24/02/2006

Portadown redevelopment plans given major boost

Plans to transform the town of Portadown have been given a major boost by the Department for Social Development.

The DSD has offered over £600,000 to local regeneration company Portadown 2000, to carry out the development of the town.

The changes could include the development of the River Bann, a new health centre, the regeneration of eight sites for shops, offices and leisure uses and the construction of new homes closer to the town centre.

Three new jobs will also be created, including a chief executive roll, and recruitment is due to begin next month.

David Hanson MP, Minister for Social Development said: "This is an exciting and ambitious strategy which will bring significant physical, social and economic benefits to local people. DSD looks forward to working in partnership with Portadown 2000 and others to achieve real progress and to revitalise the town."

The Portadown 2000 project was set up in 1994 to carry out a management role in the town centre and to lead on the Millennium regeneration project and to encourage the physical and economic development of the town.

The funding has been made available from the Integrated Development Fund, which was set up to encourage greater community relations, working towards the production and implementation of integrated development strategies in the Portadown area.

(EF)


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