Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today announced the launch of a public consultation on proposals for a new, collaborative approach to delivering physical regeneration across Northern Ireland's villages, towns, and city centres.

The initiative, titled 'Shaping Sustainable Places', has been developed jointly by the Department for Communities, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). It outlines a vision to maximise limited regeneration budgets through focused, strategically aligned projects.

The proposed programme envisages place-based regeneration and infrastructure interventions led by local councils. A total budget of £150 million is proposed, with each of the three contributing departments providing £50 million over a ten-year period. The final programme will require approval from the Executive.

Minister Lyons commented: "I am pleased that my Department has been leading on this work to develop a new joint approach to delivering regeneration in Northern Ireland. Shaping Sustainable Places aims to demonstrate that, by working together, we can maximise the impact of our collective investment and support communities to create sustainable and attractive environments. This consultation is an important step in progressing this collaborative work and I encourage everyone to play their part to help guide its future shape by responding to the consultation and sharing your views."

Minister Kimmins added: "This consultation represents a vision across Government to engage communities in the improvement of their villages, towns and city centres through the provision of funding for local councils to lead on the delivery of regeneration and placemaking projects. We can all play our part in shaping places that are welcoming and inclusive, encouraging people to walk, wheel or cycle to many of their favourite local amenities. I would encourage everyone to complete the consultation and help us build the foundations for a better future."

Minister Muir also emphasised the importance of rural perspectives: "Working together to create a thriving and sustainable rural Northern Ireland, ensuring the needs of rural communities are addressed in partnership, remains a key objective for my Department. The opportunity to work with my Executive colleagues to strategically address regeneration in villages, towns and city centres throughout Northern Ireland is one I have warmly welcomed. I encourage all stakeholders, particularly those in rural areas, to respond to the consultation, and take the opportunity to have their voice heard, to help inform and shape the ambition of the Shaping Sustainable Places Programme."

The public consultation is open now and will close on Saturday, 24 August 2025. The Department for Communities will also conduct meetings with various interested parties as part of the consultation exercise.

To read the full consultation document and provide your input, please visit: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-shaping-sustainable-places.