Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has submitted a planning application to replace the natural grass surface at Ballymena Showgrounds with a full-size 3G or hybrid pitch system. The venue on St Patrick’s Link serves as the home stadium for Ballymena United F.C.

The proposal covers the main arena and includes removal of the existing grass and soil, installation of an engineered pitch, and a new drainage and irrigation network linked to the site’s borehole supply.

The pitch specification will be finalised during the tender process to allow flexibility between 3G and hybrid options.

This follows a recent approval by the council’s Planning Committee for a separate full-size 3G training pitch at the Showgrounds. That project features four floodlights, a 176-seat stand, a four-metre perimeter fence, 12-metre fencing behind goals, and spectator barriers.

The new application involves a reduced scope compared to prior proposals for the site.

Sustainable drainage and attenuation measures form part of the design to manage surface water and avoid increased flood risk.

Council documents state the project improves a key community facility for local sport and recreation while respecting the area’s character and using existing urban land.