New Look for Town Centre Put on Display
Publish Date: Monday, 25 January 2010
Proposals for a £2.3M redevelopment of Dungannon town centre public realm are currently on public display. The Department for Social Development (DSD) is the core funder for the scheme which forms the first phase of a larger project taking in up to 11 town centre streets. The current phase of the scheme is centred around Market Square, Irish Street and Church Street.
The project is being delivered through DSD's Public Realm Programme which has funded schemes in Omagh, Cookstown, Portadown and Armagh.
The main objectives of the Dungannon Public Realm scheme are to:
Create a safe, high-quality pedestrian-friendly environment;
Create an improved space for markets and events;
Be accessible to pedestrians and vehicles;
Have free flowing traffic and retain most on-street car parking.
Under the proposals Market Square will be a focal point for civic events and the weekly flower market. The Public Realm Scheme works will revitalise and reinvigorate the town whilst being designed in such a way to complement and enhance the Council's separate development of Ranfurly House and Castle Hill as an environmental heritage site.
The works will include the provision of new footway & roadway surfaces with new stone kerbing. New street furniture, tree planting and lighting will all be put in place - in compliance and co-operation with the DRD Roads Service and to current DDA standards.
Disruption to the existing residential properties and business premises during the works will be considered in the planning of the works, minimising the effect on their daily operation as much as possible. A major emphasis is to be placed on high quality design, materials and construction while maintaining a sustainable design policy.
Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Robert Mulligan stated "The general public and in particular traders are encouraged to come along and view the proposals and feed their comments into the process." He added "This major Public Realm investment is an opportunity for Dungannon town centre to benefit both visually and physically from the proposed works, which will greatly assist in the Council's continuing efforts to secure and develop Dungannon's economic future".
Cllr Walter Cuddy, Chairman of Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) said: "It is fitting that the New Year brings with it a new opportunity for Dungannon through this £2.3million scheme which proposes the creation of a more pedestrian-friendly town centre and a more relaxed shopping environment. The exhibition provides a great opportunity for people to come and see the proposals aimed at ensuring the long term viability and vitality of the town centre."
Paul McCreedy, Town Development Manager said: "The scheme will regenerate the centre of Dungannon transforming it into an attractive high quality pedestrian-friendly environment. The project steering group has been working hard to come up with a solution that will meet our objectives, business needs and relevant legislation. Now it's up to the people of Dungannon to say what they think of the proposed solution."
The scheme proposals can be viewed at Dungannon Library and Ranfurly House from Wednesday 20th January to Friday 5th February (during normal opening hours). The Consultants will be available on Monday 25th January from 1pm to 7.30pm and Tuesday 26th January from 10am to 4.30pm in Dungannon Library, should anyone wish to discuss the proposals in more detail. The scheme proposals can also be viewed at Café edge, Market Square and Cano's Pizzeria, Thomas Street during normal opening hours. Everyone who uses the town centre is invited to come along and comment on the proposals.
