Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy are seeking to appoint a 'preferred developer' for a major development site at Castle Lane East in Lurgan.

The development site consists of the existing surface car park and was identified as part of the Craigavon Integrated Development Framework, published in July 2010. There are a number of adjacent land owners who may be interested in collaborating to take forward an integrated development to deliver the regeneration of this key part of Lurgan town centre.

Minister McCausland said: "This development site offers a unique opportunity to regenerate this part of Lurgan and to help encourage more footfall in the town centre. The proposal is to redevelop the car park with the intention of introducing an attraction which will generate visitor numbers and enhance the business prospects of the town."

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Minister Kennedy said: "This is an exciting project which will facilitate much needed private sector investment and economic activity in Lurgan, 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 existing car park provision within the town centre will be maintained as part of the project."

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 spring 2013.

(CD/GK)