'Masterplan' Prepared For Dromore

A design consultancy has been asked by the Department for Social Development to prepare a masterplan to detail how the town of Dromore in County Down will grow and change over the coming years.

Over the next 18 months GM Design Consultants will work with a range of stakeholders to produce the masterplan. It will present a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed for a mix of business, tourism, leisure, public space and housing that could be accommodated.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "The masterplan will act as an important first step forward for the continued regeneration of Dromore for the next 10 to 15 years.

"I would encourage all those with an interest in the future development of the County Down town to work in partnership with the consultants to ensure that the plan fully captures Dromore’s potential. I want to see the town continue to attract new visitors and business whilst at the same time protecting the town’s historic character."

Catriona Regan, Director of Leisure and Development at Banbridge District Council said: "In recent years, a number of projects which were identified in the Council’s 2003 Development Strategy have been completed and the town has improved as a result, these include Public Realm works in Market Square, the refurbishment of the Town Hall, upgrading of Dromore Town Park and the ongoing 'Revitalisation' project, however more needs to be done to ensure that the town remains competitive."

Dromore is a historic cathedral town within the Banbridge District Council District.

In 1992 the town centre was designated a conservation area by the Department of the Environment.

(IT/CD)