Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has launched a masterplan for Coleraine town centre.

The purpose of the masterplan is to provide the strategic vision that will guide the regeneration and development of Coleraine town centre over the next 15 years.

Mr McCausland said: "Coleraine is a town with many unique qualities, most notably its strategic location along the River Bann, its strong retail offering, and its close proximity to the Causeway coast. The launch of the masterplan signals Coleraine's intent to move with the times not only to support existing businesses but to encourage a more diverse mix of uses to ensure the future sustainable growth of the town. The masterplan proposals show how this historic town can capitalise on its assets to achieve this vision and ensure that Coleraine is a place that people want to visit and where businesses want to locate to and grow."

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The main proposals in the masterplan include:

•Creating a mixed use waterfront of international quality as a vibrant extension to the retail core.

•Creation of a Marina along the Eastern side of the Bann which will act as a catalyst for surrounding Waterfront development.

•A new office and commercial quarter around the existing Railway Station and along Railway Road.

•The development of a number of courtyard developments to allow for the nurturing of new small to medium sized business plots along Long Commons and Union Street.

•A number of road network improvements including, the provision of a new distributor road connecting Lodge Road to Ballycastle Road, a new East link road to Railway Road providing an alternative to using the Lodge Road section of the gyratory.

•The development of comprehensive pedestrian and cycle networks to allow for stronger connections to the town centre.

(CD/GK)