New blueprint plan for Downpatrick

New blueprint plan for Downpatrick

16 August 2023

PLANS for the economic regeneration have taken a major step forward this week.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee voted on Monday night to adopt a series of proposals which will form the basis of a new regeneration masterplan for the town.

The proposals are contained in Living High Streets Framework, which was developed through the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

The group comprises local councillors, Department for the Community representatives, council officers and members of the Downpatrick community.

The framework and new masterplan will be launched next month.

Welcoming the council’s adoption of the Framework document, Downpatrick Sinn Fein councillor Oonagh Hanlon said: Cllr Hanlon added: “This is an exciting project for Downpatrick and will ensure we can avail of funding opportunities as they become available. 

“Downpatrick Regeneration group have shown great vision for Downpatrick and have worked hard to ensure the framework is detailed and deliverable. It is an exciting project for our area. 

She added: “Sinn Fein are determined to continue working with others to lead change across Downpatrick and transform our county town.”

Her party colleague, Cllr Philip Campbell, said: “The framework is a great example of co-design and how, working together, we can build on the existing attractions in our town and help establish it is a vibrant, thriving hub for people to live, work, shop and relax.”

Downpatrick Alliance councillor Cadogan Enright also welcomed Monday night’s approval.

“I have worked on the regeneration of Downpatrick throughout my time as an elected representative,” he said.

“A majority of projects and themes in Alliance’s ‘Restore Our County Town’ document are reflected in the new masterplan for Downpatrick.

“Alliance has been leading on Downpatrick regeneration and I will be working alongside my colleagues to ensure council officers are held to account to deliver for Downpatrick.”

South Down Alliance MLA Patrick Brown said: “I am very pleased that the council have adopted a new regeneration masterplan for Downpatrick.

“This is a result of Alliance’s persistent lobbying of council to invest more in Downpatrick and it would not have happened if other parties were left to secure regeneration for Downpatrick.

“Downpatrick has suffered from a lack of investment, attention and action compared to other parts of the district but I am hopeful that with a new masterplan in place that council and government departments can work together to deliver for Downpatrick.”