Attwood Hears Views of Larne Traders

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, today met local traders in Larne to discuss their plans for the future of Larne town centre.

The Larne Traders Forum presented their views on plans to regenerate the town centre outlined in the Larne Masterplan, which was launched by the Minister in June of this year.

Minister Attwood said: “I am very grateful to the members of the Larne Traders Forum for this opportunity to hear their views on how we can best move towards our goal of making the town centre a vibrant and thriving area.

“The Masterplan for Larne Town Centre provides a sharp focus for private sector businesses and developers to work closely in partnership with the Council and other statutory bodies to achieve this.

“It is particularly important in these difficult economic times that we maximise any opportunity to encourage economic growth.

“In my view, Government investment in urban regeneration should be a key part of the strategy to bring our economy out of recession. Pound for pound, money invested in regeneration has some of the biggest economic impacts as it encourages new development, new work for the construction industry, new business opportunities and new jobs. I will continue to make this case to my Executive Colleagues.

"I want to be explicit and clearly understood. I want to avoid Larne, and all the other towns like Larne who are producing masterplans and attempting to move town centres forward, becoming frustrated by any decisions that slow down the potential to protect jobs and build new employment opportunities. If urban regeneration is not properly funded, town centres will not properly grow and prosper. I will be doing everything I can in the next few months to try and convince my Executive colleagues that investing in Masterplans makes economic sense.”

Speaking after the meeting with the Minister, the Chairman of Larne Traders Forum, John Shannon said: “We appreciate the interest and support that the Minister has shown in Larne by coming to the town to meet us today. We feel that this type of face-to-face dialogue is extremely useful in ensuring that the views and ideas of the private sector contribute to town centre regeneration. The Forum will continue to work with all those with an interest in making Larne town centre vibrant and attractive for everyone.”

Notes for editors:

1. Larne Town Centre masterplan was launched on 2 June 2010.
2. A strategic partnership is currently being formed through Larne Borough Council which will take forward implementation of the masterplan.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.