Town Centre Health Check publication - p6
5.0 Broughshane Commercial Centre
5.1 Maps 21-23 in Appendix A illustrate the land use surveys which were carried out by the Plan team in March 2024.
They show the ground, first and second floor uses for all units within the commercial centre of Broughshane as defined in the Ballymena Area Plan 1986-2001.
A small town centre boundary will be designated for Broughshane in the Local Policies Plan.
Figure E below shows the number of units present for the various town centre uses in Broughshane in March 2024 and provides a comparison with the Northern Ireland average.
Figure E Broughshane Commercial Centre Composition
|
Broughshane |
Units # 2024 |
Units % 2024 |
NI % average |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Convenience |
3 |
8.57 |
7.30% |
|
Comparison |
6 |
17.14 |
30.07% |
|
Retail Services |
9 |
25.71 |
13.86% |
|
Leisure Services |
8 |
22.86 |
19.81% |
|
Finance & Business |
1 |
2.86 |
8.84% |
|
Vacant |
8 |
22.86 |
20.12% |
|
TOTAL |
35 |
100.00% |
100.00% |
Source: Mid & East Antrim Borough Council & Experian, 2024
Health Check Assessment for Broughshane Commercial Centre
Description
5.2 Broughshane is located to the east of Ballymena in the middle of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.
At the time of the 2021 census, Broughshane had a population of 3097, making third largest in population size of the 5 small towns designated in the Borough.
There are no bus or railway stations in the small town however Ballymena several buses stop in Broughshane going to and from other towns.
Overall Composition
5.3 Broughshane has a total of 35 retail units within the commercial centre at the time of the MEA council survey.
The headline figures are that retail and leisure services, like other small towns make up the majority of the commercial centres uses however convenience uses are above average too.
Convenience & Comparison
5.4 At the time of the MEA Council survey, there were 3 convenience units, accounting for 8.57% of the total units.
This is above the NI average of 7.30%.
The convenience stores are long established family run businesses which are clearly well supported by locals.
The 6 comparison goods units in the commercial centre account for 17.14% of the total units which is significantly below the Northern Ireland Average of 30.07%.
The comparison stores are mostly hardware or gift related.
Given the very close proximity to the regional shopping town of Ballymena, it may prove difficult to generate enough footfall to sustain other types of comparison shops such as clothing, footwear etc in Broughshane.
Services
5.5 When considering services, Broughshane has a strong offer of retail services (25.71%) almost double the NI average of 13.86%, and while there is only 1 financial & business type service in the commercial centre it 8 leisure services (22.86%) which is above the NI average of 19.81%.
Its apparent that the majority of the businesses in Broughshane commercial centre are mainly supported by locals availing of personal services such as hair and beauty alongside leisure uses such as cafes and takeaways.
Vacancies
5.6 At the time of the MEA Council survey, Broughshane had 8 vacant units, resulting in a proportion of 22%.
This is higher than the Northern Ireland average of 20.18%.
As Broughshane has only recently been designated a small town, and therefore not previously monitored in terms of town centre health check criteria, it is not possible to determine if the vacancy rate is increasing or decreasing until a further review is completed in 2 years’ time.
Retailer Representation
5.7 Broughshane commercial centre does not have any national multiples present.
Average Prime Rents
5.8 Recent Council analysis of the limited number of commercial centre property rents online, indicated almost £10 per square foot. (propertypal.com and propertynews.com)
Accessibility
5.9 Buses stop several times daily in the commercial centre of Broughshane on route to and from surrounding towns.
There is no train or park and ride facilities in Broughshane.
There are no council run car parks in Broughshane although there are privately owned free carparks that are to the rear of the Thatch Inn and The Vivo/McNeills Hardware which the public can use when shopping there along with numerous on street short term parking on both sides of Main Street.
Footfall
5.10 There are no council run footfall counters in Broughshane commercial centre presently.
Physical Structure and Constraints
5.11 The Flood Map (Map 24 Appendix A) shows the potential for some surface water flooding within the commercial centre.
There are a number of listed buildings located within the commercial centre which may impact upon development in their vicinity. (map 25 Appendix A).
Perception of Crime and Safety
5.12 The ‘Town Centre Database’, published by the Department of Communities does not report crime statistics for Broughshane.
Environmental Quality
5.13 Broughshane is a pleasant small town visually with a very good standard of environmental quality.
In summer it is adorned with multiple hanging flower baskets.
Footpath quality is very good and despite some vacancy the town appears busy and eventful.
The numerous semi mature trees and planter along either side of the main street add to the environmental quality.