THERE was good news for Dungannon, Cookstown and Magherafelt after Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey, announced funding of £4.5million towards planned Public Realm works of £8million in the towns.
Earlier this month the Courier reported that Phase Two of the controversial Public Realm scheme in Dungannon is to begin in August or September, and will see a £1.5m revamp of key roads leading in and out of Dungannon’s hub.
The works to each town centre will include upgrading pedestrian areas and pavements with high quality materials, improved lighting provision, undergrounding of overhead cables, new street furniture, signage and tree planting.
In Dungannon the works will take place in Scotch Street, Ann Street, George Street, William Street, Thomas Street, Perry Street and Northland Row.
James Street, William Street and adjoining streets to the east and west in Cookstown will also receive a revamp.
And, in Magherafelt, The Diamond and connecting streets including Market Street, Rainey Street, Broad Street and Queen Street will all get a new lease of life.
The funding announcement, which will cover over half of the money needed for the scheme with Mid-Ulster District Council committed to providing the rest.
Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey, said: “I am pleased to announce this substantial joint investment by my Department and Mid-Ulster District Council for the Public Realm works in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt town centres.
“These impressive schemes will improve the physical appearance and connectivity within each town centre and provide a unique welcoming environment for residents, traders, visitors and investors.”
Development
The overall cost of the schemes is £8.1million of which the Department is providing £4.5million in the current financial year having previously contributed £169,000 towards the development and design of schemes. The Mid-Ulster District Council has committed to funding the schemes to completion.
The Minister added: “I have seen how Public Realm improvement schemes in other towns have created a more attract environment and how these have helped improved the vitality of the area.
“These works in conjunction with the various Revitalisation schemes previously carried out in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt will only enhance the look and feel and will make the people who live and work there proud of their towns.
“Working in partnership with Council has ensured that jointly we will deliver this £8million investment which will no doubt stimulate further growth in these town centres and support the wider regeneration of the area.”
Chairperson of Mid-Ulster Council, Councillor Linda Dillon in welcoming the scheme added: “This is a multi-million pound investment across our town centres and its importance cannot be underestimated.
“With this funding comes further opportunity to enhance our towns and contribute substantially to their on-going regeneration and economic sustainability.
“I look forward now to progressing the public realm schemes and to engaging and working together with our retailers, businesses and residents to ensure we optimise the benefits for Mid-Ulster.”
Consultation with local people around the design of the schemes has been on-going and will continue, as Vice-Chair of the Council, Councillor Kim Ashton, outlined.
She said: “Continuing to engage with local residents and businesses is a priority for us at every step – as we finalise designs and prepare to start work, and particularly during the work itself when people will most need to be kept up-to-date with progress.
We are committed to keeping our town centres open for business as usual and the end result should ensure they have even greater appeal”.
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