News Release Page Title

24 February 2006

TRANSFORMATION OF PORTADOWN IS TO BECOME A REALITY

Ambitious plans to transform Portadown have been given a boost by the Department for Social Development (DSD).

DSD has offered over £600,000 to local regeneration company Portadown 2000 to implement the town's Development Framework. Proposals put forward in the Development Framework include the development of the River Bann, a new health centre, the regeneration of eight sites for shops, offices and leisure uses and the construction of new homes closer to the town centre. The recruitment of three new staff including a chief executive is expected to begin within the next month.

David Hanson MP, Minister for Social Development said: "This is an exciting and ambitious strategy which will bring significant physical, social and economic benefits to local people. DSD looks forward to working in partnership with Portadown 2000 and others to achieve real progress and to revitalise the town."

The initial areas earmarked for development include Shillington's and Foundry Street, the Pleasure Gardens, the Obins area, the former Gaswork's site, Woodhouse Street, Market Street and High Street, Edward Street to Meadow Lane, Cecil Street, Hanover Street, Carleton Street, Fair Green and Tavanagh.

Portadown 2000 was set up in 1994 to carry out a town centre management role, to lead on the flagship Millennium regeneration project and to encourage the physical and economic development of the town. The funding has been made available from the Integrated Development Fund, (£607,500) which was established to encourage greater local partnership, working towards the production and implementation of integrated development strategies.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. A contribution towards the overall running costs of Portadown 2000 is made by Craigavon Borough Council for Town Centre Management and contribution in kind through technical assistance from Portadown 2000 Directors.

  2. For further information please contact the Information Office on 028 9082 9078.

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