A two-year plan which could help transform parts of Lurgan town centre and help boost the time-economy is moving forward with a specialist team now appointed to bring about change.
The Department for Communities is splashing the cash to the tune of almost £400,000, while ABC Council is chipping in a further £100,000 to set the ball rolling.
The project is styled as ‘Lurgan Linkages’ and has a number of key elements and goals.
Latest development were outlined in a report to ABC Council’s economic development and regeneration committee sitting for May.
It explained: “The project is a capital investment aimed at strengthening linkages between key areas of the town, supporting regeneration objectives and improving accessibility for residents, businesses and visitors.
“The first phase will focus on public realm improvements at Blacks Court, creating a more attractive and functional space that
complements existing infrastructure and encourages increased footfall.”
Council approved a business case in January and moved to tender to appointed an integrated consultancy team for ‘linkages’ plans at Blacks Court and Moores Lane.
Five bids were submitted, with confirmation that Coleraine-based GM Design Associates Limited has since been appointed.
The contract – which has just started – is for a period of two years, with an option to extend for a further two.
The report to committee states: “GM Design have now commenced the works for the project, which will include working closely with council officers and the integrated consultancy team from concept design to technical design, to consider high quality design, sustainability and accountability.”
As part of this design development process, officers will hold workshops to develop options and review early concept proposals, including a Town Centre Taskforce meeting for councillors, Lurgan Working Group and two public consultations meetings.
They will “engage pro-actively with key stakeholders, businesses and communities, including early consultation with planning, ensuring feedback is incorporated into the proposals, where appropriate, throughout the project lifecycle”.
They will also oversee preparation and submission of planning applications for approval and arrange a meeting with council.
The whole process will conclude with the appointment of a contractor.
The intention is to develop public realm proposals to “intertwine the historical and cultural character of Lurgan, to enhance the unique character of unique linkages, laneways and courtyards covered in the Lurgan Linkages study”.
The goal also is to “improve the nighttime economy and safety through use of clear sightlines, improved lighting and safety”, and “consider the specific town conditions and Townscape Heritage to act as a mechanism for regenerating and reinvigorating Lurgan Town Centre”.
Another aim envisages “empowering and facilitating people of all ages and communities to enhance activity and footfall in the town centre, building upon `the high standard of public realm within Lurgan which will ensure that it is an attractive, welcoming and safe place for people to live, visit, shop and invest in’.”
The linkages should be developed “to connect communities and businesses with enhanced pedestrian priority and activated spaces”.
The consultancy team and council will work towards a DfC deadline for completion of construction works at Blacks Court by the end of March next year.
The hope then is to submit a further application for funding for Moores Lane early in 2027.
