An event is being held in Craigavon in an effort to mobilise and accelerate the strategic development of the borough's town centres.

The 'Transforming Towns Together' conference will take place at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Thursday 22 November, hosted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

The conference will bring together the borough's key stakeholders and thought leaders, designed to deliver a more informed and collaborative decision-making on the future of the borough's urban centres. It will also promote closer working relations between professionals working in the field within both the private and public sectors, while providing an overview of the current market and across Northern Ireland. The conference will have an urban focus, with topics in line with key council initiatives.

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BBC broadcaster and architecture expert Piers Taylor will make the keynote address at the event. He will be joined by business broadcaster Jamie Delargy who will introduce a stellar line-up.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Julie Flaherty, said: "Regenerating and developing our town centres and ensuring they continue to thrive long into the future is a key council priority given the pivotal role they play in supporting local economic growth and enhancing the quality of the lives for everyone.

"We are thrilled to welcome inspiring speakers and committed stakeholders. By sharing knowledge and working together with local business, we can confidently and collaboratively improve what our town centres have to offer."

This follows the announcement this month that Lurgan will benefit from a combined £4 million heritage-led investment to be delivered by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the council to regenerate its historic town centre as part of a five-year Townscape Heritage project.

The council also announced an investment of £6.3 million earlier this year, which will transform Armagh's historic city centre thanks to a major injection of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

(CM/MH)