Designs for a new ‘public realm’ scheme in Comber have gone on show for local people to see and give their views.
Set to transform the look of the town centre, the plans show the extent of the £2.4M scheme – which stretches out from Comber Square and includes Castle Street, Bridge Street Link, Bridge Street and Killinchy Street – as well the kinds of materials to be used in replacing kerbs and paving, and the proposed style of street lighting and street furniture.
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Comber is to get a streetscape make-over. Local views are being sought. [/caption]
The public consultation follows an announcement in October by the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland that funding had been confirmed for the scheme in the town.
Ards Borough Council, which has jointly funded the project, is now progressing the plans and Councillor Philip Smith, Chairman of the Comber Town Steering Group, is encouraging local people to take a look at the plans and feedback their views:
“This is major investment for Comber which will improve the look and feel of the town centre, but also enhance Comber’s appeal as a retail destination and help to revitalise the centre,” he said. “While we have had community and business representatives involved in the development of the concepts, this is the first time that residents will have had an opportunity to see the proposals in full and this is their chance to influence the design before we seek planning permission”.
Natural stone paving is proposed to compliment the built heritage of Comber, with the area around the Square, to feature bronze inlays and engraved paving which will highlight the town’s history, from the Andrews family and the linen mills to Rollo Gillespie and Comber Potatoes.
Lighting columns have been chosen to match the existing street lights, reflecting a traditional style, while cast iron and timber are to be used for street furniture like seating, signage, litter bins and bollards.
New trees will also be planted and a dedicated pedestrian crossing point to the Square is to be introduced.
The public realm scheme can be viewed in Comber Leisure Centre until Friday 10th January 2014 and can also been accessed on-line at:
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