Ballymena's bowling fans strike back!
New bowling alley will open next spring - and create 15 jobs
TWELVE years after the loss of the Sportsbowl, Ballymena's 'alley cats' finally have something to celebrate about!
Construction work is set to begin on a new bowling alley, with IMC Cinema pumping £1.5 million into the project.
The investment will create 15 new jobs - and it is expected to open next spring.
A family amusement arcade and a food and drink offering are expected to arrive alongside the new 10-lane facility at St Patrick's Link
.In a nod to loyal film fans, all seven screens at the cinema will remain open, with the building work focused on an extension, alongside alterations to the foyer.
The council approved the plans back in August 2025.
IMC owner Andrew Morrison said that family fun was at the centre of his vision for the complex.
“The cinema industry is ever changing and following our latest addition of our Luxx screen we now want to add 10-pin bowling to make IMC Ballymena not just a cinema, but a family entertainment centre destination,” he said.
“IMC Cinema has been a locally owned family business for nearly 30 years. As a family man myself I understand the importance of quality time with my family and I am excited to be able to offer a destination for the local families of Ballymena to enjoy spending time together.”