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Planning Permission Granted for new Leisure Development at Longwood Retail Park
April 28, 2026
Posted 4 hours ago by
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light for the redevelopment of the former DW Sports unit, which has remained empty for more than five years. The application was submitted on behalf of incoming tenants JD Gyms, owned by JD Sports, and Swim! Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Rosie Kinnear welcomed the decision commenting, “Bringing this long-vacant site back into use will deliver real economic benefits and strengthen the leisure and retail offering at Longwood Retail Park.
Our planning department has also once again provided an exceptional service, with an efficient 15 week processing time for the application, demonstrating the Council’s commitment and focus on economic growth.”Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, added, “This development will play an important role in supporting both community wellbeing and the local economy. Increased footfall will benefit surrounding businesses while providing new, accessible leisure opportunities for residents.”JD Gyms and Swim! both have established track records across the UK. The Longwood development will mark JD Gyms’ third location in Northern Ireland, alongside existing sites in Belfast and Ballymena.
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