Public lighting to showcase Armagh’s many fine buildings – and reduce anti-social behaviour in the centre – is being explored.
The city already is renowned for its Georgian themed light show.
But it may be about to take a leaf out of the book of more cosmopolitan centres with a lighting strategy which could become a tourist attraction in its own right!
Councillors have been told that there are many benefits to such a scheme which, it is estimated, would cost in the £300,000. The money would be drawn from a number of sources with the council also to make a contribution.
A new tourism strategy and action plan for the next five years highlights the amazing history and strong architectural heritage of Armagh.
It states: “Together with the wider County Armagh it plays host to a number of successful cultural and sporting events.
“Unlike bigger cities such as Belfast and Londonderry, it also offers quiet and tranquillity, an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
“Lighting has been used successfully as a tool to promote tourism by a number of cities around the world from Lyon in the South of France, to Glasgow in the UK, both of which have used lighting as an integral part of their rebranding as international tourist destinations.
“Armagh already has a track record of night time events and using lighting, for example in conjunction with the Georgian Festival.
“Improved lighting in public spaces helps to engender civic pride, aids the reduction of anti-social behaviour at night, making the night time environment more welcoming for families, and as such is a fundamental part of building more sustainable communities.”
A lighting strategy for Armagh was actually carried out four years ago.
It recommended public lighting and feature lighting to “showcase buildings and spaces”.
Now the ABC Council will go back to that strategy and revisit the recommendations with a fresh view to implementing a lighting action plan.
READ MORE: ‘Feature lighting’ to showcase city buildings – and reduce anti-social behaviour
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