Ballymena looks set to benefit from a new 24-hour gym after a planning application was lodged recently with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the facility at a busy local retail park.
A full planning permission is sought to construct a mezzanine floor within Unit 5 Braidwater Retail Park in the town, formerly Harvey’s furniture store, and to change the use of that unit from retail to a 24-hour gym.
The application has been made by Magmel (Ballymena) Limited, of which local businessman Ryan Walker is a director. Mr Walker who also owns property development and investment company Magell Limited, purchased the terrace of units in the retail park in recent months after it was put on the market in October 2021 with an asking price of £4.5million by then owner Corbo Limited, established by Ballymena man Sam Morrison.
Mr Walker also led a consortium under Magell Limited, who acquired the Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena back in August last year.
The proposal at the unit will provide 1,125 square metres of ground floor and mezzanine space for Ballymena’s latest proposed fitness facility.
Drawings included with the application show the proposal includes changing room and showering facilities located on the mezzanine floor.
The application will be considered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning committee in the months ahead.