27/09/2012

Omagh Site Regeneration Approved

Planning permission has been granted to regenerate the former Scotts Mill site at Mountjoy Road in Omagh.

The permission was granted by Environment Minister Alex Attwood, in a £25m investment which will see a new 6400 sq metre food supermarket, petrol filling station and onsite parking at the former mill site.

Minister Attwood said: “This is a boost for Omagh. The development of the new food store will sustain and enhance Omagh town centre. A more vibrant town centre will provide increased shopping opportunities that will be welcomed by shoppers, traders and visitors.

"Revitalising this currently vacant mill site will also create construction jobs in the short term, other jobs in the longer term. As Environment Minister I not only want to protect the environment, but also do everything I can to create jobs and develop the economy.

"I am determined to make decisions swiftly with all planning applications under consideration in my Department and particularly decisions where job opportunities are at stake. However this is only after giving careful consideration to the individual merits of each case."

Mr Attwood added: "I have said that as future planning policy develops, it needs to be reconfigured to favour our town centres. Retail opportunities in city and town centres, helping town centres trade through difficult times and recognising the impact of out of town retail, needs to be part of the new story of retail planning in Northern Ireland."

The Department is currently consulting Omagh District Council on its opinion to approve this significant application.

(IT)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
17 August 2022
Hargey Welcomes Omagh Town Centre Regeneration Scheme
A major regeneration scheme to support the competitiveness and vibrancy of Omagh town centre has been welcomed by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. The Minister visited the Strule Urban Garden and Cycle Stop which was funded through the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme. This project, which was part of a £1.
04 February 2014
Green Light For Omagh Retail Development
Planning approval has been given the go-ahead for a new retail development in Omagh town centre. The application is for the extension and alteration to existing retail premises to provide 2,274 square meters of floorspace.
02 February 2005
Minister welcomes £1.7m Omagh facelift
Social Development Minister John Spellar has welcomed a £1.7 million project to enhance the appearance Omagh town centre.
18 August 2022
Time To 'Supercharge' Town Centre Regeneration
It is time to "supercharge" town centre regeneration and capture the opportunities of a green economy, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.