Shoppers stunned as once-bustling 80s mall makes way for new homes plan
AN ICONIC UK shopping centre loved in the 80s is set to be partly demolished to create 39 new houses in a £7million makeover.
The part-demolition of Castle Mall, in Antrim, Co Antrim, has been approved as part of a multi-million pound social housing scheme that will replace a large section of the once-bustling shopping centre.
Works will also include upgrades to the vehicular access via Railway Street and improvements to the footpath link to High Street.
The application was submitted by Keneagles Ltd, the owners of Castle Mall,reports Love Bally Mena.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the meeting that the site is located within the Antrim Town Conservation Area, between Central Car Park and High Street, with Antrim Castle Gardens lying to the west.
She said the partial demolition of the Castle Mall shopping centre is considered "acceptable", adding that the introduction of new housing could help increase footfall and vibrancy in the town centre.
Ms Wilson confirmed that 36 parking spaces are proposed for the scheme.
Future residents will also be offered a three-year Translink travel card and a bicycle voucher to encourage sustainable transport.
She added that the "design, lay-out and materials are considered to be acceptable and will enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area".
The committee was told that three letters of objection had been received, raising concerns that the site was "not a practical place for housing" and warning of increased traffic and congestion.
A report presented to councillors stated that 16 units were operating within Castle Mall as of October 2025, with more than half of the centre's retail units vacant overall.
"Whilst the proposal results in the loss of 22 retail units, it is considered that the numerous benefits outweigh the concerns of loss of retail space," the report said.
The layout of the scheme will comprise apartment blocks and terrace dwellings fronting Castle Way, with similar housing facing the internal estate road and an area of open space.
Planning consultant Tom Stokes told the meeting that Castle Mall has suffered from a "significant level of vacancy which has had a detrimental impact on the town centre", noting that remaining tenants are now "concentrated together".
He said the existing mall fails to enhance the Conservation Area, while the new scheme promises a stronger design and layout and would introduce new residents into Antrim town centre, helping to support local businesses.
Mr Stokes said the project represents a £7m investment.
He highlighted Housing Executive figures showing a need for 311 new social homes in the Antrim area between 2024 and 2029, with 690 households currently experiencing "housing stress".
He described the scheme as "an opportunity to deliver urgently needed social housing" and "a sustainable and exemplary residential development".
Responding to a query from Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster regarding wastewater infrastructure, Mr Stokes said:
"The applicant has been in lengthy discussion with NI Water and is confident we will have a solution that is deliverable."
Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell raised concerns about "under-provision" of parking.
He was advised that 36 spaces will be provided for 39 units and that the site's accessibility by public transport, alongside commitments on travel cards and bicycles, mitigates this issue.
Ald Campbell proposed approving the recommendation for partial demolition of Castle Mall and construction of the new homes. The proposal, seconded by Cllr Foster, was unanimously agreed.