Local contractors, CivCo Ltd, have commenced work on the new £4 million Maghera Public Realm Scheme.

Supported by funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Mid Ulster District Council, the public realm initiative will transform the town centre by introducing new paving, upgraded street lighting, tree planting and enhanced street furniture. It aims to rectify inadequate footpath widths and improve pedestrian access.

The project includes Main Street and extends to Coleraine Road, Station Road, Meeting House Avenue, Tirkane Road, Church Street, Glen Road, Hall Street, Bank Square and St Lurach's Road.

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Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnel, said: "I'm delighted to see this work starting and look forward to seeing the transformation of Maghera town centre through the public realm scheme. There will be short term pain while the work happens, but the long-term gain for the residents of and visitors to Maghera that the Maghera Regeneration Programme will bring will be worthwhile.

"The complex Public Realm construction programme that will be delivered over the next ten months is designed to maintain access to properties for our residents and, most importantly, keep the town centre open for business."

The first phase covering Coleraine Road, Upper Main Street, Lower Main Street, Hall Street and St. Lurach's Road will begin in July, and is anticipated to complete by mid-autumn, before the contractor moves to the second phase. Station Road will serve as the main traffic diversion route during the scheme.

Paul McFlynn, Contracts Director at CivCo, added: "We are excited to commence work on Maghera Public Realm Scheme, implementing essential environmental improvements aimed at future-proofing Maghera town and making it an enjoyable place to visit, shop, work and live."