Ritchie unveils £155million regeneration proposals for Coleraine

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited Coleraine to launch a consultation on two proposed regeneration schemes for the town centre.

The two schemes, which would cost up to £115 million, are proposed for the Abbey Street and Mall car parks in the town centre. The developments would include new shops and restaurants, apartments, offices and over 1,400 car parking spaces.

The Minister said: “It is very exciting to be able to announce these proposals for Coleraine town centre today. The car parks at Abbey Street and the Mall provide much needed parking facilities for the town, but they could also be used to create jobs and facilities that the people of Coleraine need. With the development of these sites, we have an opportunity to deliver real regeneration and influence the way the town develops over the next 25 years.

“Two years ago, my Department published its objectives for the regeneration of Coleraine. These were to resolve the town centre’s parking problems, improve its retail performance and bring new activities into the town. At the same time, we want to ensure that the unique character of the town is preserved, that we promote high quality design and deliver benefits to and secure the support of the whole community.

“The schemes which have been shortlisted by the Department have the potential to move us massively toward meeting those objectives. The schemes would jointly deliver over 1,400 parking spaces, 220,000 ft2 of retail space and over 100 apartments and town houses.

“In line with my Department’s regeneration objectives, I now want to get the views of the public in Coleraine on the proposed schemes. I would invite everyone with an interest in the town to view the plans in Coleraine Town Hall and submit their views to the Department.”

The Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Maurice Bradley, said: “Today is a ‘good news day’ for Coleraine. The development schemes that are being proposed have the potential to make a huge impact on our town and on our Borough. We are all aware that there is a burning need for additional parking in Coleraine however the proposed developments, including parking, shops and restaurants, could give a very welcome boost to our overall offering. Retail is a very competitive sector and one that is constantly changing and evolving. The scope for development that is offered by these schemes could substantially enhance Coleraine’s competitiveness as a regional town for many years to come”.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Abbey Street car park is a 0.57ha (1.4 acre) site situated to the south of The Diamond in Coleraine town centre and close to the Diamond Shopping Centre and the prime retail area of Church Street. The car park currently provides 185 short stay car parking spaces for visitors to the town centre and is accessed via Abbey Street.

2. The scheme proposed for the Abbey Street car park is called “The Lanes”. It has been drawn up by Abby Street Developments Ltd, a company led by the family which owns the Moores of Coleraine department store. The proposed scheme would deliver 30,000 ft2 of retail space, eight townhouses, approximately 500 parking spaces and three new public spaces.

3. The Mall Car Park is a 0.61ha (1.5 acres) site situated to the north of The Diamond in Coleraine town centre and is linked to The Diamond through the Diamond Arcade and to Church Street along Bell House Lane and Park Street. The car park currently provides 218 short stay car parking spaces for visitors to the town centre.

4. The scheme proposed for the Mall car park is called “the Ramparts”. It has been drawn up by Fermac Properties Ltd, a Londonderry based development company. The proposed scheme would deliver 190,000 ft2 of retail space, 103 apartments, 7,000 ft2 of office space and approximately 900 parking spaces.

5. The Department’s regeneration objectives for Coleraine were published in September 2005. They are:

• To preserve, reinforce and enhance the three main elements which give Coleraine town centre its unique character: The frontage of the River Bann, The Diamond, and the historic streetscape of the town
• To resolve the parking and congestion problems in Coleraine town centre.
• To strengthen the retail offer in Coleraine town centre and to improve its viability and vitality.
• To introduce non-retail activities to the town centre.
• To enhance the public realm and promote high quality design in Coleraine town centre.
• To reinforce communities and encourage integration.
• To promote and facilitate deliverable and commercially successful development schemes in Coleraine town centre.

6. For further information, contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.