Minister Ritchie announces regeneration evaluation of Downpatrick Town Centre

Department for Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has today approved funding for an evaluation of the regeneration potential of Downpatrick Town Centre.

The investment of up to £100,000 to produce a Masterplan for the town centre will provide an economic analysis of the town’s current role and performance.

It will provide an analysis of development opportunities and land use, advice on appropriate transportation, access and parking changes for the town. It will also establish strategic regeneration objectives, identify key town centre sites and the most appropriate form, and timing, of development of those sites.

Speaking about today’s announcement, the Minister said: “The investment I am announcing today, to facilitate an evaluation of the development opportunities within Downpatrick Town Centre, will guide the future regeneration policies and proposals for this historic town.

“I want to use the results of the evaluation to encourage private sector development in the town centre and to provide attractive, shared spaces for residents and visitors and to support local trade and enterprise.

“This will be quite a challenge in the current difficult economic climate, but I am encouraged by the already existing level of private sector investment and the number of opportunities this masterplan will identify.

“I hope that these opportunities will be taken up in the coming years which will help transform this historic town.”

Work is expected to start in February and finish by August 2009.

Notes to Editors:

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