The proposed regeneration works in Lower English Street will receive funding of £47,500 from the Department for Social Development, with the balance being provided by Armagh City & District Council and DRD Roads Service.
Margaret Ritchie said: “This is more good news for the people of Armagh. This funding will further enhance the recently completed major Public Realm scheme in Armagh City Centre. It provides an opportunity to make this part of the city centre a much safer and more pleasant place to visit and work. The scheme will restore this vital commercial area of the City and help to promote further investment in the area, both from new business opportunities and existing business tenants.
“My Department will continue to work closely with Armagh City & District Council and DRD Roads Service to ensure that this scheme is successfully delivered. I would like to extend my thanks to the people and businesses of Armagh City for their continued cooperation and support, and hope that this further regeneration will assist the evening economy in Armagh City Centre.”
This improvement scheme will complement the Council’s planned works in Dawson Street and Cathedral Road, which will link the two important ecclesiastical Cathedrals in the City and improve pedestrian circulation around the Shambles Roundabout.
The scheme will commence in March 2010 and includes new granite paving, new lighting and improved pedestrian access.
Mayor of Armagh Councillor Thomas O'Hanlon, welcomed the extension of the Armagh Environmental Improvement Scheme to the lower English Street area and thanked DSD and Roads Service for their funding contributions. Mayor O'Hanlon said: “This extension will be a fitting conclusion to the Public Realm scheme already delivered and will greatly enhance the urban environment of the City Centre. It will greatly improve a very busy area of the city which has not had any substantial investment in many years. This investment is very much welcomed by local traders, residents and public representatives. With other planned initiatives such as the redevelopment of the Shambles Yard and the Dawson Street project there is much more investment planned for this area in the coming months.”
Art O’ Hagan, Chair of Armagh City Centre Management said: “The Public realm scheme in Armagh has been evolving with many streets now restored and this recent extension is a tremendous boost for the city. The urban fabric of the city streets has changed dramatically and this will be an added attractor for local people, visitors and investors.”
Notes to editors:
- The total funding package for the lower English Street area scheme is £95,000 and consists of £47,500 from DSD, £40,000 from Armagh City & District Council and £7,500 from DRD Roads Service, (with an ‘in-kind’ contribution for professional and technical services).
- This scheme is further to significant public realm works recently completed in Armagh City Centre. DSD contributed £3.7million to the original completed scheme which ended at the Shambles Roundabout. The extension of improvement works to Lower English Street will ensure the sustainability of this important commercial area in line with adjacent improved areas.
- Media enquiries to 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.
