Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced approval for the development of a masterplan for Holywood Town Centre.

The Minister was outlining his Department's plans for the future regeneration of Holywood during his address to the Annual General Meeting of the Holywood Residents Association. A key component of DSD plans is the decision to develop a masterplan for Holywood Town Centre.

The masterplan will identify how regeneration opportunities within the town can be fully realised over the next 15 years.

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Mr McCausland said: "I am delighted to announce approval for a masterplan for Holywood Town Centre. This assignment will help to identify how the town centre should be developed over the next 15 to 20 years."

The masterplan will present a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed for a mix of business, tourism, leisure, public space and housing.

Mayor of North Down Councillor Wesley Irvine commented: "North Down Borough Council welcomes this vote of confidence in the future of Holywood. We recognise these are challenging economic time but are committed to the regeneration of our town centres. We have a masterplan in place for Bangor and have already seen the completion of its first major project – the redevelopment of Pickie Fun Park. We look forward to working with DSD to develop a similar framework for regeneration in Holywood."

The master plan process will help build consensus among government bodies, council, local community and private developers on how to optimise development opportunities.

(CD)