Ballymena has the highest proportion of empty shops in Northern Ireland, according to a new report. The town’s vacancy rate has jumped from 17 per cent to 27 per cent over the past 12 months.
The figures have been disputed by the head of the local Chamber of Commerce and the town council. Thomas McKillen, who operates a shoe shop in the town centre, has stated that these statistics “send out the wrong message about the town” and that they are inaccurate. He claims that the true vacancy rate stands at between 17-18 per cent.
In an interview with Radio Ulster’s Talkback, Mr. McKillen said that these numbers send out “the wrong vibes” about the town. He went on to say that it paints a picture that is concerning for retailers, who are finding it challenging to make the town as attractive as they can. He went on to say that Ballymena is still one of the best places to shop in Northern Ireland.
The Ballymena Borough Council has said that it defines the “town centre” in the same manner as the town planners. The Council independently measures vacancy rates in the core town area each quarter.
The latest figures show that the Ballymena town centre retail vacancy rate was sitting at 17.9 per cent in October 2013, which was well below the figure of 27 per cent. Since the figures do not include out of town spaces, the Council felt that it was a more realistic indication of the retail experience in the town centre.
Nicky Finnieston, from the commercial estate agents, Lisney, also gave an interview on Talkback, where he stood by the 27 per cent figure.
He said that the number was arrived at by walking through the town and the numbers have been double checked because of the increase in the vacancy rate.
He said that the higher vacancy rate could be temporary, since it reflects a snapshot in time, since shops are closed and then re-let to tenants. He added that he felt things would improve in the future.
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