Consultation ahead of Rathfriland Street revamp

RATHFRILAND Street’s major revamp is a few steps closer after Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland announced details of a public consultation on the proposed work.

Announcing the consultation yesterday (Monday), the Minister said the new public realm scheme would “enhance a busy commercial area” linking into the recently refurbished Solitude Park.

Proposals for the scheme include a narrowing of the footpath to provide parking/loading bays on both sides of the road, new granite footpaths, re-use of existing granite kerbs, new lighting scheme to include extra lighting. re-profiling and resurfacing of the carriageway and undergrounding of drainage from downpipes.

Banbridge is a town with great potential and I am pleased to announce that a public consultation will be held to help inform the plans for a public realm scheme for Rathfriland Street,” said Mr McCausland. “This scheme will greatly enhance and upgrade the busy commercial area in line with the improvements previously carried out in the town centre.

!I believe it is important that local people contribute to the future proposals for their town.”

The Minister said he was aware of the current difficulties facing Northern Ireland’s town and cities and added that public realm schemes were “invaluable” in the current economic climate.

“The Banbridge Development Strategy identified this project as a priority regeneration initiative and I am encouraged by the dedication of Banbridge District Council which funded the strategy and which is committed to its delivery,” he added.

“Public realm improvements are invaluable in the current economic climate - besides creating employment while the work is underway, this project will help Banbridge to develop as an enterprising, competitive and traditional market town.”

The public consultation will run until Friday, 20 April, and proposals will be on display in Banbridge Leisure Centre where the design team will be available to discuss the plans on Wednesday, 18 April, between 4pm and 7pm.

Commenting on the scheme, Catriona Regan, director of Leisure and Development at Banbridge District Council said, “We are keen to hear the views of the public about the scheme and we want to have input from the business community in Rathfriland Street.

“The project will create an attractive link between the town centre and Solitude Park and provide much needed additional car parking for the town.

“We anticipate that this project will bring Rathfriland Street up to the standard which has already been achieved in the rest of the town and the work will further enhance the commercial core, benefitting our businesses and retailers.”

The total cost of the Rathfriland Street Public Realm scheme is estimated to be in the region of £450,000, including £400,000 donated from the Department for Social Development and £50,000 from Banbridge District Council.

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