The proposed development would see over 30 units of mixed tenure housing with some supporting neighbourhood retail and office accommodation erected on the vacant site.
Margaret Ritchie said: “This is a significant milestone in the regeneration process for the Curran Street site. It offers a unique and exciting opportunity for developers to create a new piece of history by regenerating a corner of Portadown that has been derelict for many years.
“This will be a major boost for the residents of the town; providing much needed housing and business space for local people and helping to create jobs in this area of need.
“My Department has been working diligently with local representatives and Statutory Bodies in assessing how the site could be revitalised, and we are now confident that the site will be regenerated to its best use. We are committed in setting out a powerful vision for urban regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland and Portadown is part of that vision.”
The process to appoint a developer to acquire the site and deliver the scheme, as laid out in the Department’s Development Proposal, will commence shortly. A short-list of interested developers will then be asked to submit bids to purchase and develop the site before a ‘Preferred Developer’ is selected. It is envisaged the successful developer will be appointed by summer 2010.
Notes to editors:
- The redevelopment of the Curran Street will be taken forward by the Department for Social Development’s Southern Regional Development Office, Banbridge Business Centre, 62 Scarva Road, Banbridge, BT32 3QD.
- The Department of Finance and Personnel, Central Procurement Directorate “New to View” advertisement provides all tender opportunities for works, supplies and services and is published in the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and the News Letter newspapers.
- Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
