The development scheme
The key regeneration objectives for the scheme are to create an innovative and inclusive place of the highest urban design quality, which is outward facing and connects with the town centre.
This includes:
- improving the existing landscape features and ensuring the proposal properly integrates with the urban fabric of Downpatrick town centre.
- enhancing the public realm and open space, ensuring its on-going management, maintenance and accessibility and
- Promoting a mix of uses complementing existing town centre uses.
The ultimate aim is to create a destination that will attract activity and increased footfall throughout the day and evening.
The first stage of the project is to carry out a Soft Market Test & Consultation exercise whereby Expressions Of Interest will be sought from potential developers business users and investors. This will place the Department and Council in a fully informed position regarding appetite within the market place and it will contribute to the formulation of a full “Development Brief” which will issue later in the autumn.
A virtual Soft Market Test webpage has also been developed to support the consultation process. The virtual room enables access to the Brochure which provides specific details on the site, a site map and drone footage of the site. It also enables developers & the general public to complete the Expression of Interest proforma and submit comments online.
The closing date for submissions is 18 September 2020