The present trend for town centre living is continuing with a planning application that has been lodged in recent weeks for a new apartment complex in Ballymena.
The proposal comes as the latest residential new-build on our town streets, with others constructed over the last few years on Broadway Avenue, High Street, and Broughshane Street, alongside plans currently under appeal for the Old Bank Building on Mill Street.
While Ballymena does boast a vibrant and robust business community, featuring a great range of multinational and local independent retailers, the shift to online shopping is contributing to a change town centres across the UK where the mix of living space and retail stores seamlessly merge.
The latest planning application has been submitted by local property developer Sam Morrison for a vacant plot of land beside 51 High Street in the town.
Mr Morrison hopes to build a new apartment block to include eight, one bedroom apartments over four floors, with an adjoining bin and bicycle store.
The planning application will be discussed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Planning Committee in the months ahead.