Dungannon Regeneration Partnership
Dungannon Regeneration Partnership
Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) was set up and funded by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council to encourage and promote the regeneration, development and prosperity of Dungannon town.
The Partnership, which was set up by the council in 2000 which comprises of representatives from the public, private and community/voluntary sectors with a remit to encourage the regeneration, development and prosperity of Dungannon town. Since the launch of the Dungannon Regeneration Strategy in 2002, DRP in conjunction with the council has been actively rolling out a number of initiatives and projects at furthering the social and economic and physical regeneration of the town:
Town Centre Masterplan
One of the key priority initiatives identified in the Partnership's Strategic Action Plan is the need for a Town Centre Masterplan to secure a greater joined up approach with government to bring into productive use of public and privately owned sites/properties in the town. With the support of the Council, a strong robust business case was submitted to DSD resulting in the department approving funding for the master-planning process to commence early 2009 and should be completed by the Autumn.
Public Centre Scheme
With the support of council the partnership was successful in lobbying DSD and securing £2.3million for Phase 1 (Market Square and Castle Hill) and part of Phase 2 (Irish St and Church St) of the overall Public Realm Scheme. A key part of the project will be agreeing the scheme with various stakeholders through extensive consultation in order to create a high quality, pedestrian friendly environment which is attractive, accessible and promotes the town centre as a place to shop, live and work in.
Shop Front Improvement Programme
Completing 24 shops units in the town centre which has levered significant private sector investment and improved the overall visual appearance of the streetscape.
Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)
Completing three schemes in Northland Conservation Area under the Townscape Heritage Initiative including 3 Henry's Street, 18 Church Street, and St. Anne's Church of Ireland.
Strategic Investment Guide
A brand new Investment Guide for the town centre was published and is available for download on www.DungannonLife.com. The Guide acts as a promotional tool aimed at attracting investment to the town.
Traffic and Parking Issues
In order to contain parking penalties, the Partnership using funding secured from the INTERREG IIIA Programme developed a Parking Guide and Map to educate the public on parking in Dungannon town centre and to encourage drivers to park properly and therefore improve safety, traffic flow and accessibility for all road users.
CROSS BORDER RETAIL PROGRAMME (Dungannon, Armagh &Monaghan)
DRP and more importantly the town has benefited from funding and support for the above programme which received part finance by the European Union through the INTERREG IIIA Progrogramme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by East Region INTERREG IIIA Partnership. The partnership continues to support the cross border joint steering commitee and a number of projects have been acheived including a Town Centre Pocket Visitors Guide and Map, Parking Guide and town centre promotional sign to be erected at the Linen Green. In 2008 the Cross Border Joint Steering Group embarked upon developing a Joint Retail Development Strategy for the cluster area until 2010.
Halloween Spooktacular
The Halloween Spooktacular event is now an established calendar event which attracts over 3,000 people into Market Square every year in eagerness to join in the family fun activities and watch the fireworks display on Castle Hill. Local retailers offer Halloween discounts and promotions over the period.
Haunted Tours
Annual Tours are arranged as part of the Halloween Spooktacular celebrations and supported by Newell Stores aswell as Dungannon Enterprise Centre.
Gannonball Run
One of the major successes in 2008 was the first ever Gannonball Run which took place Bank Holiday Monday 25th August. 23 teams took part where we saw 'soap box' carts scuttle from Castle Hill down a specially made track through Market Square in a fun filled, fast paced family event. With over 3,000 people witnessing and enjoying side shows such as a Mini Cooper Static exhibition and demonstration by Dungannon Motor Club there was something on offer for all at Dungannon town centre that weekend. Check out www.gannonballrun.com for information about this year's event.
Town Centre Brand Identify
DRP has developed a new brand identity for the town following a stakeholder consultation exercise. The new brand logo and modern slogan "altogether better" illustrates everything positive about Dungannon as a special place to live, visit, shop and invest in - a progressive, forward developing town with a rich heritage and culture.
Marketing & Promotional Initiatives
DRP is actively involved in marketing Dungannon as an 'altogether better' place to live, work, visit and do business in. This includes events, seasonal advertising and marketing campaigns, promotional literature and the DungannonLife website.
Visitor Signage Project
DRP are committed to facilitating an effective means of access to and around the town centre and have installed ten information display units/signage at key locations in and around the town as well as signage on the M1 Motorway.
Training Programmes
Delivering a range of training programmes including: Retail Management Development Programme, Retail Unemployment Programme, and a Welcome Host Customer Care Programme.
For further information, contact :-
Town Development Manager
Dungannon & South Tyrone Council Offices
Circular Road
DUNGANNON
Co Tyrone
BT71 6DT
Tel : 028 8772 8615 / 8602
Fax : 028 8772 0333
Email : dungannonlife@dungannon.gov.uk
Website : www.dungannonlife.com
