Access to heritage site given welcome

Access to heritage site given welcome

25 November 2020

A RECENT decision by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to provide access to a proposed new heritage park in Saintfield has been welcomed by the town’s Development Association.

The proposal for a three acre site at the Windmill Road area is being supported by generous American benefactor, David Moffett, who has close links with the area.

The local authority has agreed to grant the Saintfield group to access to piece of land between the community centre and a field behind it where it’s planned to locate the new park.

It was confirmed earlier this year that funding is in place to develop the park at the site of a now derelict early 19th century windmill. The old windmill stump will also be preserved as part of the new project.

According to those behind the proposal, the location is an ideal site for a new park, explaining that it’s their intention to provide a “first-class outdoor community asset” for local people of all ages and backgrounds, with the focus on community heritage, where residents can exercise and relax in the outdoors.

Development Association chairman, Martyn Todd, is delighted with the recent decision to grant access to site of the planned heritage park.

“The decision by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to allow access to the field is one more hurdle overcome for our plan to provide a much-needed neutral space in the fresh air for the residents of Saintfield,” he said.

“We would like to thank our Rowallane councillors for their unwavering support on this issue, together with support from councillors across all parties.”

Barbara Graham, a member of the Development Association team managing the heritage park project, who has a great deal of experience in the architectural and planning professions, is also pleased with the council decision. 

“Now we can proceed with the preparation and submission of our planning application for the park,” she said.

“As part of this process, we intend to carry out an in-depth consultation with all residents to ascertain their views, suggestions and any concerns that they might have regarding the park.”

The Development Association has confirmed that due to restrictions imposed on gatherings due to Covid-19, the team propose to consult with the public by means of electronic media, newsletter, press advertisements and leaflets, with consultation exercise stretching over 12 weeks.

It is also hoped to display a visual representation of the proposed park design in the window of a vacant shop on the town’s main street.

Paul McGeown, another member of the heritage park team, explained that although the park was still some way from becoming a reality, it was hoped that it will provide a recreational facility for the residents of Saintfield for generations to come.

“The hard work begins now, as we have to raise the funds to implement our vision,” he added.

Local businessman Kevin Young is head the fundraising team which will target donor agencies, businesses and residents in the drive to raise the necessary finance.

At the Development Association’s recent annual meeting, several residents expressed concern about the proposal, claiming that “no proper consultation” had been held with them about the park proposal.

Further information about the project and progress updates are available at the Saintfield group’s website, www.discoversaintfield.com.