McCausland announces £2million funding for Lurgan Town Centre

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland announced £2million of funding to improve public areas and tackle dereliction in Lurgan town centre.
~ Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Lurgan has already benefited from improvement works which have already taken place and has greatly enhanced the town centre. Improvement work such as:

• improved accessibility;
• a more pedestrian friendly urban environment has been created; and
• providing a safe and attractive place for people to live and work.

During his visit to the market town the Minister walked through the streets to see at first hand the overall transformation of the town centre and to visualise the proposed improvements.

Minister McCausland said: “This is great news for the businesses and residents of Lurgan. I am impressed by the comprehensive public realm works that have already taken place and by visualising what has yet to come, I am confident that phase 2 of the project will have a positive impact on the town centre. I am sure that once the regeneration works are complete, residents and visitors will spend more time in this established market town.”

The Minister went onto say: “The combination of further public realm works and other initiatives to tackle dereliction within the town centre will assist in attracting additional private sector investment. I am well aware that the current economic climate has had its effect on the traders of the town, but I am confident that investment from my Department in the regeneration of the town centre will support the future prosperity of Lurgan.”

Mayor of Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Alan Carson explained the importance of the investment from the DSD. He said: “The extension of the public realm works - an investment of £2million for Lurgan – could not have come at a better time with both traders and businesses asking for such an extension to the whole of the town. Now, we can say that it will continue along High Street as far as Malcolm Road. The regenerative and economic benefits of public realm improvements are well understood.

“I also understand that through the Restore project, Lurgan will also see a further investment of £150,000 to help improve the look of the town. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to welcome such a major investment. What a great day for Lurgan”.

Notes to editors:

1. The total cost of the Lurgan Public Realm scheme is estimated at approximately £2million. This includes £1,750,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and £200,000 from Craigavon Borough Council. The Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service will provide an "in-kind" contribution.
2. Funding for other initiatives include £150,000 for Restore and approximately £190,000 of Urban Development Grant to Wesley Trust for redevelopment of Methodist Church.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440.
4. View photos of the visit on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/sets/72157626951329761/