Ritchie makes Lurgan and Portadown transformations a reality

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie today welcomed the appointment of SIAC (NI) Ltd as the preferred contractor to carry out major regeneration works in Lurgan and Portadown.

The Public Realm Improvements, to which the Department will contribute £3.5million, will greatly enhance both town centres by improving accessibility, creating a more pedestrian friendly urban environment and providing a safe and attractive place for people to live and work.

Minister Ritchie said: “I am delighted therefore to announce that SIAC (NI) Ltd has been appointed to deliver these significant environmental improvement schemes in Lurgan and Portadown town centres. These improvements will be a major boost for the towns, injecting a much needed vibrancy into the heart of the town centres and fundamentally making them more appealing to tourists, residents and businesses.

“These projects provide excellent examples of what can be achieved by partnership working between my Department, councils and other statutory bodies. I am confident that the same benefits will be delivered in both Lurgan and Portadown as have been delivered elsewhere. My Department is contributing £3.5million to these very worthy regeneration projects and I look forward to the work commencing later this year.”

The Minister acknowledged the fundamental role of Craigavon Borough Council who will lead the delivery of the public realm schemes. Guided by a steering group consisting of elected members and representatives from Portadown 2000, Lurgan Forward, Translink, Planning Service, Roads Service, NI Water and the Department for Social Development, the works will commence in the autumn and will create new jobs in the construction industry

Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Mrs Meta Crozier commented: "I am delighted that the contractors have now been appointed and that the Public Realm work can start at last in both Lurgan and Portadown. The investment will bring some local employment within the construction industry and ensure that our town centres are fit for the 21st century. This is great news for Craigavon and will contribute to both town centres regeneration and development."

Notes to editors:

1. There is a total funding package of £5.3million for Portadown, this consists of a £3.1million contribution from the Integrated Development Fund; £600,000 from Craigavon Borough Council; £100,000 from DRD Roads Service and £1.5million from DSD.
2. There is a total funding package of £2.7million for Lurgan, this consists of £600,000 from Craigavon Borough Council; £100,000 from DRD Roads Service; and £2million from DSD.
3. SIAC (NI) Ltd, part of the larger SIAC Construction Ltd which operates throughout the UK and Ireland. SIAC (NI) Ltd is a local employer based in Newry and undertakes civil engineering and building construction works.
4. 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.