The Council's Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism (ERT) Committee agreed a proposal for the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.
Back in August 2021, the ERT Committee initially tasked the Council to engage with key stakeholders to explore the potential for a Town Centre Manager. Following a series of one-to-one meetings and a workshop for the wider business community, it subsequently emerged there were several priorities for businesses: street cleansing, townscape, pedestrianisation of streets, improved communication and a regeneration forum.
While membership may grow as the project progresses, the group is expected to encompass elected members, Council officers, business and community representatives and other government departments such as the Department for Communities (DfC) and Department for Infrastructure (DfI)as required.
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The Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group would have an advisory function, helping to develop ideas and work with various delivery partners as initiatives develop. If approved, its formation would follow on from significant investment work already underway as part of the Council's Downpatrick Regeneration Plans. In partnership with DfC the Council has been progressing with the redevelopment of the former PSNI station site in Irish Street, Downpatrick, and has recently undertaken a £220,000 regeneration initiative in Church Street.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Michael Savage said: "A Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group would offer a vital platform for local businesses — an opportunity to hear their plans for the future and their concerns, and be a central link to government and statutory bodies for advice and funding opportunities.
"Now more than ever the business community wants to come together in Downpatrick to be a driver for new investment and increase town centre footfall. The group itself would discuss the way forward and identify its priorities, and the Council alongside its partners would do all it can to help. The potential for Downpatrick as the County Town of Down remains huge and as a Council we're committed to playing our part."
