Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre
In geographic terms, Ballymena North is the area of the town bounded by the Doury Road, the Cushendall Road, Parkway and Grove Road. It sits within the Electoral wards of Dunclug and Fairgreen and includes the housing estates of Doury Road, Dunclug, Adair and the Rectory with an estimated population of 1,500.
Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre is the result of an extensive Community Audit and development plan which was completed for Ballymena North in 2002. The plan identified the need for affordable childcare facilities, sport and recreational facilities and employment opportunities. Emerging from this process came the concept of a multi-purpose building consisting of a four-court badminton sports hall, a dedicated day care facility, office accommodation, business units and facilities for a full range advisory service.
Designed by AHA Architects of Ballymena – the result is a splendid new building for the area which has been completed, not just through the expertise of the architects and the main contractors but through a real community effort.
On the exterior of the building Acheson & Glover’s Alphacrete Masonry blocks were used extensively with striking effect. Alphacrete Phoenix Ernestone was used together with Minerva Basalt banding. Using these complementary colours to great effect AHA Architects achieved significant impact as well as a building which perfectly complemented its surrounding. The light tones and textures provide a welcoming atmosphere for patrons before even setting foot inside, aiding Ballymena council’s vision of community ownership of the building. In addition the specific colour schemes used also complement the existing hard landscaping around the centre.
Already a number of office suites have been taken by the Home First Community Trust and Triangle Housing Association. The contract cost was approximately £2.5 million.
