Ritchie presents final regeneration proposals for Antrim town centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced a two week exhibition of the preferred proposals for the regeneration of Antrim town centre.

The exhibitions illustrate the preferred regeneration options selected following the recent public consultation exercise and incorporate the views expressed by the vast majority of respondents.

The preferred options contained within the final plan aims to develop a number of key town centre sites. The plans also include:

• improvements to open public spaces, upgrading of public realm on existing shop frontages and better pedestrian links within the town centre; and
• the provision of mixed use development in a number of key development sites mainly for retail and leisure use.

Margaret Ritchie said: "I launched the public consultation on these exciting regeneration proposals for Antrim with the view to take on board all the concerns of everyone in this area. Their opinions and comments have helped shape this regeneration plan to secure a better future for the people who work, live and visit this town.

"While most of the responses to the initial proposals were supportive, we have incorporated where possible, some of the suggestions the people of Antrim have told us are important to them. I now want the people of Antrim to have the opportunity to come and see these final proposals which will form the basis for the future regeneration of Antrim town centre."

The plans will be on display from Wednesday 31 March for two weeks. They will be shown in three different locations: Castle Mall Shopping Centre, the new library and also at Tesco. They will be presented to Antrim Borough Council in April.

Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Adrian Cochrane-Watson said: "I am delighted that the regeneration proposals are nearing completion and that residents and businesses had an important part to play during the consultation. I would encourage everyone to take time and view the future proposals for the town. I believe that the proposals provide us with an ambitious yet realistic vision that will make best use of the town’s assets, whilst promoting its future success and prosperity. The proposals are a real vote of confidence for Antrim and especially the Council’s own Masterplan."

Notes to editors:

1. The proposals form part of the masterplanning process initially provided by Antrim Borough Council and have been produced by GVA Grimley in association with EDAW, Faber Maunsell and Berwin Leighton.
2. Funding for this part of the masterplan process has been provided by the Department for Social Development.
3. The Department has worked closely with Antrim Borough Council and the Antrim Masterplan Stakeholder Group, comprising statutory organisations and business representatives, to develop these concepts in conjunction with GVA Grimley Consultants.
4. All media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.