Minister Ní Chuilín announces the start of £1.4m public realm scheme

A £1.4m public realm scheme that will transform Dromore town centre has formally commenced.

The improvements to the Market Square, Church Street and Bridge Street areas of the town will include resurfacing of footways in natural stone, upgrade of street lighting, installation of new street furniture, tree planting and bespoke features reflecting the historic fabric of the town.

The Department for Communities contributed approximately £900,000, with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council contributing a further £481,542 and the Department for Infrastructure funding £51,000.

Announcing the start of the scheme, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said:

“I am delighted to announce the start of this public realm scheme in Dromore town centre. My Department works closely with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council to support the regeneration of the borough and this scheme will help to improve the appearance and also the safety of Dromore town centre.

“This historic market town offers a good range of independent shops, many owned by local families and I know this investment will improve the area for local residents and traders and hopefully encourage visitors and investment in the town.” 

Equally delighted to see the public realm works get underway in Dromore, Lord Mayor Kevin Savage said:

“This scheme will provide high quality improvements within the Town Centre Conservation Area and focus on outer Market Square, Bridge Street and Church Street.

“New pavements, street lighting, street furniture, signage and decorative features along with an enhanced shared space will complement previous works at Dromore Town Hall in the central area of Market Square.

“Natural materials with bespoke design features will reflect the town’s unique history and conservation area designation.

“Due to complete in spring 2021, it is anticipated that the scheme will transform the historic town centre’s physical environment and make it a more welcoming, vibrant, creative, enterprising and accessible urban environment for all users. 

“Thanks to central government funding and in particular major investment from the Department for Communities, we can now move forward with our masterplan to enhance the attractiveness and vitality of Dromore, celebrate its heritage and support its continued economic growth.”

 

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo Caption: Pictured at the commencement of the £1.4m public realm scheme in Dromore are (L-R) Communities Minister Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, Eddie Quinn Chair of the Dromore Traders Association and Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Kevin Savage.
2. FP McCann has been appointed by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council to carry out the works.  During the construction works, a site office has been situated in the town centre with a dedicated public liaison officer on site to assist with queries from local businesses and residents.
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