Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie pledged to transform the site from its present visible image of neglect and poor economic confidence, to a vibrant regenerated area. New affordable housing and some new small businesses are expected.
Margaret Ritchie said: “This is good news for the people of Portadown. The regeneration of the Curran Street site will be a major boost for the town. It has been lying vacant for far too long and is a significant blight in the area. I am determined to transform it and it reflects my commitment to revitalising Portadown. That is why I am using vesting powers at my disposal to ensure progress, rather than waiting any longer."
“Since coming to office I have wanted to ensure that we play our part in setting out a powerful vision for urban regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland. Portadown is part of that. My Department’s Regional Development Office has been working diligently with the local North West Portadown Neighbourhood Partnership and Portadown 2000 to assess how this site can be regenerated. ”
The Curran Street site has been identified as part of a potential development site in the Craigavon 2010 Area Plan. However, no proposals have emerged, largely due to the fact that there is a multiplicity of owners. The Minister has therefore decided to use the vesting process to assemble the site. It will then be made available under a developer’s brief with a mixed use development of affordable housing and some small local business premises the likely outcome
Craigavon Borough Council is fully supportive of Minister Ritchie’s plans to vest the land and ensure its development for the benefit of the people of Portadown.
Notes to Editors:
- DSD is responsible for regeneration of urban areas in Northern Ireland. Its Regional Development Office takes forward regeneration of towns and cities outside of Belfast and North West from four main offices in Omagh, Ballymena, Banbridge and Belfast.
- The Department’s statutory regeneration authority derives from: Part VII of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended by the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, Article 31), which provides the legislative basis for comprehensive development schemes, land acquisition and disposal of land, and the extinguishment of public rights of way.
- 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, is seeking to stimulate and guide the regeneration of Portadown.
- 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.
