Carrickfergus Masterplan
Masterplan for Carrickfergus Town Centre
The Carrickfergus Masterplan provides a guide on the future regeneration and development potential of the town centre and includes an action plan of various initiatives which could be delivered over the next 15 years. Consultants were appointed in January 2009 by the Department for Social Development to complete the masterplan and draft proposals were subsequently made available for public consultation in the last quarter of 2009. A number of changes were made following the consultation period and the final published masterplan has been fully endorsed by Council.
The main aims of the masterplan include centralising traditional uses for the town centre such as shops, offices, restaurants and community facilities which will add vitality and liveliness. Improving the quality of the built environment and retail offer will attract greater visitors and tourists to the town. Overcoming physical barriers to enable greater connectivity between the historic town centre, the castle and the waterfront areas should encourage people to spend more time in the town centre.
The main actions proposed in the masterplan include:
- Redeveloping vacant and derelict town centre properties;
- Redesign the Marine Gardens and reducing the Marine Highway width;
- New esplanade civic space and landmark Arts and Visitors centre and improved access to the Castle;
- High Quality improvements to the public realm in the walled town area and conservation/access to the town wall; and
- New waterfront development and enhancements in the harbour area including a Sailing Centre with improved boat yard facilities.
Commenting at the launch of the masterplan, Social Development Minister Alex Attwood said: "I would like to pay tribute to the magnificent response made by the people of Carrickfergus when the draft proposals were first put forward and also to congratulate the main stakeholders tasked on re-shaping these plans to address concerns expressed. This is precisely why we need to hear the views of the public.
The consultants appointed to complete the masterplan have guided us through the process with very effective collaboration and co-operation between Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Carrickfergus Development Company and other local business representatives and my Department every step of the way.
There are, of course, some very challenging aspirations in this final masterplan, which will require significant effort and co-operation by all stakeholders to both fund and implement. I look forward to seeing some real progress being made in delivering these initiatives so that everyone in the town will benefit and contribute to see their town transform for the better."
The newly elected Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg, said: "The Carrickfergus Masterplan represents the views and aspirations of the whole community. We are delighted that so many people contributed their thoughts and ideas, and look forward to delivering on the projects outlined in the plan. We’d like to thank the Minister, and DSD for supporting all of us in Carrickfergus to build on our many strengths and prepare our town for future."
The masterplan was commissioned by the Department for Social Development (DSD) in conjunction with Carrickfergus Borough Council and Carrickfergus Development Company.
An Executive Summary of the plan is available to download in the Related Documents below.
The full document is available to download in an online format in the Related Documents below and also at www.dsdni.gov.uk.
Should you require a higher resolution version, please contact Bernie Tolan at bernie.tolan@carrickfergus.org
Related Documents
For further information please contact:
Carrickfergus Borough Council
Telephone: 028 9335 8000
E-Mail: info@carrickfergus.org
Web: www.carrickfergus.org
