DSD will be partner in new plans to 'Transform' Portrush

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA visited Portrush today to lend her support to ambitious plans to transform the North coast resort.

She said: “Coleraine Borough Council and the Portrush Regeneration group have produced an exciting vision to regenerate the Western Peninsula of the town. I share this vision for Portrush and have agreed that my Department will work in partnership with the Council to take forward the proposals in the strategy.

“The plans are ambitious and have the potential to transform one of Northern Ireland’s most important seaside resorts. Its location, close to the Giant’s Causeway and the other tourist attractions of the North Coast, means that it has a major role to play in boosting tourism here and in Northern Ireland as a whole. I am sure that by working together we can jointly secure the future prosperity and success of the Portrush and the whole North Coast.”

During her visit, the Minister met elected Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council and members of the Portrush Regeneration Group and was given a guided tour of the area which the regeneration strategy aims to develop. She also enjoyed a helicopter ride around Portrush which had been organised by Coleraine Borough Council to provide her with a clearer view of the scale and likely impact of the planned regeneration scheme.

Welcoming the Minister’s visit to Portrush, Maurice Bradley, the Mayor of Coleraine, said: “The Portrush Regeneration Group has provided an exciting blueprint for the transformation of Portrush. It contains a series of proposed developments which can contribute to the social and economic revitalisation of the resort. Council welcomes the strategy and I would congratulate the Members of the Group on commitment and vision they have shown on bringing it to this stage. The plan comes at a time when tourism in Northern Ireland is making great progress and the future looks bright.

“On behalf of Council I would like to thank the Minister for the work of the DSD Officials who have made a substantial input to the strategy to date. The priority now is the delivery of the plan and converting the vision into reality. We look forward to working in partnership with DSD on the implementation stage. This is an ambitious plan and I am confident that a partnership approach is the key to successfully meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Portrush Regeneration Group was established by Coleraine Borough Council in 2005 deliver a sustainable strategy for the social, economic and environmental regeneration of Portrush. The members of the group are:

• Richard Sterling – Chairman
• David Alexander – Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Ashley Moore – The Whitehouse, Portrush.
• Mary O’Neill - Marketing Manager Ramada Hotel, Portrush
• Cllr Gilkinson - Coleraine Borough Council
• Professor Stephen Boyd – University of Ulster
• Ken Bustard – DOE Planning
• Ian Snowden - DSD
• Moira Mann – Head of Development Services Coleraine Borough Council
• Peter Thompson – Tourism Manager C Borough Council

2. In June 2006, the Portrush regeneration Group appointed GVA Grimley to produce a regeneration strategy for the western part of the Portrush peninsula, taking in the Recreation Grounds on Ramore Head and the Metropole Park. The consultants produced their final report in March 2007 and it was adopted by the Council in June 2007.

3. The strategy includes proposals to extend the harbour to create a marina, extensive public realm improvements to Town Hall Square and the development of a 4 start hotel spa and conference centre. If implemented, the expected benefits of the strategy would include an improving the quality of the accommodation and services on offer to tourists in Portrush and extending the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.

4. For further information, contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.