A vision for the future

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Newtownards town centre regeneration masterplan, aimed at 'unlocking the future by developing the present' a contemporary, vibrant Newtownards for local people and visitors alike, was unveiled in Newtownards Town Hall Arts Centre yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Prior to the launch, Social Development Minister, Alex Atwood, accompanied by Ards Mayor, Councillor David Smyth, and the Council's Chief Executive, Ashley Boreland, met with retailers as he toured the town centre.

A blueprint for the town's development over the next 15 - 20 years, the masterplan aims to create a diverse town centre with a rich mix of uses and a balanced provision of activities and opportunities; produce a thriving tourist economy, making Newtownards a destination in its own right, from which the attractions of the wider Borough, and beyond, can be explored; expand the evening economy sensitively, bringing life to Newtownards throughout the day and into the night; improve the 'Quality of Place' by making the most of Newtownards' built heritage and high quality townscape; ensure accessibility, making Newtownards town centre pedestrian and cyclist friendly, reducing congestion, with good public transport links and adequate, accessible parking provision; present a friendly face with a strong community spirit that is welcoming to visitors and over-arching branding and promotions, providing the centre with effective promotion and marketing, and an exciting programme of events throughout the year, managed in a partnership approach.

The plan acknowledges Conway Square as the functional and historic heart of Newtownards and an important civic asset, and believes it would benefit from updating and redesign. Ruling out a complete redevelopment of The Square, proposals for investment in improvements include paving materials, street furniture, a new lighting scheme, retractable power points for events and the weekly market, an information point and public art.

Development opportunity sites have been identified, including existing buildings, gap sites and currently under-utilised land, including existing surface car parks at Movilla Street and Mill Street for mixed retail and commercial use, and at South Street for retail/hotel development.

There is a proposal to redevelop High Street/Court Street to provide a considerable uplift to the quality and range of retail and leisure on offer. This could include apartments and offices.

A new flagship library and cultural resource centre is planned on the Queen's Hall library site, as previously reported by the Chronicle.

Improvements are also planned to provide a sensitive and sympathetic setting of the Old Market Cross, to emphasise the importance of Court Square as a gateway to the town centre and as a setting for the Priory, and to provide a public space at South Street to complement potential new development and support a new leisure quarter.

Whilst some existing car parking sites are in line for development, the plan recognises parking is vitally important for the town centre and envisages the retention and possible increase of spaces, perhaps with basement parking in new buildings.

A number of actions to improve the pedestrian environment are also recommended, including junction improvements and footpath widening and the promotion of sustainable transport options, such as refurbishment of the bus station, the provision of dedicated coach parking, ensuring taxi ranks are clearly defined and improving safety for cyclists.

Full report in the Chronicle.