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Ritchie calls for views on Curran Street development proposals

Friday, 4 September 2009

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie today launched a public consultation on proposals drawn up by her Department for the derelict site at Curran Street / Obins Street in Portadown.

The proposed development contains 34 mixed tenure residential houses and some supporting neighbourhood retail / office accommodation.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The regeneration of the Curran Street site offers a unique opportunity to regenerate a corner of Portadown that has been lying derelict for several years. This will be a major boost for the town. It will provide much needed housing and business space for local people and will help create jobs in this area of need.

“I want to obtain the views of the public in Craigavon on the proposed scheme. I would invite everyone with an interest in the area and its future to view the plans at the public exhibition over the next six weeks and submit their opinions to the Department.

“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. I think that the proposals which have emerged are exciting and forward-thinking. We are committed to setting out a powerful vision for urban regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland and Portadown is part of that vision”.

The plans were developed for DSD by Scott Wilson Group Plc. They will be on display between 4 September 2009 to 15 October 2009 at the following venues:

  • Sure Start, 63 Park Road, Portadown, BT62 1DS.
  • Bannside, Unit 8, 20 Obins Avenue, Portadown BT62 1DF.
  • South Ulster Housing Association, 18-22 Carlton Street, Portadown BT62 3EN.
  • Portadown 2000, Millennium Court, William Street, Portadown, BT32 3QD.

Staff will be available each Friday from 12.00pm to 2.00pm at the Portadown 2000 Offices to discuss the plans.

Notes to editors:

  1. DSD is responsible for regeneration of urban area 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. Scott Wilson Group Plc is a multi-disciplinary international design and engineering consultancy for the built and natural environments.
  3. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.