NI To Put The Heart Back Into The High Street

Following a review of UK high streets Northern Ireland is getting set to focus on improving its town and city centres.

Having considered the Mary Portas review of UK high streets, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, has outlined his department’s focus on the future of our town centres.

Minister McCausland said: "I support any initiative which can benefit our town and city centres which are clearly facing a difficult time in the present economic climate. Having seen the Portas Review, I have taken a number of steps as my Department continues to consider how we can best deliver support and regeneration in urban areas. Our focus should be on putting the heart back into the centre of our high streets, re-imagined as exciting social hubs for shopping, learning and socialising."

Minister McCausland continued: "My Department already has an extensive programme of public realm works across the towns and cities of Northern Ireland. This has greatly improved the environment for local people, attracting shoppers and potential investors. A case in point is Newcastle, County Down where footfall in the town has increased dramatically following the completion of the public realm works there. I am keen to explore lessons from the Portas review to ensure we are doing all we can here to maximise the potential of our own town centres as vibrant places for people to live, work and play."

(LB)