Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited Antrim to announce plans for a £90,000 blueprint to revitalise the town centre.

During her visit, the Minister also met local politicians and business people and viewed a number of key sites in the town.

Ms Ritchie said: “Antrim is an historic town with many positive aspects. However, it also has a number of problems that need to be dealt with if it is to develop to its full potential. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to visit the town and see at first hand what some of the issues are.”

The Minister added: “In 2005, Antrim Borough Council produced a masterplan for the town centre which has provided us with an excellent analysis of the town, its strengths and the challenges facing it. My department is committed to working closely with the Council to do what we can to regenerate the town.

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“Therefore, I am pleased to announce that we have committed £90,000 to the preparation of detailed proposals. This work will be completed early in 2008 and I have no doubt that it will start a process of transformation in the town centre.”

The proposals will identify key sites for regeneration, consider transport, access and parking arrangements and advise on how public areas can be improved to enhance the appeal of the town centre to shoppers, visitors and investors. There will be extensive consultation on the plans as they are developed.

Welcoming the Minister’s visit to the town, the Deputy Mayor of Antrim, Oran Keenan, said: “We’re delighted with the Minister’s announcement today. It is a real vote of confidence in Antrim town and especially the Council’s Masterplan.

“We have been working closely with our public and private sector partners to use the Masterplan to bring about significant changes and improvements to Antrim town and the Minister’s announcement is a clear demonstration of how effective partnerships can make a real difference on the ground.”

(JM/SP)