The scene is being set for the 148th Open Championship in Portrush with a series of improvements to the town centre, including a new £5.6 million train station.

As the tournament tees off in just a matter of weeks, many of the over 215,000 spectators will arrive through the state-of-the-art station.

Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink, said the new facility has transformed the Eglinton Street area of the town: "This is an exciting time for Portrush; this newly redeveloped train station with its modern contemporary feel will help to rejuvenate the area and be an important gateway to the North Coast. As we get ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the town this summer for The 148th Open, the new station will form a key part of our travel plans to get golf fans to this high profile event.

"Fully accessible, including a changing places facility, the station offers modern waiting facilities, improved passenger information and signage to local amenities and attractions, as well as enhanced cycle storage to encourage active travel and 'greener' tourism links, boosting the overall customer experience and helping us attract more people in order to make public transport your first choice for travel."

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The major regeneration programme, funded by the Department for Communities, also includes improvements to car parking, temporary car parks and the purchase of variable messaging signs to improve traffic flow and ease congestion. A £500,000 scheme was also introduced to enhance the appearance of 118 local businesses, as well as new lighting columns and street furniture and granite plaques that map out a Heritage Trail.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Sean Bateson said: "This regeneration programme has created a new era for Portrush by transforming the streetscape and built environment. The positive improvements to the town's appearance and infrastructure are befitting of Portrush's position as a high quality visitor destination and we are very proud of what the programme has achieved.

"This regeneration work will allow the resort to reach its full potential as we prepare to welcome The 148th Open and beyond. We are grateful to the local community and businesses for their co-operation throughout the process and collectively we look forward to capitalising on the legacy of this programme for years to come."

Other work being progressed as part of the Portrush Regeneration Programme includes an Urban Development Grant (UDG) scheme which helps fund developers to bring derelict and vacant properties back into economic use. UDG has been identified as being crucial to the town's long-term regeneration and will continue after the golfing championship. The first property to be completed with the help of UDG is at Dunluce Avenue, a vacant site converted into three commercial units and 13 apartments.

This scheme will lever in almost £2 million of private sector investment and create an estimated 15 full-time and 14 part-time jobs. Further schemes are in the pipeline and will deliver similar economic benefits.  

Tracy Meharg, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities, added: "Whilst the immediate focus is on preparations for The 148th Open, there is more to come. The Portrush Regeneration Programme is also about putting Portrush in a position to be able to maximise the economic benefits that the legacy of event will present. The Urban Development Grant scheme is a great example of that by offering grant-funding to bring derelict and under-used properties back into economic use, creating jobs, growing the economy and encouraging private sector investment."

(JG/CM)