Residents group raises concerns over impact of major football centre planned near Galgorm
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Planning image of proposed new National Football Centre near Galgorm
A major new National Football Centre proposed for a 50-acre site near Galgorm and Cullybackey is already generating strong local debate, with residents raising concerns over how the large-scale development could transform the surrounding rural area.
The proposed Irish Football Association (IFA) complex, submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, would include six football pitches, spectator stands, floodlighting, training and rehabilitation facilities, administration buildings, catering areas and extensive car parking close to Fenaghy Road.
While the project is being presented as a major long-term investment in football infrastructure in Northern Ireland, local residents opposed to the plans say the development could permanently alter the character of the countryside and increase pressure on nearby roads and communities.
The proposal remains open for public representation through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal, with the council confirming comments can continue to be submitted until the application is determined
Large-scale development proposed for countryside site
Site location map for new National Football Centre near Galgorm
Planning documents outline proposals for a substantial football campus on agricultural land near Galgorm Resort, between Fenaghy Road and the Belfast to Londonderry railway line.
The development would include:
• Six football pitches — five outdoor and one indoor
• Three floodlit pitches
• Spectator stands and matchday facilities
• Training, medical and rehabilitation facilities
• Changing rooms and gym facilities
• Administration and media facilities
• Catering and community facilities
• Internal roads and significant parking provision
The proposed centre is intended to serve Northern Ireland men’s, women’s and youth football squads as part of what planning documents describe as a long-term national training base.
The wider development would also include community-use facilities alongside elite-level training infrastructure.
Residents voice concerns over impact on local area
Local residents campaigning against the proposal say concerns focus on the scale of the development and the effect it could have on the surrounding area over the coming years.
Issues highlighted by campaigners include potential increases in traffic, lighting, noise and pressure on local infrastructure, as well as concerns about the changing character of the landscape around Galgorm and Cullybackey.
A spokesperson for local residents described the proposal as one of the most significant planning applications ever brought forward locally.
“This is one of the most significant planning applications ever proposed for this area and it has the potential to permanently change the character of Galgorm and the surrounding countryside,” the spokesperson said.
“Whatever people’s views on football, residents deserve the opportunity to fully consider what this development could mean for their community in the years ahead.
“The council planning office has confirmed that it will continue accepting representation right up to determination. We would strongly encourage anyone with concerns about the scale, location or impact of this proposal who hasn’t done so already to review the plans and submit their comments through the planning portal.”
IFA says project would support football growth
Proposed design for new National Football Centre near Galgorm
Planning documents submitted with the application describe the National Football Centre as a significant investment in the future of football in Northern Ireland.
The Irish FA says the proposed development would support elite player development across men’s, women’s and youth football while also providing wider benefits for grassroots football and community use.
The plans include education, training, rehabilitation and matchday facilities intended to create what the organisation describes as a “world-class” football base to complement the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Application documents also state the development is intended to support the long-term growth and professionalisation of football in Northern Ireland through modern shared facilities capable of serving both elite squads and local community activity.
Public representations still being accepted
Residents wishing to view the application or submit comments, in support of or against, can do so through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal at:
Further information and updates from the residents’ campaign group are available at:
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will consider submissions from supporters and objectors before a decision is made on the application.
The proposal is expected to remain a major topic of local discussion given the scale of the planned development and the potential long-term impact it could have on the Galgorm and wider Ballymena area.