£3.4 million public realm improvements for Coalisland

The Department for Communities is to invest over £3m in public realm improvements due to get underway in Coalisland shortly.

This scheme focuses on improving the core retail and commercial areas of Coalisland town centre by delivering improvements to the roads, paving, footpaths, drainage, landscaping, street lighting, street furniture, signage, planting and provision for festive lighting infrastructure. 

Mid Ulster District Council is also investing in the major project which aims to increase confidence in the town centre.

Announcing the funding, Paul McNaught from the Department for Communities, said: “This public realm scheme for Coalisland is the latest in a series of regeneration projects supported by the Department in the Mid Ulster area. This investment in Coalisland town centre will enhance and modernise this important retail core.  It is anticipated that the public realm scheme will help to stimulate business, increase footfall, improve pedestrian safety and enhance the local community’s environment, laying the foundations for future development and investment.”

The scheme will enhance movement and safety throughout the town, improve pedestrian access for all, decrease the number of derelict properties and provide new lighting to improve safety within the town centre thus reducing the potential for anti-social behaviour.  Improved traffic management and parking lies at the heart of the scheme and will see the introduction of formalised accessible parking bays, additional off-street car parking and improved road markings and signage.

Welcoming the Department’s confirmation of funding, Chair of the Council, Councillor Sean McPeake, said: “This news follows successful planning approval for what is a multi-million pound investment in Coalisland which will transform the town centre, not only enhancing the appearance, but also addressing issues with parking and traffic flow. 

“High quality public realm schemes like this contribute to the revitalisation of our town centres, encouraging visitors to the retail core and supporting wider business development.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3505 or email: press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 90378110.
2. Follow us on Twitter- @CommunitiesNI

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