Ritchie calls for views on Larne’s future regeneration proposals

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today called on everyone in the Larne area to view proposals for the regeneration of the town Centre.

The draft proposals, developed over the past year have identified development opportunities for a number of key sites across the town centre including:

- new waterfront developments on the edge of Larne Lough;
- the provision of new retail space and leisure uses by redeveloping derelict and rundown areas;
- improvements to open public spaces and linkages within the town centre; and
- establishing and promoting Larne as an Eco-Town.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I hope that the ideas put forward in these proposals for Larne town centre will energise people from this area, as well as the local traders, business owners and potential investors to put forward their views. Larne has so much to offer and it is vital that we get as many opinions and thoughts on these proposals, so we all take the right steps forward together in a shared future for the better.”

Mayor of Larne, Councillor Bobby McKee MBE said: “I am very pleased that the Minister was able to visit Larne today to attend the opening of the public consultation for the masterplan for Larne Town Centre. Larne Borough Council has worked closely with DSD and their consultants over the past few months and I would encourage all local residents and businesses to view the proposals. I hope that everyone will submit their views and comments on the proposals so that the Masterplan takes account of a wide range of opinion. By working together, everyone can contribute to a vibrant and prosperous town centre.”

The Larne Town Centre draft proposals will be available throughout the consultation period on the Department for Social Development and Larne Borough Council websites. They will also be on display in the following locations on the specified dates only:

Tourist Information Centre - Narrow Gauge Road, Larne BT40 1XB
Dates – 2 December 2009 – 31 December 2009
Times – Mon to Fri (9.00 am – 5.00 pm)
Sat 5 & 12 December only (10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Larne Leisure Centre - Tower Road, Larne BT40 1AB
Dates – 2 January 2010 – 19 January 2010
Times – Mon – Fri (9.00 am – 10.00 pm)
Sat (9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
Sun (10.00 am – 5.00 pm)

During the initial consultation period up to 8 December the display boards will be attended during the times from 10.00am – 4.00pm for anyone requiring further explanation of the proposals.

Notes to editors:

1. The proposals have been produced by AECOM Consultants in association with EDAW and Faber Maunsell.
2. Funding of the masterplan process has been provided by the Department for Social Development.
3. The Department has worked closely with Larne Borough Council to develop these concepts in conjunction with AECOM Consultants.
4. The consultation period will last approximately seven weeks (excluding holiday periods) from 2 December 2009 until 19 January 2010.
5. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.