Vision calls for a fresh start for town

Vision calls for a fresh start for town

22 October 2014

PLANS designed to revive Ballynahinch as one of the Province’s leading market towns have been formally launched.

Local people have had a major input into the masterplan which was unveiled last week by Stormont Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey.

The masterplan sets out a vision for the future development of Ballynahinch over the next decade and beyond and is aimed at encouraging investment from the public and private sectors. It also proposes the construction of a new building utilising an existing steel-framed structure in the town square.

In addition, the masterplan highlights the need to advance plans for the town’s proposed by-pass to ease town centre congestion, the creation of a sustainable transport strategy, capitalising on the town’s vibrant food scene and developing a new building at the market square.

Mr. Storey described the formal launch of the masterplan as the “culmination of a lot of hard work,” explaining local people were asked for their input into the masterplan during a detailed consultation exercise.

Mr. Storey said there was “strong support for the need for a fresh start, fresh ideas, a fresh look and fresh connections.”

He continued: “The masterplan provides an excellent road map to achieve this and will provide guidance to public and private sector developers to ensure Ballynahinch meets its full development potential.

“This will help rekindle the town’s rich heritage and refresh the market town’s image as a premier food destination and encourage private sector investment.”

Mr. Storey said the goal was to produce a document that was “unique and deliverable” and he believes this has been achieved.

The Minister added: “The investment by my department will help to deliver economic regeneration in partnership with communities and demonstrates a continued commitment from the Northern Ireland Executive to the regeneration of our towns and cities.”

Down Council chairman William Walker said the local authority was keen to develop the image of Ballynahinch as a high quality market town destination.

“I am delighted the Department 

for Social Development agreed to fund the delivery of this innovative masterplan which provides a vision for the future development of the town,” he continued.

“I believe the masterplan provides 

a realistic vision of how Ballynahinch can make the best use of its assets 

and secure its ongoing success and 

prosperity.

“People have had their say which is critically important and I am pleased Down Council has worked in partnership with the DSD to develop an innovative plan to help rejuvenate one of the Province’s oldest market towns.”

The launch comes a week after it was confirmed Ballynahinch secured £200,000 from the DSD to help revitalise the town centre.

The money is designed to support existing traders, upgrade and improve shop fronts, provide enhanced Christmas lighting and promote and market the town centre.

The new masterplan has been welcomed by town councillor, Garth Craig.

“Initially, there are a number of projects that can be delivered in the short term which will bring improvements to the town such as the shop frontage scheme,” said Councillor Craig.

He added: “Hopefully when people see what can be delivered this will encourage continued commitment in longer term projects that will ultimately bring economic benefits to Ballynahinch.”