£900,000 announced for town-centre improvements across Ards and North Down
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £900,000 in funding for improvements to five town and city centres across Ards and North Down.
The Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme will cover Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee, with work expected to be completed in 2028.
Ards and North Down Borough Council will contribute a further £90,000 towards the project, bringing the combined investment to £990,000.
Five town centres to benefit from new funding
The funding will support improvements to public spaces across the borough’s five principal urban centres.
Planned work includes paving repairs, new and upgraded street furniture, feature lighting, planting and improvements to CCTV.
The programme will also support parklets and other placemaking initiatives intended to make town centres more attractive and accessible.
The scheme will be delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Gordon Lyons announces £900,000 investment
Announcing the funding, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the investment would help protect previous regeneration work while improving the appearance and accessibility of town centres.
He said the enhancements would contribute to cleaner, more welcoming places for residents, visitors and businesses.
The Minister added that he looked forward to seeing the improvements delivered across the council area.
Bangor, Holywood and other centres included
The programme covers Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee.
The Department for Communities said the work would build on earlier public investment and support the continued regeneration of local shopping and commercial areas.
Although the overall funding has been confirmed, the announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown of how much each town will receive.
Individual projects and delivery arrangements will be progressed through the council.
Council welcomes regeneration funding
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Craig Blaney, welcomed the announcement.
He said the investment would help improve the appearance, quality and accessibility of public spaces while supporting local businesses.
The Mayor also highlighted the importance of partnership working between the council, the Department for Communities and local groups.
Improvement programme expected to finish in 2028
The Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme is expected to be completed in 2028.
The £900,000 departmental award, together with the council’s £90,000 contribution, will support improvements intended to strengthen the appeal of the borough’s town and city centres.
Further details about individual works and delivery schedules are expected as the scheme progresses.
External link: Department for Communities
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