Ritchie announces major transport study for Lisburn

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced that work has started on a major assessment of traffic and transport in Lisburn.

The Paul Hogarth Company, supported by JMP Consultants Limited, was recently appointed to prepare a comprehensive and detailed transport study to address the development potential of Lisburn’s Laganbank Quarter. The study is being jointly funded by the Department for Social Development and Lisburn City Council.

Speaking about the study the Minister said: “Earlier this year, I visited Lisburn to announce the start of work on a masterplan for Lisburn City Centre. The masterplan will help to guide the regeneration and development of Lisburn over the coming years. If the masterplan is to succeed, Lisburn will need to have the right transport infrastructure to support its growth. That is why my Department, in partnership with Lisburn City Council, is funding this vital study of traffic and transport in Lisburn and how they may be affected by the developments proposed for the city.”

The transport study will examine the current traffic and transport situation in Lisburn. It will also assess the potential impact on traffic of the new development proposed for the Laganbank Quarter, the key development opportunity sites within the city centre and the proposed developments at Sprucefield, Blaris and the Maze.

Reinforcing her commitment to regenerating our towns and cities, Margaret Ritchie also said: “I want us all to play our part in setting out a powerful vision for urban regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland. The current city centre masterplan exercise is one example of that in action. I recognise that development and growth will bring traffic and that we need to consider the traffic impact of the potential developments in Lisburn. I welcome the opportunity that the transport study provides to address these issues and complement the masterplan. I also support the extensive efforts that are being made in Lisburn by Lisburn City Council, Lisburn City Centre Management and my Department to bring forward development opportunities within the Laganbank and Historic Quarters as well as the wider city centre of Lisburn.”

Working directly with the commissioning team, The Paul Hogarth Company will also be liaising with other key stakeholders including DRD Roads Service, DoE Planning Service and considering private sector interests with current development proposals or opportunity sites, in order to help realise new investment projects for Lisburn City.

Councillor Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Economic Development Committee stated: “The Council welcomes the support of the Department and is pleased to be able to co-fund this important study. It will help us to understand the impact of traffic flow and transport considerations to optimize the development of the Laganbank Quarter and other city centre initiatives.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Transport Study for Lisburn City will be produced by the Paul Hogarth Company in conjunction with JMP, a firm of specialist traffic and transport consultants.
2. The total cost of the assignment is £95,609. The funding will be provided by the Department for Social Development and Lisburn City Council.
3. An existing development framework is in place for Lisburn Laganbank Quarter covering the Linenhall Street and Young Street areas, which are known collectively as the ‘Laganbank Quarter’.
4. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 / 07970 976 894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.