Regeneration boost for Strabane town centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced a funding boost of £165,000 towards the development of Strabane’s Lower Main St.

During a visit to the town, the Minister revealed that the once derelict site will be transformed into retail and living space.

She said: “These improvements will be a boost for Strabane town centre making it more appealing to tourists, residents and businesses alike. This project is an example of how my Department is working with the private sector and others in Strabane to reverse urban decline and promote economic renewal. By transforming a site which has been derelict for many years we are promoting job creation and investment in the town centre.

“The provision of these new facilities will benefit local people while the physical renewal of a prominent site will further enhance the regeneration of Strabane.”

The development brought forward by Grandon Properties will, on completion, create 556 square metres of retail and living space. It will also provide up to 15 full and part-time jobs.

William Mealiff, Director of Grandon Properties, warmly welcomed the funding announcement and said: “This project means that an area of Strabane’s Lower Main Street which had lain derelict for many years is now being completely renewed. The new development will add to the rejuvenation of Strabane and will also help to attract people into the centre of town with new businesses and enhanced employment opportunities.

“It can only be a plus for Strabane and its town centre with the creation of opportunity and a general feeling that Strabane is really changing for the better and can be seen to be changing.

Work has already commenced and, as the project is being phased, the first tenant is expected to be in the building by early September 2008. Final completion is scheduled for late autumn 2008.

Notes to Editors:

1. The overall development cost of the project is £765,000. £165,000 will be provided by the Department for Social Development through the Urban Development Grant (UDG) Scheme.
2. The Urban Development Grant Scheme (UDG) aims to promote job creation, inward investment and economic and physical regeneration of inner city areas by the stimulation of private enterprise and investment through the development of vacant, derelict or underused land or buildings. The scheme was only available in parts of Belfast and Londonderry up to 2006, when it was extended, on a pilot basis to include projects in Ballymoney, Dungannon, Lurgan, Larne and Strabane.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.