News Release Page Title

6 January 2003

DSD LAUNCHES £9M OMAGH RIVERSIDE REGENERATION PROJECT

The Department of Social Development today launched an ambitious £9m project to regenerate Omagh town centre.

The project, which will incorporate a new arts centre, commercial floor space, river walkway, environmental improvements and a pedestrian bridge, is being jointly funded by the Department for Social Development, the Arts Council and Omagh District Council. Work is expected to start on the scheme later this month.

Speaking at this morning’s launch, a spokeperson for the Department said: "Using the riverfront as a central focus, this imaginative project is central to the regeneration of Omagh and the fulfilment of the vision for Omagh 2010.

"Regenerating the riverfront will revive the heart of the town and provide renewed confidence and hope in the future of Omagh. The opening up of previously landlocked and derelict land on the riverside will enable the town to expand its commercial centre and improve it environmentally, as well as providing a major new arts centre to serve the town and district.

"This £9m investment in the town centre, together with the redevelopment of the Royal Arms Hotel site as a major new shopping centre and the new Further Education College will mark a new era in the development of Omagh."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The project, which will cost £9.1 million, is being part-funded by the Department for Social Development through Executive Programme Funding of £3.1 million. The balance of funding is being contributed by the Arts Lottery (£4.0 million) and Omagh District Council (£2.0 million).

  2. Executive Programme Funds were established by the Executive pre-suspension. The purpose of the Funds was to assist the development of new policies and programmes and to improve public services. The funding for this project is being met from the Social Inclusion/Community Regeneration Fund.

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