A legacy interface structure that has been standing in Portadown for 27 years has been successfully removed by the Department of Justice with local agreement.
Under the ‘Together: building a united community’ (T:buc) Strategy, the DoJ-led Interfaces Programme worked with the local community and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council to remove the three metres tall metal structure at Water Street in the town.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Removing these physical barriers makes a positive contribution to building a truly shared society in Northern Ireland.
“Significant collaboration has been going on behind the scenes and I commend the local community for supporting this significant step forward.”
Local community and residents’ groups, who have been extensively involved in the process for years, have supported the progress.
Drumcree Community Trust said it “welcomes the removal of the Water Street interface and looks forward to the regeneration of the area”.
Obins Street and Park Road Community Association welcoming the removal, said: “We, along with others from within the community have been working tirelessly for some years and are excited, given the proposed redevelopment of Water Street: an area that has been lying derelict for many years.”
A spokesperson for Parkmount Orange Lodge added: “After consultation with lodge representatives, we welcome the redevelopment of the Water Street area and look forward to all sections of our community receiving further redevelopment and much needed investment.”
Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy commented: “The removal of this interface barrier at Water Street is the culmination of extensive work and community consultation and Council would like to pay tribute to all community representatives who gave of their time so freely and tirelessly.
“This is also an important step in the regeneration of this area and we are hopeful for what the future may bring for local residents.”
A local developer is planning to regenerate and redevelop the derelict site.
