Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA, has launched a new Masterplan to guide the future development of Banbridge town centre.
The Banbridge Masterplan sets out a clear vision for how the town centre aims to look over the next 15 years and incorporates a number of key regeneration proposals including:
The Banbridge Revitalisation Project includes:
*a further improvements to shop frontages and car parking;
*a Banbridge Linkages scheme which will include further public realm enhancements to the town with a focus on Downshire Bridge, Scarva Street, Kenlis Street and Linenhall Street:
* a Transportation assessment for the town centre:
* and an Evening Economy Strategy for the Borough including Banbridge Town Centre.
Some of the early actions will see an investment of some £180,000 from the Department for Communities (DfC) in to the development of the town.
Speaking at the launch of the Masterplan Minister Givan said: “Banbridge enjoys a strong market town identity and this Masterplan sets out a clear picture for how the town plans to develop, grow and flourish over the coming years.
“The town centre has already seen significant and visible public realm and revitalisation improvements in recent years and the Masterplan will help capitalise on these by presenting more opportunities to attract investors, employers, visitors and residents to the town centre.”
The Minister added: “By working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, other statutory agencies and private sector we can help turn the Masterplan into a reality to ensure that Banbridge can reach its full potential.
“The people of Banbridge, who know the town so well, have played an active role in the development of the plans through the consultation process and I am pleased that they will reap the rewards with funding already secured to take some key proposals forward, including further revitalisation works, a Transport Study and an Evening Economy Strategy.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating said: “The future development of our city and town centres is a key priority for the Council. We are dedicated to working closely with our business community to provide the necessary support to ensure that our urban centres continue to thrive and prosper.
“The Banbridge Masterplan clearly identifies projects which the Council, statutory agencies and the private sector can take forward together to realise the future potential for the town and the launch of the plan is the beginning of this vital process.
“The transportation study will allow us to gather the necessary information to assess initiatives identified within the plan and enable the development and progression of priority town centre projects.“
The Masterplan is available to view on the Department for Communities website at:
