Ritchie announces £1.5million towards makeover for Portadown town centre

Funding of £1.5million towards a public realm scheme for Portadown town centre has been announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today.

The work will enhance the town centre by improving accessibility, creating a more pedestrian friendly urban environment and providing a safe and attractive place for people to live and work.

Minister Ritchie said: “These improvements will be a boost for Portadown town centre making it more appealing to tourists, residents and businesses alike. I am pleased the funding has been confirmed and look forward to work commencing later in the year.”

The total funding package of £5.3million also includes a £3.1million contribution from the OFMDFM / DFP Integrated Development Fund. Craigavon Borough Council are contributing over half a million pounds to the scheme with DRD Roads Service contributing £100,000.

Craigavon Borough Council will lead the delivery of the public realm scheme, guided by a steering group consisting of elected members and representatives from Portadown 2000, Translink, Planning Service, Roads Service, NI Water and the Department for Social Development.

"These are exciting times for Portadown and this investment will transform the town centre to the benefit of all" commented Alderman Stephen Moutray, Chairman of Development Committee, Craigavon Borough Council.

The scheme is an integral part of the Portadown Development Framework which is currently being delivered by Portadown 2000 and its partners.

Notes to Editors:

1. The purpose of the Integrated Development Fund (IDF) is to provide additional support to strong wide-ranging partnerships in selected pilot local areas to enable the production and implementation of agreed comprehensive strategies to develop and regenerate those areas in an integrated way.
2. The pilot areas are: West Belfast/Greater Shankill; Derry City/North West; South Down Fishing Villages; and, Portadown.
3. Portadown 2000, a Company funded by Craigavon Borough Council in relation to its town centre management role, and since 2006, by the Department for Social Development via IDF support, in seeking to stimulate and guide the regeneration of Portadown.
4. A range of conceptual ideas were proposed for the town in the Portadown Development Framework (the ‘PDF’) which was originally published in 2002 and which has recently been re-launched. These conceptual ideas were the subject of an extensive consultation exercise.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.