema screens would be reduced from seven to five.

Plans also include the addition of a first-floor mezzanine level, which would feature a new amusement arcade and a spacious seating area.

The proposal is certain to generate excitement among residents, many of whom have long expressed a desire for improved entertainment facilities in the town. The demand for such a venue has been particularly strong since the closure of Ballymena’s former Sportsbowl in 2014, which shut its doors after entering liquidation.

The new development promises to reinvigorate the local leisure landscape and deliver a fresh family-friendly attraction, offering both locals and visitors a modern space to socialise, play, and relax.

The IMC multiplex in Ballymena originally opened in 1998, replacing the town’s historic State Cinema. Both venues were operated by the Ward Anderson group, a name synonymous with cinema in Ireland.

If approved, the renovation will not only enhance the cinema’s current offering but also provide a major boost to the town’s social and economic vitality, reinforcing Ballymena’s status as a key destination in County Antrim for entertainment and leisure.

The proposal now awaits approval from the local planning authority. If given the green light, it is expected to generate significant interest and footfall, creating new employment opportunities and offering families a long-awaited reason to stay local for fun.