REVITALISING Downpatrick’s night-time economy would be “an important step in the town’s wider regeneration”.
That’s according to the SDLP who, through town councillor Conor Galbraith, will table a notice of motion on the issue at a future meeting of the council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism (ERT) Committee, following its initial deferral at last week’s monthly local authority meeting.
The proposal notes ‘the ongoing challenges facing the development and sustainability of the night-time economy within Downpatrick town centre and the impact this has on town centre vibrancy, employment and perceptions of safety’.
It seeks recognition of ‘Downpatrick’s important role as the county town of Down’ and calls on the council to commit to ‘the appointment of a night-time economy champion with a specific initial focus on the regeneration and sustainability of the night-time economy in Downpatrick’.
The proposal urges the local authority to host ‘an engagement event with local businesses and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group’; to seek ‘a meeting with a delegation from Belfast City Council to learn from their experience of this process’; and to develop ‘an action plan for Downpatrick’s night-time economy, taking account of the opportunities afforded by the regeneration of Irish Street’.
In a statement, Cllr Galbraith said that, as the county town, Downpatrick has “enormous potential”.
“Local businesses are already doing incredible work, and this motion is about supporting them through leadership, collaboration and clear planning,” he added.
“We hope all parties will support this effort and the wider regeneration of Downpatrick.
“By learning from best practice, engaging directly with traders and building on opportunities such as the regeneration of Irish Street, we can help create a more vibrant, welcoming and sustainable town centre.
” His party colleague, South Down MLA Colin McGrath, stressed that the motion “builds directly on ongoing engagement with residents, traders and community organisations”.
“Through our Downpatrick Deserves Better work, people have been clear that they want to see greater confidence, activity and opportunity in the town centre into the evening,” he stated.
“This motion is about backing local businesses, supporting jobs and creating the conditions for Downpatrick to thrive both day and night.
“We look forward to seeing this proposal progress through the ERT Committee and working constructively with all partners to deliver meaningful outcomes.”
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