Some of NI's most picturesque areas are to be given an economic fillip with news this week that the local offices of the international firm, URS Scott Wilson has been successful in winning a Government commission to prepare a masterplan for the South East Coast of Northern Ireland scheme.

This includes the three unique coastal towns of Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Newcastle in Co Down.

The towns are situated close to the Mourne Mountains so the impressive backdrop makes the area one of Northern Ireland's top tourist destinations.

The aim of the Masterplan is to assist in the promotion, implementation and timing of urban regeneration and tourism initiatives in the town centres.

Paul Tully, Landscape and Planning Technical Director, (pictured here) commented: "We are delighted to be involved in the South East Coast Masterplan.

"URS Scott Wilson is very aware of the issues impacting Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Newcastle so we aim to provide realistic proposals to improve the potential of each area.

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"We have worked previously in each of the towns, including the re-design of the award winning Newcastle Promenade," he continued, noting that NI's Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland made the announcement on Wednesday.

The DUP Minister said: "By working in collaboration with each other Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Newcastle will be able to fully exploit the region's assets to attract more visitors and new businesses whilst at the same time protecting each town's unique character and setting."

It is hoped that the masterplan will provide a 'vision' for the whole coast including analysis and recommendations on the retail, fisheries and tourism sectors among others, proposals for public realm improvements, a public art strategy, regeneration objectives and a design compendium for the architectural qualities of the towns.

URS Scott Wilson will also be involved in the 12-week public consultation exercises within this 12-month contract.

Scott Wilson - that has offices in both Belfast and Londonderry - is now part of URS Corporation, which has its headquarters in San Francisco and is a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world.

The firm is responsible for the design of numerous award winning and innovative schemes throughout Northern Ireland.

Completed projects include the prestigious £60m Belfast Cancer Centre, the £104m Westlink upgrade in Belfast and the RIBA Award winning Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.

Current schemes include Bombardier's CSeries Factory, the £140m Critical Care Centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital and the A5 Western Transport Corridor.

See: Scenic Mourne's Coastal Towns Set For Fillip

(BMcC/GK)