The minister made the announcement following her recent successful visit to the towns last week.
Margaret Ritchie said: “I was very impressed by the case made to me for the preparation of Town Centre Masterplans when I met with the Town Centre Forums for Magherafelt and Cookstown last week. Taking into account the comments and suggestions made during those meetings, I have decided to proceed immediately with the appointment of Consultants.
"These will be prepared under the leadership of DSD, but in association with the two District Councils and the respective Town Centre Forums. I would expect the work to take approximately one year to complete.
"These two new plans will join the almost completed masterplan for Dungannon to provide a trinity of up-to-date documents covering the new Mid Ulster Council area.”
The Masterplans will cover the future development of the town centre areas, and will provide guidance for public and private sector projects and development over the next 10 to 15 years.
Notes to editors:
- The consultants are expected to be appointed by the end of March this year, and the two Masterplans should be ready for publication within 12 months.
- There will be a six week period of public consultation included when the draft plans will be put on display at locations in the two towns
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of Office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440, and your call will be returned.
