Solicitor behind proposal to build £5m healthcare centre in Ballyclare

A private developer has submitted a bid to build a £5m community healthcare facility in Ballyclare.The proposed four-storey building, next to Ballyclare Comrades’ football grounds, could become the new location for the town’s GP practice within two to three years.It’s the latest private sector-led healthcare project here, though this week approval of a plan to turn the King’s Hall into a £100m health hub was deferred by Belfast City Council.The developer behind the Ballyclare project is solicitor Seamus Reid, who believes the plan could become a template for developing modern facilities for under-pressure GP practices across the province.The proposal is understood to have political support, including from MP Paul Girvan, MLAs and councillors.Ballyclare Ulster Unionist councillor Vera McWilliam, who also supports the plan, described the building currently used by the town’s GP practice as outdated.