BALLYMENA town centre has reported an almost 7 per cent increase in footfall so far this year, against the backdrop of an overall downturn in the north.
The Co Antrim town is celebrating a 6.9 per cent increase in visitors for the first half of 2019, compared to the same period a year ago.
The Springboard figures show Ballymena is bucking the trend, with Northern Ireland retail as a whole recording a slight decline (0.5 per cent) in footfall for the year to date, when judged beside the 2018 total.
In 2015 Ballymena traders founded the north's first Business Improvement District (BID) and through a five-year budget of £1.5m have set about marketing the town to drive custom and investment.
Kathleen McBride, Ballymena BID manager said they are now beginning to reap the rewards of the investment.
“It has been a fantastic four years for the BID where huge strides have been made towards improving the town centre by attracting more shoppers, tourists and businesses through events, partnerships and initiatives," she said.
“The town centre has never been busier with regular tour buses dropping off tourists to shop, take in the culture and see the sites.
“We are delighted that footfall is up – challenging the UK national trend – and we are attracting more new businesses to the town with six outlets opening since December ranging from bars, dog grooming to retail.”
Andy Storey, vice chair of Ballymena BID added:
“The news that footfall is up is excellent for the town centre and we would actively encourage any new businesses to continue to look at Ballymena as a destination of choice.
