The NI Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and the Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy are seeking to appoint a 'preferred developer' for a major development site on the Mall in Armagh City centre.

The development site consists of part of the existing multi-storey car park, adjacent land towards McCrum’s Court and the DARD building. The site was identified as part of the Armagh City masterplan, published in May 2009.

Minister McCausland said: "This development site offers a unique opportunity to regenerate this part of Armagh city and to connect the commercial centre of the city with one of its major assets – the Mall. This will be a major boost for Armagh and will help to attract visitors and promote tourism, by improving connectivity to major attractions such as the Gaol and museums.

Minister McCausland continued: "The launch of this competition is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Armagh Masterplan. My department in partnership with the local council and statutory bodies has assessed the site and we are confident it can be regenerated to its best use. I am committed to delivering regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland and the historic city of Armagh is part of that."

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Minister Kennedy said: "This is an exciting project which will facilitate much needed private sector investment and economic activity in Armagh, as well as the creation of jobs in the construction and retail sectors. It is an excellent example of how collaborative working, between two government departments, can produce real benefits for the community."

The process to appoint a developer to acquire the site and deliver the scheme, as laid out in the development proposal, will commence shortly. Interested developers will be asked to submit bids to purchase and develop the site before a ‘Preferred Developer’ is selected. It is envisaged the successful developer will be appointed by autumn 2011.

Councillor Freda Donnelly, Mayor of Armagh City and District Council commented: "The Council is delighted to see this first development site identified in the Armagh masterplan released to the market as an development opportunity. The Council believe this is an important first step in delivering the Masterplan, regenerating our city and attracting new investment.

"The Council would wish to pay thanks to the Department of Social Development and the Department for Regional Development for their continued investment and support in advancing the economic regeneration of Armagh."

(GK/BMcC)