£15 M Asda development revitalises Strabane town centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the opening of ASDA’s £15million new store in Strabane as further evidence of the town’s revitalisation.

Located on the site of the former cricket ground at Railway Road, the new purpose built ASDA store is more than twice the size of the group’s former premises and will create almost 200 additional jobs for the local area.

Margaret Ritchie said that the Department for Social Development had worked closely with local developers over a period of years to resolve the many complexities involved in acquiring the land required for the new store.

She said: “I am pleased to see the new ASDA store opening ahead of schedule particularly given the issues that had to be overcome and the dedication this required from all concerned. The completion of this development further builds on the positive work that my Department has undertaken in the town in recent years with Strabane District Council. Indeed, one of my first acts as DSD Minister was to take part in the opening of the Arts and Cultural Centre.

“The redevelopment work that my Department is undertaking in Strabane is helping to create the jobs and facilities that local people need. The Department’s ongoing regeneration work is also building confidence within the private sector and encouraging more investment. This will enhance both the appearance of the town centre and the vitality of the local economy."

The ASDA development brings an area of under-used and vacant land back into productive use and will help to improve the attractiveness of the area.

The innovative design of the new store is environmentally-friendly, incorporating a number of energy saving devices that will reduce carbon emissions.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Department for Social Development has statutory responsibility for urban regeneration. These statutory powers are exercised in the public interest by the Department to assist in the acquisition and assembly of lands for the purpose of development which will make best use of such land. Typically the Department will intervene to assist in the regeneration of rundown or underused areas in or close to town centres.
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