26 June 2000

NIGEL DODDS WELCOMES LISBURN REGENERATION STRATEGY

An ambitious strategy to transform the centre of Lisburn was commended today by Nigel Dodds MLA, Minister for Social Development as a best practice example for other towns seeking to maximise their potential.

Speaking at the launch in the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, the Minister said: "I am delighted to be associated with the launch of this strategy and want to congratulate Lisburn Development and all who have been involved in its development. I am encouraged to note that the plan is based on a partnership approach which will involve a wide range of interests.

"This is exactly the kind of framework which my Department would like to see throughout Northern Ireland. We are very willing to work with local councils, the community and voluntary sectors and business and commerical interests to maximise the impact of our efforts.

"The combined approach has already made a significant contribution towards the regeneration of Lisburn over the past few years with developments including the Omniplex leisure centre. We can now look forward to even greater things with investment totalling more than £60million on projects such as the Historic Quarter, Lisburn Square and the new Civic Centre.

Speaking about his Department's responsibility for town centre reinvigoration the Minister said that he wished to establish a framework in the Province which would ensure that all town centres would have similar opportunies.

"We are currently examining a consultant's report which contains 27 recommendations on policy and organisational changes to enhance existing arrangements for town centre reinvigoration. These cover a wide range of areas including planning, transport and housing and, as such, will need to be considered by a number of Ministers. I hope that, following consultations with Councils and others, to make an announcement on this in the autumn.

"But I can tell you today that the approach adopted by Lisburn Development is broadly in line with recommendations made by the consultants. In particular, their emphasis on the key issue of a partnership is correct and will help ensure that their mission is turned into a reality".

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Department for Social Development has responsibility for urban renewal and its overall aim is to promote individual and community well being through integrated social and economic action.
2. Consultant's (EDAW) were commissioned to undertake a study into town centre reinvigoration. The Report covers areas such as planning, transport and housing which are the responsibility of a number of Departments. Recommendations are expected to be made to relevant Ministers in the autumn.