The Ballynahinch Masterplan has been launched.
Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA has today launched exciting new plans that will see Ballynahinch rekindled as a vibrant market town.
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DSD MInister Mervyn Storey accompanied by Finance Minister Simon Hamilton and Down District Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker have launched the Ballynahinch Masterplan outside the Markethouse in the Square in Ballynahinch.[/caption]
The Minister was attending the launch of the Masterplan which sets out a new vision for the town, including: capitalising on the vibrant food scene, addressing the need for a sustainable transport strategy, including plans for a bypass to reduce traffic congestion, and the development of Market Square corner building.
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James Hennessey of the Paul Hogarth Group, Down District Council Economic Development Development Project Manager, DSD MInister Mervyn Storey, Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker and Cllr Anne McAleenan at the launch of the Ballynahinch Masterplan.[/caption]
Speaking at the launch of the Masterplan, Minister Storey said: “The Ballynahinch Masterplan is the culmination of a lot of hard work. During the consultation process it became clear that there was strong support for the need for a fresh start, fresh ideas, fresh look and fresh connections.
“The Masterplan provides an excellent road map to achieve this and will provide guidance to public and private sector developers to ensure Ballynahinch meets its full development potential. This will help to rekindle the town’s rich heritage and refresh the market town’s image as a premier food destination and encourage private sector investment.”
The Minister added that the goal was to produce a Masterplan which was unique and deliverable and that he felt this has been achieved for Ballynahinch.
He added: “The investment by my Department will help to deliver economic regeneration in partnership with communities, and demonstrates a continued commitment from the Northern Ireland Executive to the regeneration of our towns and cities.”
Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor William Walker said: “Down District Council is keen to develop the image of Ballynahinch as a high quality market town destination. Therefore, we were delighted when DSD agreed to fund the delivery of this innovative Masterplan.
“This project has a lot of potential and we are now moving to the development opportunities that it presents as we look at the implementation of the plan.”
James Hennessey representing the Paul Hogarth Company who put the plan together, added: “The DSD and Down District Council have worked well together to bring this plan forward for the regeneration of Ballynahinch town. It will involve the social and physical revitalisation of Ballynahinch town centre. Work on the project began in 2013 and it maps the right way forward for the future of the town.”
Down District Councillor Garth Craig (DUP) said: “I welcome the completion of the Town Centre Masterplan for Ballynahinch. The Masterplan recognises the unique character of Ballynahinch as a market town and seeks to develop not only that theme but other projects that will greatly improve the town in the coming years.
“I have no doubt that the public will be delighted to know that one of the first projects will be to develop the Market Square Corner Building (the steel structure). There are many other bold ideas for the town and I would encourage full participation from all groups within the town to work in collaboration with Council and other agencies to see the various projects delivered. Initially there are a number of projects that can be delivered in the short term which will bring noticeable improvements to the town such as the shop frontage scheme.
“Hopefully when people see what can be delivered this will encourage continued commitment in longer term projects that will ultimately bring economic benefits to the town.”
The Masterplan is available to view on the DSD website at:
www.dsdni.gov.uk/rdo-ballynahinch-masterplan.htm and Down District Council website: at:www.downdc.gov.uk]]>
