NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood said that the masterplan document sets out proposals for redeveloping three main areas of the town centre; the town core, the Waterfront area next to Larne Lagoon and Riverdale at the head of the town.
Some of the major developments which are envisaged include mixed retail, office and residential use, a landmark building encompassing leisure facilities and the creation of a new and distinct quarter offering a mix of niche shops, leisure and café culture experience.
The project will also see major road infrastructure changes to open up development sites and improvements to open public spaces.
Minister Attwood said: "Larne is a gateway to the Antrim coast. The masterplan vision shows how Larne can become a more vibrant and prosperous town. The plans are ambitious, but achievable if everyone can work together in partnership to take these plans forward to implementation. The work that has gone into the masterplan to date has demonstrated the levels of energy, commitment and passion that exist among the people who care about Larne’s development and I believe there is a bright future ahead.”
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The masterplan was commissioned by the Department for Social Development (DSD) in conjunction with Larne Borough Council and other public stakeholders.
Mayor of Larne, Councillor Bobby McKee added: "We are extremely pleased to have a masterplan for our town centre. Larne Borough Council strongly supports this vision for the future and is looking forward to playing its part in helping to promote the opportunities available in our town and in delivering a number of key town centre regeneration projects. We are committed to working in partnership to ensure that the masterplan is used as a practical working document to help create an attractive place to live, work, and visit."
The masterplan was finalised following a period of public consultation on draft proposals with stakeholders, which was completed earlier in the year. A vision of the future for Larne town centre and supporting strategies have been agreed and are articulated in an action plan of some 30 proposals which could take place over the next 15 years.
(NS/GK)
