Ritchie calls for views on regeneration of Antrim Town Centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today urged the people of Antrim to have their say on a masterplan for the town centre.

The draft proposals aim to develop a number of key town centre sites which could potentially regenerate the local area. The plans include:

• the provision of new retail, residential and office space;
• improvements to open public spaces and links within the town centre;
• the provision of better access to the Six Mile Water river; and
• a new water front area for restaurants and cafes.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Antrim to help shape the future of their town. I am therefore calling on everyone interested in creating an exciting and vibrant town centre, to examine the draft proposals and express their views. These views can change Antrim and make it a better place to live, work and visit.”

Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Adrian Cochrane-Watson said: “I am delighted that the Minister visited Antrim today to launch the consultation period on DSD’s plans for Antrim town. It’s a real vote of confidence in Antrim and especially the Council’s own Masterplan. Input from all the local residents and businesses will be vital to ensure that this plan represents a shared vision. I would encourage everyone to give feedback so that the plan can truly contribute to making Antrim town a better place for everyone.”

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

• Castle Mall, Market Square, Antrim from Wednesday 21 October to Tuesday 3 November 2009;
• Antrim Forum, Lough Road, Antrim from Wednesday 4 November to Tuesday 17 November 2009; and
• Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim from Wednesday 18 November to Tuesday 1 December 2009.

Consultants will be available to discuss the proposals during the period from Wednesday 21 October to Friday 23 October at the Castle Mall centre from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm each day. DSD / Antrim Council staff will be available to discuss the proposals on the following dates/times:

• Saturday 24 October 10.00 am to 1.00 pm
• Monday 26 October 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
• Tuesday 27 October 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Notes to editors:

1. The proposals form part of the masterplanning process initially provided by Antrim Borough Council and have been produced by GVA Grimley in association with EDAW, Faber Maunsell and Berwin Leighton.
2. Funding for this part of the masterplan process has been provided by the Department for Social Development.
3. The Department has worked closely with Antrim Borough Council and the Antrim Masterplan Stakeholder Group, comprising statutory organisations and business representatives, to develop these concepts in conjunction with GVA Grimley Consultants.
4. The consultation period will last six weeks from 21 October until 1 December.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.