Attwood announces new vision for Lisburn City Centre

Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood today unveiled a blueprint for the future development of Lisburn.

The Lisburn Masterplan aims to transform the physical, social and economic fabric of the city.  The objectives for the future regeneration of Lisburn which are laid out in the document launched today include:

• rejuvenating the historic Market Square as the heart of the City Centre;
• investing in a high quality public realm to support private investment in the City Centre;
• reconnecting the City Centre with the River Lagan and
• creating a portfolio of development opportunity sites to help attract inward investment.

The Masterplan is supported by a major Transport Study, also launched today, which has examined the future development of the transport system in the greater Lisburn area.

Alex Atwood said: “The regeneration of Lisburn’s city centre has a pivotal role to play in its future economic success. The masterplan along with the transport study will guide development and ensure that Lisburn is able to compete with other major towns and cities while maintaining its distinctiveness and environmental heritage for generations to come.”  

The Minister continued: “Revitalising the city centre and attracting future investment whilst retaining its uniqueness is key to Lisburn’s long term shopping, business and tourist appeal.”

The masterplan was funded by the Department for Social Development.  The proposals contained with the document launched today were finalised after a period of public consultation in late 2009 and early 2010 on draft proposals.

The Transport Study was jointly funded by Department for Social Development and Lisburn City Council.

The Minister was joined by representatives of Lisburn City Council and Lisburn City Centre Management who worked jointly with GVA Grimley Consultants to prepare the final masterplan.  

His right worshipful the Mayor Alderman Paul Porter, welcomed the Minister to Lisburn and thanked him for the Departments support for taking forward this important initiative for the city of Lisburn.  He said at the launch event: “I am pleased to be involved with such an exciting time for Lisburn City and can see a wonderful opportunity for us to be very positive about our future.  It is important that Lisburn develops further as a strong and regionally significant city offering a range of high quality facilities and attractions for investors and visitors alike.”     

Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Economic Development Committee added: “This innovative Masterplan provides the Council with the platform to attract and co-ordinate private investment to the City that will be crucial in the efforts of the Council and its’ partners to secure the City Centre’s economic future.  We must continue to work together with the private sector and the Department to implement the Masterplan recommendations and ensure Lisburn attracts development to deliver an attractive environment along with new and improved commercial properties, new homes and an enhanced range of jobs for the benefit of the whole of Lisburn and the surrounding area.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Masterplan for Lisburn City was produced by GVA Grimley in association with EDAW, Faber Maunsell and Berwin Leighton. The document is available at www.dsdni.gov.uk
2. The Transport Study for Lisburn City was produced by the Paul Hogarth Company in conjunction with JMP, a firm of specialist traffic and transport consultants.
3. Lisburn City Centre Management is a public/private partnership established to improve, promote and sustain the vitality, viability and long-term economic growth of the city centre.  LCCM works with a wide range of stakeholders to develop the city centre as a premier retail and business location and an attractive environment for living, work and leisure.
4. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496/07920 186639.  Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.