4 December 2002
NEW ROAD OPENS UP MAJOR LURGAN REDEVELOPMENT
A £2million distributor road that will open up a major new redevelopment site in the centre of Lurgan was officially opened today by Des Browne, MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development.
The project, developed in partnership with the Lurgan Forward Company and Craigavon Borough Council, provides access to underused backlands in the heart of the town. A major retail store and car parking are proposed and other land would be suitable for business or housing use.
The Minister said: "This road will provide a much-needed catalyst for the redevelopment of Lurgan by providing proper access to land and buildings which have lain derelict for too long. This is the start of the final phase of a process during which Government has invested up to £5m in acquiring and developing this site.
"We now expect to see the private sector commit substantial sums of money to develop the site for the benefit of people in the Lurgan area. Already we have received considerable interest and our next step is to assess the bids we have received and appoint a developer as early in the New Year as possible.
"All of this has been achieved by a true partnership effort between my officials, the Lurgan Forward Company and Craigavon Council. It has also involved other Government Departments. The Planning Service of the DoE has been at the heart of developing the actual scheme while the Roads and Water Service of DRD have been responsible for the design of the road and associated water and sewerage services."
Councillor J F Bell, Mayor of Craigavon, said: "The council has been very much involved with various Government departments in taking this scheme forward. We are delighted to see this important scheme coming towards fruition.
"We believe that this new road will make a very significant contribution to the regeneration of Lurgan town centre. We look forward to more good news early in the New Year when the Department for Social Development announces the successful bidder who will develop the site."
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