Home Bargains aims to set up shop at former Townparks Car Sales site

A Proposal of Application Notice for a major development at the site of the Townparks car dealership in Antrim by the owner of discount retailer Home Bargains has been lodged.

Liverpool-based TJ Morris Ltd has submitted a PAN to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, signalling its intention to redevelop the plot on the Ballymena Road.

Townparks Car Sales, founded in 1969, ceased trading last summer due to retirement, marking the end of more than five decades of local business history at the site.

Planning documents indicate that TJ Morris is proposing a 24,000 sq ft Home Bargains store, almost double the size of the former 12,313 sq ft showroom.

The site extends to approximately 2.3 acres and includes plans for associated landscaping, car parking, access and site works.

The property, which had recently been marketed at £50,000 per month, is understood to have been secured by the retailer as part of its ongoing expansion across the region.

If approved, the Antrim outlet would become the chain’s 33rd store in Northern Ireland.

As required for major planning applications, the PAN triggers a public consultation process, giving residents and stakeholders an opportunity to view and comment on the proposals before a full planning application is submitted.

An in-person public drop-in event will take place at Holiday Inn Express, Ballymena Road, Antrim BT41 4LL on Wednesday, 12 March 2026, from 2pm to 7pm

Members of the public will be able to view display boards outlining the proposals and submit feedback via printed comment cards.

A number of local elected representatives have also been invited to attend.

In addition, a dedicated consultation website will go live on 9 March 2026 and will remain available for more than 28 days, closing on 10 April 2026.

The online platform will host digital versions of the exhibition boards, along with an easy-to-use feedback form and direct email contact with the technical team.