Poots receives groundbreaking plans

Plans for the future regeneration of a Co Antrim village, developed using a unique ground-breaking scheme, will be unveiled today.

The much-anticipated plans for the regeneration of Glenarm have been developed with the local community, the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Planning Service and Larne Borough Council. Today’s unveiling marks the conclusion of consultation work carried out by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

The village residents have been working alongside the Foundation’s “Enquiry by Design” team. In February, the Foundation organised a series of workshops for the residents and businesses to express their aspirations for the future of the village.

Speaking ahead of receiving the Glenarm Regeneration Strategy, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “The Enquiry by Design process is an innovative planning tool which draws upon local knowledge and technical expertise in developing a sustainable regeneration plan. It reflects the positive effects of engagement and transparency in the planning process and will be invaluable in providing an example of how planning may be done in the future.

“The implementation of the Strategy will require the co-ordination of all parties involved. Planning Service will provide professional resources to help drive forward the project.”

The Glenarm Regeneration Strategy has been led by Larne Borough Council which secured £25k in funding from the DOE.

The Prince’s Foundation provided expert urban design and architectural advice and worked alongside planners, archaeologists, transport specialists, and tourist officers as part of their public consultation process. The results will be on show today (Wednesday 30 June 2010) at the old limestone facility at Eglinton Courtyard adjacent to the village’s Marina.

Chief Executive of Larne Borough Council, Geraldine McGahey said: “The Prince’s Foundation involvement in the development is a first in Northern Ireland and we are delighted with the progress. It demonstrates the importance of community driven planning which promises to deliver economic regeneration and a vibrant and sustainable future for Glenarm Village”

Among the recommendations set out in the new plans is the provision for a land swap which will see the Council secure prime land for public use and a scheme to develop Eglinton courtyard in the village.

Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation said: “We are delighted to be involved in helping the community understand the issues that lie behind the creation of a vibrant and thriving village. We hope that the resulting plans will lead to the creation of a place which will benefit many people well into the future.”

Stephen Montgomery, Chairman of Glenarm Village Committee said: “We are looking forward to the exciting developments in the future and are proud of these plans. I want to pay tribute to the team from the Prince’s Foundation who worked will us. It is an historic moment not only for Glenarm but for planning in Northern Ireland.”

Notes to editors:

1. Enquiry by Design (EBD) was established by The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment in consultation with HRH The Prince of Wales. It is a way of enabling local people to shape the communities they want to live in and to help assure them that their aspirations are achievable in reality.
2. This is the first time the EBD process has been used in Northern Ireland and has created a unique opportunity to regenerate Glenarm to set an example for economic and social revitalisation. The Plan was prepared on the basis of the workshop which engaged residents, business and all other stakeholders in an inclusive debate with the community at the heart of the decision making. It was based on consensus and the key principles of sustainability. It is hoped that the plan will act as a catalyst to create a sustainable community and also help deliver a quality tourist experience and compliment other initiatives in the area and beyond.
3. Among the recommendations is a proposal for a land swap which could see the Council secure prime land overlooking the marina to develop for public use. The adjacent site on the river front will be privately developed. The plans also recommend that Eglinton courtyard in the village is opened up with large archways cut into the stone facilitating views across the river and beyond, maximising the backdrop of the Glens and the coastal setting significantly enhancing the growing tourist interest in the area. The courtyard will become a piazza flanked by artisan workspaces and small retail units promoting local produce and crafts. The overall theme of the Glenarm redevelopment will reflect a celebration and a taste of the Glens.
4. The official launch takes place at noon followed by entertainment and hospitality for the local community to acknowledge the contribution they have made throughout the process.
5. Pictures are available from Department of Environment Press Office.
6. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Environment’s Press Office on 028905 40003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.