Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland has announced that a 'preferred developer' had been appointed to redevelop the important Mall West site in Armagh City centre.

Next to the historic Mall in the City the development site consists of part of the existing multi- storey car park, adjacent land towards McCrum's Court and the building currently occupied by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. This important city centre site was identified as a key regeneration priority in the Armagh City Masterplan, which was published in May 2009.

Minister McCausland said: "I am pleased to announce that a preferred developer, Drumragh Property Investments Ltd, has been appointed by my Department to redevelop this very important city centre site in Armagh. The 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. The development will be a major boost for Armagh and create new retail space right in the heart of the City Centre.

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"The development of the site will facilitate private sector investment in Armagh and will create construction jobs in the short term and ensure some permanent jobs in the future in the retail sector. The progress of this development site is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Armagh Masterplan. My department in partnership with the local council and statutory bodies have worked diligently to progress this major development for Armagh City Centre and we are confident that the proposals for the site will ensure that it is regenerated to its best possible use. I am committed to delivering regeneration and economic development across Northern Ireland and the historic city of Armagh is part of that."

(CD/GK)