Regeneration project for town

Welcoming the Lurgan Townscape Initiative were from L to R: Doug Beattie MC MLA, Ald Jim Speers, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA and Ald Arnold Hatch

A consultation evening was held in Lurgan Town Hall last week to discuss the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Attending were UUP politicians Jo-Anne Dobson MLA and Doug Beattie MC MLA with Aldermen Jim Speers and Arnold Hatch.

They said it had a ‘long-term regenerational potential for Lurgan.’

“For too long the commercial heart of Lurgan has borne the brunt of the economic climate and as we look to the future we must embrace any opportunities which can help towards economic and social regeneration. We encourage building owners and those who are interested in town centre heritage to engage with the team to learn more about its potential and how they could become a part of it.

“We welcomed the briefing from Historic Building Specialists Alastair Coey Architects and the fact that they can relay experience from other towns which can lead to effective solutions for Lurgan.”

While this is a £4m scheme, the UUP called for additional funds from the Stormont Executive so the initiative could reach its full potential.

“We will be pressing the Environment Minister who has responsibility for the NI Environment Agency to step forward on behalf of the Executive and, as we do, see the very real potential which this project can have on future investment, living and recreation in Lurgan.”