Lurgan For Living

Many hundreds of people from Northern Ireland and from around the globe have been attracted by the opportunity of living and working in the safe and attractive environment of Lurgan.

With a population of 38,000 Lurgan’s reputation as an excellent place to live has seen the number of commuters rise as there is a very high quality of life for residents. Lurgan also benefits from excellent community facilities, outstanding housing and first class educational and leisure facilities.

Housing

There is a varied range of living accommodation to suit everyone from new housing developments to contemporary apartments and attractive townhouses.

The towns’ current housing stock as cited in the 2001 census as consisting of 15,272 dwellings: approx 74% are privately owned and 26% are rented accommodation.

Schools

Lurgan is home to, 19 Primary Schools, 5 Secondary Schools including Grammar, Comprehensive, Junior and Senior Colleges. Lurgan also has 2 Special Schools and a College of Further Education.

Health Care

Local hospitals, healthcare and day care centres all offer outstanding standards of service.

Education

71.8% of young people in Lurgan progress to higher or university education compared to 61.7% in the rest of Northern Ireland.

66.7% of young people in Lurgan achieved 5 or more G.C.S.E's compared to 58.6% in the rest of Northern Ireland.

(SOURCE NISRA – 2002)

LOTS (Living Over the Shop) Grant Aid

Many towns in Northern Ireland are seen as places which have too many empty buildings and are only "alive" during shopping hours. At the same time more and more people are interested in the idea of living in the centre of towns. Craigavon Borough Council has seen that they can bring the Town Centre back to life during the evenings and weekends by offering the opportunity for people to live in town centres.

The housing executive has responded to this issue by introducing the concept of Town Centre Living Initiative areas. This concept is based on the Living over the Shop (LOTS) scheme introduced on a pilot basis in 2002.

Properties within the designated Town Centre Living Initiative Area boundaries are eligible for grant aid.

Landlords can be given a grant of up to 75% of the cost of eligible expenses up to a maximum of £25,000 where one flat or house is created or £30,000 where there is more than one flat.

Owner Occupiers can receive up to £25,000 but will be subject to a means test (Test of Resources).

For further infomation please visit the Executive's website: www.nihe.gov.uk