In recognising the many unique attributes including the castle, maritime and seafront areas, Minister Ritchie, said: “What needs to be done now is to ensure that we build upon the strengths and seek to capitalise on the opportunities.
"Carrickfergus attracts large numbers of visitors but it needs to ensure that those visitors are drawn to see much more of what the town can offer. A Masterplan will enable us to look at all the issues and weigh them up in an independent manner.
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"Only taking a holistic view of the wider town centre can we plan for the regeneration of the town over the next ten years and beyond."
The appointment of specialist consultants will begin an exercise which will include consulting key stakeholders in order to agree the key issues and objectives. Carrickfergus has already benefited from the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) involvement in the past. Projects have included the Maritime Area Comprehensive Development Scheme, in which DSD facilitated the scheme by making it viable and attractive to the private sector.
DSD and the local Council have also co-funded environmental improvement schemes including the recently completed work beside the castle installing new paving, lighting and seating. Work on a new £400,000 scheme on the marina side of the castle is due to commence soon with the Department contributing funding of over £300,000.
Minister Ritchie also called in at the Jubilee Hall in Greenisland to congratulate some local community groups on work done to refurbish the hall and some other community support measures. These projects benefited from funding from a Neighbourhood Renewal scheme managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
(JM)
