Banbridge town centre is set to undergo a programme of improvements to help improve the streetscape and increase footfall.

A new £5.5 million public realm scheme will see works delivered including paving and landscaping to improve the quality of the main streets and connectivity between them, as well as enhancements to the bridge over the River Bann. An attractive civic space will also be created in the heart of the town to hold events and build a sense of community.

Announcing the new investment for the Co Down town, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am delighted to announce this £5.5m investment in Banbridge, with £3m coming from my Department. This is a major investment and will help to improve the streetscape and attract shoppers back to the town centre following the pandemic.

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"This will also help to improve the dwell time for those visiting the town, including the huge number of visitors to the Game of Thrones attraction, which is expected to open later this year and will attract people from across the globe. 

"This funding will complement previous public realm works funded by my Department and is part of my ongoing commitment to the regeneration of our town and city centres. It has been a difficult period for our high streets and I hope this will be a welcome boost in sustaining the long term viability and prosperity of the towns."

Approximately £3m is being invested from the Department for Communities, with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council providing the remaining £2.5m.

Alderman Glenn Barr, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council added: "I welcome the announcement of funding and support from the department towards Banbridge Public Realm. This investment comes at a significant time for the town as it prepares to capitalise on the major Game of Thrones attraction that will firmly put Banbridge on the map for international visitors. As a council we will be contributing over £2.5 million to this £5.5 million scheme to provide a major regeneration boost for the town centre, renew the sense of public pride in the town, and help support the recovery, growth and future investment of businesses for the future."

This scheme will be managed by the Council, with work due to get underway in Spring 2022.