Minister Ritchie is in Newtownards today to view the exhibition outlining draft Masterplan proposals on display in the Town Hall, Conway Square.
The Masterplan identifies the key town centre sites for regeneration along with suggested timings for works over the next 20 years. Proposals include:
- Creating a new retail centre around High Street/ Court Street to meet the needs of the independent retailers and provide new shop units;
- Improving the public spaces in order to reinvigorate the streets; making them more pedestrian and cycle friendly; and
- The redesign of Conway Square into a focal point and meeting place for Newtownards, allowing the Square to act as a location for events and the weekly market.
Margaret Ritchie said: “The publication and exhibition of the draft masterplan provides a great opportunity for the people of Newtownards to come and see the proposals aimed at ensuring the long term viability and vitality of the town centre. I am therefore calling on everyone with a vested interest in the future of the town to give their views on how the town should adapt, grow and develop over the next 20 years.
“The selection of local and independent retailers clearly demonstrates that the people of Newtownards are proud of their town. I believe this masterplan provides us with realistic proposals that will not only help to sustain the town’s present success and unique character, but also position the town so it can compete for investment long into the future.
“Stimulating investment may be challenging in these difficult economic times; however in order to sustain the economic vibrancy of the town, we must be ready to provide the development opportunities that will no doubt be taken up in the coming years.”
Mayor of Ards, Councillor Billy Montgomery, highlighted the Council's support for the Master Plan work. He said: "An already vibrant town can be made even more sustainable through exciting and contemporary proposals which retain our distinctiveness, and proudly showcase Newtownards to an even bigger audience of shoppers, visitors and local people. This is another boost for the town and local input is greatly appreciated at this time.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Draft Master Plan display is available for viewing in Newtownards Town Hall from 7 January 2010 until 5 March 2010. The Draft Plans are also available on http://www.shopnewtownards.com
, http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/indes/consultations.htm and http://www.ards-council.gov.uk.
2. An exhibition outlining the draft Masterplan proposals for the town will be on display in the Town Hall Centre from 1.00pm on Thursday 7 January 2010 for eight weeks.
3. DSD working with Ards Borough Council appointed a team of specialists led by Tribal to produce the Regeneration Master Plan for Newtownards Town Centre.
4. The Masterplan assignment commenced on 29 May 2009.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
