The Coleraine Future Town Fund (CFTF) Board has received formal approval from the UK Government's Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government for its Coleraine 10‑Year Vision and Regeneration Plan, which was submitted shortly before Christmas 2025.

The decision, which confirms an indicative funding package of approximately £20 million, has been communicated to the Board, providing clarity on the pathway to deliver long‑term regeneration across the town.

The Ministry has also written to local MP Gregory Campbell to officially confirm that the CFTF Vision and Regeneration Plan has been approved.

Chair of the CFTF Board, Professor Gerry McKenna said: "On behalf of the CFTF Board, I warmly welcome this announcement from the UK Government. Confirmation of the approval of our 10‑year regeneration plan marks a significant milestone for our communities, our partners, and the town of Coleraine, turning our shared ideas into real, on‑the‑ground change.

"We thank everyone who contributed with such enthusiasm during our community engagement, and we are delighted to now move into the next stage of the programme - delivery. This decision gives us the clarity and confidence to move forward with the development of projects that will be funded from the £20m funding allocation and which will bring lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits across the town. The Board looks forward to working closely with local stakeholders as we turn this shared vision into reality."

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The plan's priorities reflect extensive engagement with residents, community groups, schools, voluntary organisations and local businesses. Funding priorities shaped by that process include:

- Housing and community infrastructure – building the foundations for thriving neighbourhoods.

- Town centre regeneration and placemaking – creating more vibrant, welcoming, people‑focused centres.

- Tourism, heritage and the visitor experience – showcasing local landscapes, heritage and stories.

- Sustainable transport and connectivity – making travel safer and more affordable for everyone.

- Business, innovation and skills – supporting jobs, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, while harnessing the strengths of the University and local college.

- Blue‑green infrastructure and the local environment – protecting nature and enhancing assets such as the River Bann.

The Board has moved into a co‑design phase with the community and key partners to turn feedback into viable, deliverable projects. This will include workshops, project scoping, technical appraisal and partnership development ahead of formal assessment milestones throughout 2026.

The CFTF Board expects to publish the final 10‑Year Regeneration Plan, including details of the first four‑year investment programme, in summer 2026.

The Board thanked local communities, organisations and businesses for their strong participation, which continues this month. Upcoming Community Ambition co‑design workshops:

- 22nd April – CRUN, 1 Brook street, Coleraine, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

- 28th April – Arts, Culture & Heritage Workshop, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

- 28th April – Sports & Physical Activity and Wellbeing Workshop, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, 5.30pm - 7.30pm