The third and final phase of Public Realm improvements to Lurgan’s town centre streets is set to begin.
The total cost of the Lurgan Public Realm Scheme Phase 3 is approximately £700,000.
This includes £153,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD). The remaining funds being provided by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The Public Realm works include new footways with granite kerbs, new street lighting and furniture to complement previous completed phases.
Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey said: “In the current challenging economic climate, our towns must continually update and improve in order to remain competitive. This third and final phase of works will give the remaining streets the much needed boost to make Lurgan more attractive to both shoppers and visitors alike thereby encouraging people to spend more time and enjoy the enhanced and much improved look and feel of their town.
“I want to encourage investment in our towns and cities and, in my opinion government investment in the shape of urban regeneration is a very effective tool for driving economic prosperity.”
The area covered by the third phase of the scheme includes Union Street, Carnegie Street, Castle Lane, Church Walk and Watsons Lane. The plans for Lurgan town centre take into account its traditional market town topography.
Lurgan Public Realm works
It is intended that the works will continue to re-establish Lurgan as a modern, contemporary market town, whilst simultaneously retaining its unique character.
The Minister added: “The work to Lurgan town centre commenced with phase one back in October 2009. Since then, DSD has invested around £4million in Lurgan. This demonstrates my Department’s commitment to working in partnership with Councils across Northern Ireland to improve the economic, environmental and social conditions in our towns and cities.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Darryn Causby said: “I am delighted that Council and the Department for Social Development have again been able to work together to progress this project.
“The success of the earlier phases of work in Lurgan is clear for all to see, so to have the opportunity now to complete the scheme as originally envisaged is a real boost for the town. We have worked closely with traders and businesses throughout the design process; we have listened to them and understood that Christmas trade is crucial to them.
“This is one of the reasons why the work will now not start until mid-January 2016. We will continue to engage with them throughout the construction phase to ensure we can successfully deliver a quality of environment throughout the entire town centre that everyone can be proud of.”
Construction is due to begin shortly.
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