Enniskillen town masterplan to supersede Eden Street scheme

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today announced a comprehensive masterplan for the whole of Enniskillen town centre.

The announcement will supersede the Eden Street Development Scheme to allow for extensive regeneration of the whole of the town centre to include the areas around the Erne Hospital which will be vacated in 2012.

Speaking today, Minister Ritchie said: “I am committed to the regeneration of Enniskillen as an inspiring town for the West. Retail in the town has changed dramatically over the last few years. New opportunities now exist for expansion of its commercial heart along with the relocation of the Erne Hospital also from the northern end of the town. I want to ensure a comprehensive regeneration plan is produced to best reflect this current position.

“In light of the way the town has changed over the past few years, I now believe that the proposed regeneration scheme at Eden Street can no longer be taken forward as a viable stand alone option for regeneration in Enniskillen town centre. Recent case law around procurement processes, and changes in the property market and retail sector in Enniskillen, make it necessary to look at a master-plan for the whole of the town. After careful consideration by my Department, I have decided to terminate this scheme with a view to looking at how we can regenerate the whole of the town, rather than just one part.”

The Enniskillen masterplan will examine the current state of Enniskillen town centre and its retail and commercial environment. It will include the soon to be vacated Erne Hospital site, and will contain a prioritised and time bounded action plan to guide future investment and intervention in the town centre.

Margaret Ritchie concluded: “Commissioning a master-plan to supersede the Eden Street scheme is not a decision I have taken lightly given the work which has been put into it by Fermanagh District council, developers and my own Department. However, moving immediately to the production of the Masterplan will provide up to date and imaginative proposals for the future development of Enniskillen Town Centre. This will shape the future transformation of this historic town both local people, businesses and tourists will benefit from.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Masterplan is expected to be completed by the end of 2010, and will include a six week period for public consultation.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440, and your call will be returned.