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Facelift for Town - 19 Jun 2008
LURGAN is set for a £2.7million facelift thanks to the Department of Social Development.LURGAN is set for a £2.7million facelift thanks to the Department of Social Development.
The funding package was announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie for a new high quality public realm scheme.
Charles Gardiner, Chairman of Lurgan Forward welcomed news of the investment. "Lurgan Forward has for the past three years been engaged with the statutory agencies to encourage and lobby for this investment.
"It is particularly heartening that Craigavon Borough Council is contributing such a sizeable amount to the scheme. The significant investment by the Department for Social Development is a foundation upon which to commence the transformation of Lurgan into the town centre it deserves to be.
"This investment will enable the realisation of the first phase of a reinvigoration scheme for Lurgan aimed to completely revitalise the town centre.
"The completion of the full vision as outlined within the Lurgan Development Framework document will require a similar sized investment. We will therefore continue to work with all stakeholders to seek and gain access to funds which will enable the full plans to be achieved."
Lurgan Forward said the investment will maximise opportunities for shoppers and on-street trading. The town centre will be better linked to side streets and will be more pedestrian friendly. The scheme will also boost the local economy and provide space for entertainment and other cultural activity.
The town management group hopes this will be achieved by improving the public realm, increasing footpath space while maintaining traffic throughput, creating dedicated service bays and improving lighting to benefit the evening economy.
Noel Ferguson, Town Centre Manager explained: "The envisioned design maximises pedestrian space, while maintaining traffic flows and providing a safer parking configuration which meets current safety standards.
"New stone paving which is designed to last, keeping its good looks for generations. renewed lighting and street furniture will shape the streets creating a safe and useable town centre."
"By treating the main street, side streets and accesses to car parks the whole town centre will be unified, enhancing the character of Lurgan and providing a setting for the many fine buildings.
"It represents a tangible opportunity to transform the physical environment and accrue the benefits of attracting inward investment, and sustaining a Lurgan full of vibrancy and vitality."
Margaret Ritchie said: "Our towns and cities are the life blood of our communities. I want to create urban areas that offer opportunities for employment, for leisure and for relaxation; shared spaces where people feel safe together. I want to encourage investment in our towns and cities that contribute to our growing economy.
"These improvements will significantly regenerate and re-establish Lurgan. They will help create a high quality town centre in keeping with its original character and appearance."
The total funding package of £2.7 million is made up of £2 million from DSD and also includes a £600,000 contribution from Craigavon Borough Council with Roads Service contributing £100,000.
Craigavon Borough Council will lead the public realm scheme, guided by a steering group consisting of elected members and representatives from Lurgan Forward, Planning Service, Roads Service, Translink, Water Service and the Department for Social Development.
Mayor of Craigavon Alderman Sidney Anderson said: "Craigavon Council is delighted to be involved with this scheme. This is a substantial investment in Lurgan which ultimately will make a real difference to the character of the town."