A new multi-million pound improvement proposal has been revealed that will boost both Dungannon town centre and the overall construction industry.

Hundreds of building jobs are expected to flow from the Department for Social Development plans for the £2.3million redevelopment of the town centre which have just gone on public display.

The Department is the core funder for the scheme which forms the first phase of a larger project, taking in up to 11 town centre streets.

The current phase of the scheme is centred around Market Square, Irish Street and Church Street.

The project is being delivered through DSD's Public Realm Programme, which has also funded schemes in Omagh, Cookstown, Portadown and Armagh.

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Under the proposals Market Square will be a focal point for civic events and the weekly flower market.

The Public Realm Scheme works will revitalise and reinvigorate the town whilst being designed in such a way to complement and enhance the Council's separate development of Ranfurly House and Castle Hill as an environmental heritage site.

The works will include the provision of new footway and roadway surfaces with new stone kerbing.

New street furniture, tree planting and lighting will all be put in place - in compliance and co-operation with the DRD Roads Service and to current DDA standards.

Disruption to the existing residential properties and business premises during the works will be considered in the planning of the works, minimising the effect on their daily operation as much as possible.

Of considerable interest to architects, there is to be a major emphasis placed on high quality design, materials and construction while maintaining a sustainable design policy.

Dungannon Mayor, Councillor Robert Mulligan welcomed the new improvement scheme for Dungannon town centre.

(BMcC/GK)