Givan announces £140,000 boost for Dromore

Date published: 5 October 2016

Department for Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA has announced funding of £140,000 to revitalise Dromore Town Centre.

This latest scheme will enhance and complement works already undertaken across the Council and will include:-

• Improved car parking facilities
• Improvements to shop fronts
• Screening and greening around derelict sites
• Community garden workshops/events; and
• Promotion & marketing

The works will strengthen and improve existing retail provision and promote Dromore as a shopping and tourist destination.

Minister Givan said: "This injection of funding will aim to invigorate, revitalise and enhance the commercial core of Dromore town centre which will in turn benefit the local retailers, businesses, residents and visitors alike.”

The Department for Communities is providing £100,000 towards the project, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is contributing £15,000 and in addition there will be a private sector contribution of £25,000.

The Minister continued: “I am encouraged by the commitment of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Dromore Chamber of Commerce in their continued effort to work with local businesses to regenerate Dromore town centre and I anticipate that this funding will prove beneficial to their aims.

“As Minister for Communities, I am aware of the current difficulties facing our towns and cities but I feel strongly that these revitalisation plans will provide a vital step in protecting the future prosperity of Dromore.”

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating said: “The Council is committed to driving forward initiatives within our urban centres to ensure they remain viable and sustainable through the ongoing challenging times for the high street. Dromore town centre has a number of quality businesses who provide a great service to residents and visitors to the area and it is important we continue to support them.

"The Dromore Revitalise Project has been generated in conjunction with local people and the initiatives will assist in the improvement and future development of the town centre. In particular we want to ensure that as many businesses as possible benefit from the shop front improvement grants available and would encourage business and commercial property owners to contact the town centre manager to see how they can avail of this worthwhile project.”