The Business Case for the £6.96 million Strabane Public Realm Scheme has been approved by the Department for Communities (DfC).

Derry City and Strabane District Council welcomed the scheme and announced that it has increased its financial contribution to this significantly important regeneration project for Strabane to £696,000 to ensure it can progress as quickly as possible.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said it was fantastic news that the long-awaited public realm scheme that will see significant environmental improvements to Strabane town centre, including Abercorn Square, Market Street, Castle Street and Railway Street, had been given the green light.

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She stated: "This scheme has been progressing for several years and Council has been leading the development of the project, working with the Department to get the business case approved. She said that the purpose of the project was to stimulate the regeneration of the Town Centre as a destination, focusing on the quality of place, together with a complementary commercial offer which comprises of local independent retail, leisure, and tourism."

She added that this will contribute significantly to the regeneration of Strabane Town Centre and will be complimentary to Council's wider regeneration plans for the Town, including the £102m Strabane City Deal project, which is currently being developed.

Director of Environment and Regeneration for Derry City and Strabane District Council Karen Phillips said: "This project will deliver extensive improvements to footpaths, installation of new street lighting​, additional tree Planting​, improved parking provision​, improved traffic flow​, an improved pedestrian ​experience and the installation of public artwork."

She added that Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Department for Communities to deliver the scheme for Strabane as quickly as possible.