Ritchie welcomes start of work on Curran Street in Portadown

Work has started on a major face-lift for the derelict Curran Street site in Portadown.

In late 2007, when Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA visited the derelict site which has blighted the town centre for over 30 years, she pledged to transform it into a vibrant regenerated area.

A new mixed tenure housing development and a number of small offices and retail units are envisaged. Today, she announced further progress towards making this a reality.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I have been closely involved in the progress being made on the Curran Street site over the last 18 months. I can confirm that, as promised, the site has been acquired by my Department. Already, I have appointed contractors who have cleared and fenced the site providing a visible improvement. I am determined to transform this site as part of my commitment to revitalising Portadown.”

“My Department has been working diligently with local North West Portadown Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, Portadown 2000, Craigavon Borough Council and other government bodies to assess how the site can be regenerated.”

“We have agreed that, in the current economic climate, the best way to secure the regeneration of the site is to work up our proposals and obtain full planning permission. I have, therefore, approved the appointment of consultants to assist with this process.”

Mayor of Craigavon, Alderman Sydney Anderson said: “I'm delighted that at last this site has at been cleared and that progress is being made on Curran Street. The Advisory Group has got quite a challenge in that it’s vital that the site is developed robustly and yet with sensitivity. I wish them and the consultants every success and look forward to seeing the proposals.”

The site has been derelict for many years and has been identified as part of a potential development site in the Craigavon Area Plan 2010. An Advisory Group has been established to work with the appointed consultants to ensure the site is developed in a controlled and acceptable way.

Notes to Editors:

1. DSD is responsible for regeneration of urban areas in Northern Ireland. Its Regional Development Office takes forward regeneration of towns and cities outside of Belfast and North West from four main offices in Omagh, Ballymena, Banbridge and Belfast.
2. Portadown 2000, a Company funded by Craigavon Borough Council in relation to its town centre management role, and since 2006 by the Department for Social Development via IDF support, is seeking to stimulate and guide the regeneration of Portadown.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07818 035258. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.