At the launch of the Masterplan, which was funded by her Department, the Minister said that the town centre Masterplan would be used to guide future regeneration proposals for the town.
She said: “Ballymena has been a very successful town in recent years. However, no town centre can afford to be complacent in the current tough economic conditions. That is why it is important that each town centre has a clear vision of how it wants to develop and sound plans for how we are going to achieve that vision.”
The town centre Masterplan lists 41 initiatives which will help direct Ballymena’s regeneration over the next 10-15 years. These initiatives range from the identification of key development sites, improved public realm, measures to positively influence perceptions of the area’s safety to improved sustainable transport.
Margaret Ritchie went on to say: “The masterplan that I am launching today sets out a clear aims for the town’s future which build on its existing strengths and the opportunities and potential growth for the future. It also identifies the initiatives to be taken forward to achieve these aims.”
“It is important that my Department now works with all the stakeholders to prioritise these initiatives to ensure that they are taken forward. The regeneration of Ballymena is vital to the local people, and I will strive to ensure that all works reflect the aspirations of everyone involved.”
The Major of Ballymena Borough Council, Councillor Maurice Mills added: “The Council welcomes the publication of the Ballymena town centre Masterplan. We appreciate that we are in difficult economic times. However, Ballymena Borough Council is committed to doing all we can to minimise the impact in our town by planning for the future. This Masterplan will go some way in achieving that, making our town ready for the challenges ahead.”
The Chairman of Ballymena Town Partnership Alderman PJ McAvoy added: “We welcome the launch of the Ballymena Town Centre Masterplan, a comprehensive document which has had input from key stakeholders, Councillors, statutory agencies and business people. We look forward to working together to see the plan being implemented over the next few years and believe it will have a positive impact on Ballymena as a whole.”
Notes to editors
- The Ballymena Masterplan is available on line at www.dsdni.gov.uk/rdo-bmena-masterplan
or from the Regional Development Office, 62-68 Church Street, and Ballymena. - View pictures of the launch of the Ballymena Town Centre Masterplan
- The Masterplan, which had been on display for a six week consultation period, was launched at a reception in the Braid today 22 April 2009.
- The Masterplan was prepared by the Paul Hogarth company on behalf of the Department for Social Development.
- Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 02890829078. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
