Ritchie calls for views on the regeneration of Carrickfergus town centre

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has today called on the people of Carrickfergus to express their views on a new masterplan for Carrickfergus town centre.

The draft plan identifies key town centre sites for redevelopment and regeneration along with the most appropriate form and timing of the works. It will include:

• regenerating the town centre with specific emphasis in the Historic Core, Castle Esplanade, Irish Quarter, Joymount and the Waterfront area;
• strengthening connections between the Irish Quarter and the town centre, incorporating green links and highlighting the gasworks museum;
• a new network of streets from the Joymount area to the Waterfront to boost maritime and leisure activities;
• upgrading the Castle Esplanade area with proposals for a flexible venue for events and activities; and
• connecting the historic core with the Waterfront area whilst highlighting its heritage assets.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Carrickfergus to help shape the future of their town. I am therefore calling on everyone with a vested interest in its future to give their views on the ideas that we have come up with.

“I believe the masterplan provides us with an ambitious yet realistic vision that will make best use of the town’s iconic assets, whilst protecting its ongoing success and prosperity.

“This will be quite a challenge in the current difficult economic climate. However, I am encouraged by the willingness of the private sector to get involved in the process through the Carrickfergus Development Company. I trust that the development opportunities will be taken up in the coming years, thereby increasing the economic vibrancy of the town and helping to promote Carrickfergus’ proud heritage.”

Alderman Patricia McKinney, Mayor of Carrickfergus Borough Council said: "I am delighted to launch this consultation. The Carrickfergus masterplan is a celebration of the maritime nature of Carrickfergus. We hope that this consultation gives everyone in the town the opportunity to have their say and I would encourage everyone to give feedback so that the plan can truly contribute to making Carrickfergus a better place to live, work and visit.”

Jack Creighton Chairman of Carrickfergus Development Company said: “This plan is a huge opportunity for Carrickfergus to take its rightful place as one of Ireland's most Historic Towns. The business community has spent considerable time and effort over the last number of months contributing to the development of the vision and proposals contained in the plan. The Carrickfergus Development Company believes that this plan offers a unique opportunity to make Carrickfergus an exciting and unique place to shop, live and visit. I would encourage everyone with an interest in Carrickfergus to come and view the proposals and to have their say.”

Notes to editors:

1. An exhibition outlining the draft masterplan’s proposals for the town will be on display in Carrickfergus Civic Centre from 1.00pm on Thursday 3 September 2009 for six weeks.
2. The draft masterplan, produced by a team led by The Paul Hogarth Company, and funded by the Department for Social Development , aims to provide a clear strategy and process for managing the physical, economic and social transformation of Carrickfergus town centre.
3. Since the beginning of this year, Department officials and our consultants have been working with Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Carrickfergus Development Company to identify a new vision for this historic sea front town.
4. News media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078, mobile 07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned