Hanson Supports Regeneration Work In Lurgan And Portadown

8 September 2005
HANSON SUPPORTS REGENERATION WORK IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN

Regeneration of Lurgan and Portadown is on course and will begin soon, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
During a visit to the area the Minister called at Craigavon Borough Council offices before going on a tour of Lurgan town centre, including the new Tesco site, developments at Millennium Way and a number of potential development sites in William Street.
Speaking at the opening of new offices for the regeneration organisation Lurgan Forward Mr Hanson said: "There are many good things about to happen in Lurgan including the new Tesco store and the redevelopment of many buildings under the Heritage Lottery Funding Townscape Scheme. These and other measures such as the appointment of a Town Centre Manager convince me that Lurgan means business."
Mr Hanson confirmed that the Department for Social Development would be working closely with the Council and Lurgan Forward on a range of issues including the need to improve some public areas within the town and to provide good pedestrian access between the new Tesco store and Market Street.
The Minister added: "Officials from my Department are also working closely with people in Craigavon, Portadown and Lurgan to develop Neighbourhood Partnerships which will bring benefits for people living in deprived areas."
In Portadown the Minister launched Portadown 2000's new corporate identity and visited several derelict sites earmarked for redevelopment as part of the Portadown Framework proposals.
Referring to the request for government funding Mr Hanson said: "My visit to Portadown has convinced me that there is a case to be made for supporting your outline proposals. I will discuss this with government colleagues following my visit and hope to secure a final decision in the coming weeks."
The Minister also confirmed that the Department for Social Development was already working closely with the Council and Portadown 2000 on the question of prioritising areas which the Department could help support under its Programme of Environmental Improvements.
"Provided the necessary finance is forthcoming, I hope that the agreed schemes can be implemented within the next couple of years," he said.

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