First impressions of £2m town proposals

First impressions of £2m town proposals

10 October 2012 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

PROPOSALS to revitalise Ballynahinch town centre have gone on public display.

The £2m scheme — being funded by the Department for Social Development and Down Council — is aimed at rejuvenating the town. It is hoped the work will act as a catalyst to secure new private investment.

Work on the project which includes an upgrade of the town square to encourage greater public use, is expected to start in March next year and take around nine months to complete.

Other aspects of the public realm scheme include new paving, street lighting, planters, seating, signs and upgrading a number of crossing points for pedestrians.

There will also be improved disabled access to footpaths across the town. The area included in the scheme stretches from the Church Road/Dromore Street roundabout, to High Street, Main Street, Harmony Way and Windmill Street.

The entrance to the Windmill Street car park is to be substantially upgraded and business owners hope shoppers will be encouraged to make more more use of it. Traders have also called for various lanes linking the car park with High Street and Main Street to be upgraded and new signs to direct visitors to local shops.

A number of business owners who viewed the proposals on Monday gave them a warm welcome, with some highlighting the need for taxis to be moved away from High Street to another location to create additional parking spaces. The return of a two-way traffic system in the town centre was also suggested.

Business owners Joe and Martina McCaughley say new investment in Ballynahinch is “long overdue” and believe the revitalisation proposals will provide the town with a modern look.

“The proposed work is a great starting point. Ballynahinch needs new investment to provide it with a lift and there is a need for new signs to help visitors find their way around. What’s proposed is a very welcome first step; we need to improve the town’s image,” added Martina.

Market trader Brian Woodall welcomed plans to redevelop the town square to make it a focal point and is particularly pleased with a proposed tree planting scheme at this location.

“Retaining public access to the square is important and its redesign provides additional space for market traders which will be warmly welcomed,” he said. “We also need signs to indicate to visitors where the weekly market is located.”

Ballynahinch Chamber of Commerce president Mark Murnin said it is important people view the proposals to revitalise the town centre and provide their feedback.

“I have no doubt the scheme will provide a boost for Ballynahinch; it will help lift the spirit of everyone. Hopefully when work is complete it will encourage more people to shop in the town and stimulate new investment.

The work is a statement of intent. Ballynahinch is starting to move forward and this scheme is for everyone,” he added.

Councillor Garth Craig is encouraging people to view the proposals and make comment on them. He said their input is very important so consultants have a full flavour about what people are thinking.

Local people have until the end of the week to view the various aspects of the scheme which are on public display in the town’s Market House. After that they can contact Down Council officials with their views before consultants produce the definitive proposals.