Plans to transform a number of storefronts in a busy Newtownabbey area have been given the green light by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
A number of retail and leisure units along Glenwell Road in Glengormley have been approved for a "tidy up" that will see the area behind McDonald's more 'unified and modernised'. Local councillor Rosie Kinnear told Belfast Live she was delighted to be able to support the plans and is "excited" to see what is next for the area.
The Sinn Féin Cllr said: "I was delighted to vote to approve the application for planning permission to renovate the facade of the businesses at the Movie House Complex.
Read more: New leisure space with bowling alley and amusements proposed for Belfast
"It will be a great improvement to unify and modernise the area, which is part of a larger investment underway in Glengormley from the Council."
The site to undergo the work consists of Movie House Cinemas, Jolleys Pet Food, Sports Bowl, Fun Works and Creative Tiles. Proposed works to the front facade of the complex include replacement cladding, a new render base and remodelling of existing door and window openings.
The plans read: "The proposal involves the removal of some 22 openings along the front façade of the building and seeks to retain the main front doors and a number of windows. All windows on the upper floors are being removed.
"The existing glass bricks are to be replaced with new windows and clear glazing. The replacement shop fronts are in place of the existing and are to have aluminium frames. It is considered the changes to the openings will ‘tidy up’ the building and simplify the design creating a more uniform frontage.
"There are a range of finishes and materials used within the surrounding area and it is considered the proposed amendments will upgrade the existing building in terms of visual appearance and are acceptable in this regard. Signage has been indicated on the drawings with a note to state ‘any new signage subject to relevant planning application to allow the display of advertisement’."
Cllr Kinnear continued: "It comes as part of a series of works that will see new first class facilities at the old police station site, increased parking, flower planting and road works to allow easier access to the brilliant food, retail and leisure facilities that make Glengormley so special.
"This will also go a long way in helping local residents with the on-going issues they have been facing in relation to traffic and parking in the area. I am excited to see what is next for Glengormley.”
READ NEXT:
-
Residents "frustrated" at plans for new Ormeau hotel to extend licensing hours
- NI group announces plans for new hotel and bar in Belfast
- Plans for former Housing Executive office as food chain hope to open new store
-
Derelict Botanic guesthouse highlights need for 'sustained investment' in area
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
