Ballynahinch plans unveiled

Ballynahinch plans unveiled

29 February 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

WORK on a £2m environmental improvement scheme in Ballynahinch town centre is due to get underway in January next year.

The news was confirmed on Monday night when Down councillors agreed to double their financial contribution to the scheme to £300,000. The remainder of the funding is being provided by the Department for Social Development (DSD).

Councillors were told that the original budget of £1.65m would have resulted in Main Street being excluded from improvements due to financial constraints.

However, as a result of the decision by Down Council to increase its financial contribution, this part of the town will now feature  in the completed scheme.

Other areas to feature in the project include High Street, Harmony Road, Windmill Street and The Square.

Images of how the completed environmental improvements will look were also unveiled on Monday night and were met with enthusiastic approval.

One of the consultants working on the project said at the heart of the environmental scheme is improving the appearance of  Ballynahinch town centre to help attract further private sector investment.

Mr. Paul Haley said the Harmony Road and Windmill Street areas in particular “could be improved enormously” with the proposed environmental improvements including upgraded pavements, street furniture, new lighting, new kerbs and hanging baskets.

He said work on an economic appraisal is continuing and when it is complete, the next stage of the design process will be triggered. Mr. Haley said the environmental improvement work will take 12 months to complete.

Councillor Mickey Coogan said the “significant investment” proposed for Ballynahinch will make a major difference and support the town’s business community.

“The proposed investment is also designed to encourage new investment in Ballynahinch. The current economic climate has taken its toll on the town and we need to address this,” he added.

Councillor Walter Lyons said the environmental improvements will complement work which has already been carried out to redevelop the Market House and town square.

Councillor Garth Craig said he and many others were “getting excited” as the environmental improvements begin to take shape. He said the people of Ballynahinch have been “waiting patiently for years” for improvements to their town, describing the proposed scheme as “really good news for the town.”

Councillor Patsy Toman said he particularly welcomed plans to upgrade Harmony Lane and as the gateway to the Mournes, “Ballynahinch deserves its £2m investment.”

He added: “The town has not had its fair share of financial support over the years but that is about to change and I am delighted.”

Councillor John Doris said while he welcomed the proposed environmental improvements there is still a pressing need to address Ballynahinch’s traffic congestion problems.