Ritchie views progress on regeneration potential in Craigavon

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was in Craigavon today to see at first hand the progress made to revitalise the three town centre areas of Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown.

The Minister met an advisory group established by her Department to oversee the creation of an Integrated Development Framework for Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown.

Margaret Ritchie said: “We need to have an Integrated Development Framework for Craigavon to assist with the prioritisation of development opportunities across the three town centres. A complex relationship exists between them and intervention is critical to secure a sustainable, prosperous, economic future for the areas as a whole.

“The main aim of this work is to ensure that Craigavon will have three complementary and successful centres, all with a unique offering within Northern Ireland. They each will have a distinct role and identity and will benefit from a greatly enhanced environment and range of facilities.”

In January 2008, the Minister announced funding for the production of the Integrated Development Framework to revitalise the Craigavon Urban Area.

The framework proposals will identify key sites for regeneration and, in particular, how surplus land can be exploited to assist in the regeneration of the three town centres in Craigavon.

It is also considering transport, access and parking arrangements and advice on how public areas can be improved to enhance the appeal of Lurgan, Portadown and Central Craigavon to shoppers, visitors and investors.

Margaret Ritchie continued saying: “A draft of the Framework will be on public display in the coming months and I hope as many people as possible view and comment on it. I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on the regeneration of this area and to receive feed back from the public consultations.

“I would like to thank the Advisory Group for giving their time, experience and expertise to the development of the Framework. They lead by example by working closely with my Department, the Council and Tribal Consulting Ltd. I know they all have an interest in providing a better future for Craigavon.”

There will be extensive consultation on the plans as they are developed. The consultants are working closely with both public and private sector interests, particularly those who trade or have land holdings in the area.

The framework is also taking into account the major public realm schemes affecting Lurgan and Portadown, in which the DSD is investing £3.5million.

Margaret Ritchie concluded saying: “My Department is committed to working closely with the Craigavon Borough Council to do what we can to regenerate and revitalise Craigavon. This work will be completed during 2009 and I have no doubt that it will start a process of transformation throughout the Craigavon Urban Area.”

In response the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Meta Crozier said: “Craigavon Borough Council is pleased to work with the Department for Social Development on the Craigavon Integrated Development framework to determine the way forward for our urban centres of Lurgan, Portadown and Craigavon Central. It is important to have evidence based approach on what the needs are for our two traditional towns of Lurgan and Portadown and the new town of Craigavon Central and we welcome examining this in an integrated approach.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Tribal Consulting Ltd is a firm of specialist urban regeneration consultants and was appointed to develop the Integrated Development Framework for the Craigavon Urban area.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.