New vision planned for Lisburn City centre-Ritchie

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today launched the commencement of a new Masterplan for Lisburn City Centre.

The innovative Master plan aims to transform the social and economic fabric of the city. The ambitious plans include:

-a review of the retail capacity;

-identifying opportunities for increased office investment;

-encouraging city centre living; and

-identifying opportunities for evening economy, hospitality and commercial leisure sectors.

Reinforcing her commitment to regenerating our towns and cities Margaret Ritchie said: “This is good news for the people of Lisburn. Now is the right time to focus on regenerating Lisburn’s city centre. Lisburn like many other urban centres must review and reinvent itself in the face of changing economic, social and lifestyle trends. I am pleased that my Department has been able to make this happen by providing the funding to enable this master plan to be prepared.”

The Minister continued: “Lisburn has the opportunity to become an inspiring city centre and act as a catalyst for urban regeneration within Northern Ireland. This Masterplan will build on the work that is already ongoing to help identify and promote further investment needed and development opportunities within the Historic and Laganbank Quarters. It will also compliment the Council’s economic strategy for the wider city over the next decade to sustain Lisburn’s strong reputation as a major retail, social and cultural destination.”

The Minister was joined by representatives of Lisburn City Council and Lisburn City Centre Management who have jointly commissioned GVA Grimley Consultants to commence work immediately on this regeneration initiative.

Councillor Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn City Council Economic Development Committee said: “The study, which will take six months to complete and will identify strategic opportunities for growth. The Masterplan builds on the ongoing efforts, to identify and promote further investment within the City Centre.”

“To stay competitive, we must review and strengthen our position as a regional economic centre of excellence. The City of Lisburn has already attracted UK wide retailers and boasts some of the top names in the local retail and manufacturing industry, however we must continue to build on this. This report will be the foundation for future economic initiatives and will play a vital role in the future development of the Council’s economic development strategy. I look forward to reviewing the results in six months time.”

Alderman Edwin Poots, Chairman of Lisburn City Centre Management (LCCM) said: ”A positive relationship exists between DSD, Lisburn City Council and LCCM and this is the latest in a number of major benefits for the City which have been realised, from this partnership. I am convinced that the results of this study will have a significant contribution towards laying the foundations for future economic growth and public sector investment in Lisburn City Centre.“

Notes to Editors:

1. The Masterplan for Lisburn City will be produced by GVA Grimley in association with EDAW, Faber Maunsell and Berwin Leighton.
2. The funding for the Masterplan will be provided by the Department for Social Development.
3. Lisburn City Centre Management is a public/private partnership established to improve, promote and sustain the vitality, viability and long-term economic growth of the city centre. LCCM works with a wide range of stakeholders to develop the city centre as a premier retail and business location and an attractive environment for living, work and leisure.
4. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.