Longwood Retail
Public ConsultationHello & Welcome
Thank you for visiting our website which details the proposals for the subdivision of Unit 6 Longwood Retail Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9UF.
Further to the drop-in community consultation event held 3.00pm – 7.00pm on the 31st July 2025 at Valley Leisure Centre, 40 Church Road, Newtownabbey BT36 7LJ, this website provides an opportunity to find out more, speak to our team and share your feedback online.
We are consulting on a proposal to reconfigure this existing building to accommodate:
• A bulky goods retail unit
• A children’s Swim! facility
• A first-floor JD Gym
This event is part of a 12-week pre-application community consultation. Today is your opportunity to find out more, speak to our team, and share your feedback.
Please complete a comment card before you leave.
Our project team is on hand to answer your questions.
Closing date for feedback – 5pm Monday 22nd September.
Site Location & Context
The subject site is located at Longwood Retail Park, off Longwood Road in Newtownabbey and strategically positioned to the M2 via Shore Road. Unit 6 is currently vacant and presents an opportunity for high-quality reuse within an active commercial setting. The site benefits from the following:
• Well connected by road and public transport
• Surrounded by existing parking provision
• Within an established mixed retail environment
Longwood Retail Park is comprised of various commercial warehouse units including Pets at Home, Home Bargains, TK Maxx, Dreams and Matalan. There is a Costa Pod situated within the car parking area and the total car parking provision comprises approximately 800 spaces.
The retail park benefits from two access points from the Longwood Road to the north and Mill Road to the south.
The subject site encompasses a unit which was formerly occupied by DW Sports and has remained vacant since 2020. This proposal represents the sustainable reuse of existing retail space, avoiding unnecessary demolition or land take. It supports local regeneration aims and aligns with policy encouraging reuse of brownfield land.
Our Proposals
The proposals are for the proposed alterations, reconfiguration and subdivision of an existing unit to provide 3 no. units, including bulky goods retail, leisure swim facility and gym Unit 6 (formerly DW Sports) Longwood Retail Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9UF.
The site is situated within the settlement limits of Metropolitan Newtownabbey and within the District Centre of the Abbey Centre as designated by the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2004.
The subject unit currently comprises c.4,568sqm of floorspace across the ground floor and first floor. The proposal does not change the nature of uses within the unit and only intends to reconfigure the exisitng approved uses into 3 separate units.
The subject unit currently comprises c.4,568sqm of floorspace across the ground floor and first floor. The proposal does not change the nature of uses within the unit and only intends to reconfigure the exisitng approved uses into 3 separate units.
We are proposing the internal subdivision and external refurbishment of Unit 6 to create three new leisure and commercial units:
Unit 6a: Bulky Goods Retail(c. 1,254 sqm at ground floor)
Unit 6b: Swim! Facility – a purpose-built children’s swim school(c. 800 sqm at ground floor (excluding plant area))
Unit 6c: JD Gyms – affordable, high-quality fitness centre(c. 1,938 sqm at first floor)
The proposal does not include an extension to the existing building footprint.
The subdivision and reconfiguration of the subject unit will also require minor external alterations to facilitate 3 separate entrances to the respective unit occupiers.
About the Project Partners
Longwood Park Ltd
A local property company investing in the rejuvenation of vacant retail space to support modern needs.
End Users Confirmed:
JD Gyms – a growing national brand offering well-equipped, value-driven gym experiences
Swim! – a child-focused swim centre offering safe and structured
lessons for early years
Bulky Goods Retail – a flexible space suitable for furniture, homeware, DIY and related operators. An end occupier for this unit is not confirmed at this time.
This combination provides a well-rounded community asset, bringing together retail, fitness, and family services under one roof.
Proposed plans
Benefits & Next Steps
Community Benefits
• Reuse of vacant commercial space with minimal disruption
• New leisure and retail facilities for local families and residents
• Improved choice and convenience in an accessible location
Economic Investment
• Approx. £2.5 million capital investment
• Over 50 jobs created, plus construction employment
• Support for the local supply chain and contractor base
• Promoting Healthy Living & Well-being
• The inclusion of Swim! and JD Gyms will provide access to high-quality fitness and swimming facilities
• Supports active lifestyles for all age groups, from young children to adults
• Encourages well-being and community health through accessible leisure
Next Steps
• This is a pre-application consultation. Your comments today will help inform the final design and planning application.
• Please complete the comment form below
• You can also submit feedback after the event via the contact details provided