Chamber is the key to Ballynahinch’s future

Chamber is the key to Ballynahinch’s future

REINVIGORATING Ballynahinch Chamber of Commerce in a bid to help attract new investment is one of the key suggestions in a draft masterplan for the market town.

The document has been drawn up by a team of consultants following a series of events last year when local people were asked for their views on how the town should develop. Consultants also undertook extensive research and analysis.

Other issues highlighted in the draft proposals which are currently out to public consultation include realising the town centre’s full potential and transforming Ballynahinch as a premier food destination.

The draft plan sets out a vision for the future development of the town over the next 10 to 15 years and is aimed at encouraging investment from both the public and private sectors.

Included among the proposals are safeguarding the market town’s rich heritage, making better use of its historic buildings and monuments and promoting and celebrating historic events.

Consultants suggest scope exists to build upon the already strong working relationships between community groups in the town to drive its continued regeneration, suggesting that reinvigorating an active Chamber of Commerce is essential to co-ordinate the business community and attract investment.

Inevitably, there is a focus on a sustainable transport strategy in a town which suffers from acute traffic congestion and which has been battling for a multi-million pound by-pass.

The draft proposal suggests the strategy would identify ways in which reliance on private cars in the town can be reduced, with walking, cycling and the use of public transport encouraged.

Consultants suggest the need to explore the potential of improving bus services from Ballynahinch to Downpatrick and Lisburn and the provision of off-road cycle paths. Enhancement works are also proposed at the entrances to the town.

Stormont Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, is urging people in Ballynahinch to view and comment on the draft masterplan proposals which are on display in the Market House and Ballynahinch Centre until May 11. A special consultation event is being held in the Market House on Thursday, March 13, between 5pm and 9pm.

Minister McCausland said he believes the draft masterplan provides his department with an ambitious, but realistic vision of how Ballynahinch can make the best use of its assets and secure its ongoing success and prosperity.

“I would like the wider public to have their say and would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the town to let us know what they think of the draft masterplan,” he added.

Down Council chairwoman, Maria McCarthy, is delighted the local authority worked in partnership with the DSD to develop what she described as an “innovative” masterplan for Ballynahinch.

During next month’s consultation event in the Market House, representatives of the consultant and client teams involved in drawing up the masterplan will be on hand to speak to the public and listen to their views. In addition to responses on the draft proposals, they are keen to hear what people like and dislike about the area and any additional ideas they may have for its future development.