Newtownards is set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment for a public realm scheme announced by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.
The Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department for Social Development, will fund £3million of the £5.5million public realm scheme with the remainder from Ards Borough Council. The funding will greatly enhance the town centre by upgrading a number of key streets and the Conway Square area to maximise tourism potential.
Speaking during a visit to the town centre Minister McCausland said: “This major investment will help to reinvigorate the heart of the Newtownards, improve trading conditions and encourage private sector investment. Works will include upgrading of footpaths and road surfaces; increased and improved lighting provision; under-grounding of overhead services; and provision of additional street furniture and foliage throughout the area.”
The Minister continued: “Not only will the scheme help to provide much needed employment for the local construction industry it also highlights the NI Executive’s continuing commitment to regeneration, supporting local businesses and encouraging investment in town centres such as Newtownards.”
Welcoming the scheme, the Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor Stephen McIlveen said: “The Council is delighted to have been awarded match funding of £3million by the Department for Social Development, for its Newtownards town public realm scheme. It is a major scheme of significance for the town, which will see new footpaths, street lighting, and street furniture installed in Conway Square and throughout the town, as part of the project, creating a new look for Newtownards. This is a positive development, which will improve the town’s landscape for businesses, residents and visitors.”
The work is scheduled to begin in June 2014.
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