Ritchie approves masterplan funding for Ballyclare and Glengormley

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today approved funding to appoint a consultancy team to carry out a masterplan for Ballyclare and Glengormley.

The masterplan will provide a clear strategy for managing the regeneration of the two main town centres within Newtownabbey. Work on the plan is due to start next month and will include:

• a review of the retail capacity of the towns;
• an assessment of the traffic and parking issues; and
• recommendations on how to improve the evening economy, hospitality and commercial leisure sectors.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The Masterplan will be a major boost for the regeneration of Ballyclare and Glengormley. It will provide a strong, clear vision for the future of the town centres and will be of significant benefit to those that have an interest in shaping their development.

“Driving forward regeneration will be challenging given the current difficult economic climate. Funding to develop a masterplan, though, is an important step forward. I have also been impressed by the eagerness that representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Trade in the two towns have shown to become fully involved in the process.”

The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman John Scott said: “The Council welcomes this vote of confidence in the future of Newtownabbey’s towns. The regeneration of Glengormley and Ballyclare is important for the revitalisation of the local economy in Newtownabbey and we look forward to working with DSD on the Masterplans to ensure both towns have a sustainable future.”

Iain Patterson, President of Glengormley Chamber of Commerce welcomed the development of a Masterplan for Glengormley, adding: "We look forward to finding the best use of land and property in Glengormley to meet the needs of local businesses and residents and create a thriving Glengormley town centre."

Niall McConkey, President of Ballyclare Chamber of Trade said: "The Chamber is also looking forward to working with DSD on the Masterplan for Ballyclare to identify and create development opportunities to regenerate Ballyclare."

Notes to editors:

1. The Masterplan will commence in November 2009 and it is expected to take six to eight months to complete.
2. The clients for this exercise are the Department for Social Development and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
3. News media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned