Ulster Unionist councillor Kate Evans has renewed calls for regeneration and development powers to be devolved to local councils, warning that years of neglect in parts of central Craigavon are being compounded by a lack of joined-up planning.
Speaking following the official opening of a new pedestrian footbridge linking central Craigavon with the Park and Lakes in December 2025, Councillor Evans said the visit highlighted stark contrasts within the area.
She said large areas of central Craigavon remain “dilapidated” despite repeated lobbying for action, pointing to sites where hundreds of homes have been demolished but the surrounding infrastructure remains untouched.
“In some areas we can see where hundreds of houses have been demolished, yet the footpaths, street lighting, sewerage system and even house imprints remain in place awaiting development,” she said.
Councillor Evans described this as a missed opportunity for both regeneration and housing delivery, particularly given the demand for affordable social homes in the area.
“This is a real opportunity being missed by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive,” she said.
“Without a doubt a private investor could and should make use of this land, if government is not going to, on the understanding they will build affordable social housing to meet the need.”
She also highlighted what she described as a “shameful” imbalance in the level of investment across central Craigavon, noting the contrast between neglected neighbourhoods and nearby flagship developments.
“We literally have a situation where one area of central Craigavon is kept in pristine condition, while no more than 200 metres away the area is in a shameful state,” she said.
Councillor Evans pointed to shortcomings in basic services such as street cleaning, footpath maintenance, lighting and the removal of bulky waste, despite the proximity to Rushmere Shopping Centre, the South Lakes Leisure Centre and council headquarters.
She argued that the current approach to development is failing communities and called for a more strategic spread of investment.
“If we continue to use an ink-spot development strategy, it is important that the ink isn’t dropped in the same place every time,” she said.
“It must be dropped throughout the area so development can spread and join up to create better outcomes for those that live in the area.”
Councillor Evans said the solution lies in devolving regeneration powers for urban and community development to local councils, alongside the planning powers already enabled under the Planning Act 2011.
“I would implore the Department for Communities to devolve regeneration powers to local council – something they should have done in 2015,” she said.
While acknowledging that any transfer of powers must be matched with appropriate resources, she said the long-term benefits would be significant.
“The impact these powers could have on local councils and their ability to plan in depth and for the long term is immeasurable,” she added.
As the Ulster Unionist councillor for the Craigavon DEA, Councillor Evans said she is “incredibly disappointed” that despite holding multi-agency meetings to address the issues, there has been little visible progress on the ground.
