Businesses in Glengormley have shared their opinions on a new public realm scheme proposed for the area, and the news that the Glider will be travelling through the town.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is developing design proposals for environmental improvements throughout the town centre.
Enhancements include resurfacing and improvements to existing footways, carriageway and public spaces, new lighting, new street furniture, and soft landscaping.
Read more: Glengormley developments set to improve town for years to come
The proposals have been developed by the Council, as part of their ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant and attractive town centre, and delivering regeneration and economic development throughout Glengormley.
The main aim of the public realm scheme is that it will lead to greater footfall and attract new investment into the town centre. It's hoped the scheme will be delivered on the ground in 2025.
The plans include works to parts of the Antrim Road, Ballyclare Road, Hightown Road, Farmley Road, Carnmoney Road, Church Road, Farrier Court, Glenwell Road, Church Way, and the Tramways Centre.
Owner of The Wee Bistro on the Ballyclare Road, Jackie Ford, told Belfast Live that the developments are "much-needed" in the area.
However, she said the main concern of her and many others in the area is for more parking to be made available, which is not specifically mentioned in the proposals.
She said: "I think our biggest issue is traffic, it really needs to be turned into a one way system around the town.
"There's other restaurants in the area who have said they're struggling for parking despite having their own car parks. All you'll see outside shops and houses around here are signs saying 'no parking'. It's a really busy area."
Jackie said it's important to focus on improving the look of the town to entice more people to visit Glengormley, but pointed out it doesn't have the "attractions" other nearby towns do.
"I was listening to the radio yesterday and they were asking if anyone has any names for different towns, and a few said 'Grimgormley'," she added.
"In Carrick they have the castle, and the town is quite pretty because of that and the Marine Highway, they've done quite a lot of work improving that. Then in Jordanstown they have the whole shore front.
"But Glengormley is just in the middle of it all with nothing to come and see. Then it comes to the winter and it's like a different climate all together here, it gets so much colder than the surrounding areas because we're higher up.
"I think improving how the area looks would help a lot, it would make Glengormley quite attractive. I would say most of our clientele is local, so it would be great to see more money going into Glengormley to improve it and how it looks to get more people from other areas into the town.
"More communal space for people to walk around and sit would be nice to see, it's really needed."
Around the corner on Portland Avenue is family-run independent lifestyle shop, Linen & Latte, which has been operating for the past seven years.
"Although happy with the plans in theory, owner Teresa Murray said it doesn't seem to add up for the reality of what people on the ground in the area are asking for.
"I think the scheme is a really nice idea in theory, but I can't see how its focus on pedestrianisation and people's concerns about a lack of parking can go hand in hand," Teresa said.
"The two just don't go together. We have a car park around the corner on Carnmoney Road, but many people think it's too far to walk.
"I just don't understand pedestrianising parts of the area when the public appetite doesn't seem to be there.
The mindset of what people think about cars and the need for parking needs to be changed before thinking about pedestrianising areas.
"Why would people be walking into Glengormley? What would you be coming to see, and what would you be wanting to sit on outdoor furniture here for?
"Their thinking is almost like build it and they will come, but I'm not sure it'll work that way.
"In a utopian world, it would be really lovely, and they're right that we need to do something to fix Glengormley. But they've had this idea for quite some time, nothing has changed, so why have any discussion?"
Further up on the Ballyclare Road is Younique Hair and Beauty Parlour. Owner Paul Hamilton said he welcomes the new developments in the hopes they will bring more people into the area, and help buildings in their recovery from coronavirus and the cost of living crisis.
Paul said: "Us and the other businesses around here would love the extra people the Glider could potentially bring into the area. The more people we can get up to Glengormley, the more people we can get into the salon too.
"We have a good lot of shops and salons around here, but after Covid, we all haven't been crazy busy. We're trying everything in our power to keep the businesses going, we're reducing our prices and doing more offers.
"It's hard going. But if we can get more people living in the area, and more people travelling up, hopefully it can help and work out well."
Members of the public are being urged to share their feedback on proposed environmental improvements to Glengormley town centre.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross said: “This improvement scheme is part of a larger £14m investment, utilising a range of funding streams, designed to regenerate the centre of Glengormley.
"This programme of works will create numerous jobs and aims to transform Glengormley into a more vibrant town centre, providing a more attractive place to work, visit, socialise and live. I urge residents, business owners and community groups to take part in this consultation process and share their comments.”
You can view the proposals and provide feedback at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/YourGlengormley or submit comments directly to pacc@rpsgroup.com
All feedback should be received no later than Friday, November 11.
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