Members of the public are being invited to share their ideas and views as plans are put in place for the renewal and regeneration of Ballyshannon.
Donegal County Council’s Regeneration & Development Team, in conjunction with GM Design Associates, is pleased to announce the launch of ‘FUTURE Ballyshannon’, a visioning project which will deliver a Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan for Ballyshannon Town Centre.
The project will commence with a period of Public Consultation to inform the preparation of the Draft Strategy and Action Plan. The consultation period will open today in tandem with the launch of the project website www.futureballyshannon.com, and will close on Monday 15th February 2021 at 4pm.
The Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan was commissioned by Donegal County Council in November 2020, to provide an evidenced framework that will set out the future regeneration aspirations and priorities for the town. GM Design Associates are an Architectural, Landscape and Planning practice who are assisting the Council with this project and will be working collaboratively with the local community and key stakeholders to bring about meaningful and long lasting renewal and regeneration within Ballyshannon town centre.
The Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan will establish a roadmap for the reinvention; reimagining and place-making of the town centre that will help facilitate the unlocking of its unique potential including the high quality physical environment and exceptional cultural and historical heritage, as well as its coastal and riverside setting.
The Strategy and Action Plan will be regeneration focused with a view to strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of the town centre and transforming the urban fabric through physical revitalisation and environmental improvements. A range of credible and deliverable actions, interventions and projects will be identified and developed to concept design stage and will be aligned to relevant funding streams to support their delivery.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal Municipal District, Cllr Michael Naughton emphasises the significance of the commencement of the Ballyshannon Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan saying: “The Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan presents a significant opportunity for a truly collaborative approach to transformational regeneration between Donegal County Council and the people of Ballyshannon. It will rely on the involvement of all key stakeholders including residents and visitors, community organisations, local interest groups and business representatives, to ensure that the needs of the local community are addressed.”
Speaking about the Ballyshannon Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan, Liam Ward, Director of Community Development and Planning Services with Donegal County Council says: “Ballyshannon has a number of incredibly valuable and unique assets in its distinctive architectural and archaeological heritage, its coastal location and the presence of the Erne River. The Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan will assist and support the local community in the renewal and regeneration of these assets in a sustainable manner and will greatly enhance the special significance of the town and its setting in the longer term.”
Ms. Ruth Diver, Executive Planner with the Regeneration and Development Team and Project Lead invites the public to think about “their place” and share their likes, dislikes and aspirations for the future of Ballyshannon. Ms. Diver says “Local participation in the process is invaluable and will ensure that the Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan is suitably tailored to the specific needs of the community & local economy”.
So please get in touch and have your say, you can do so by:
- Visiting the project website www.futureballyshannon.com to complete our on-line survey and leave comments; visit ‘Ballyshannon Regeneration Strategy’ on Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/Ballyshannon-Regeneration-Strategy-106697458078370/;
or follow our Twitter page @BallyshannonRe1 – https://twitter.com/BallyshannonRe1
- Attending our online consultation event on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 @ 3.30pm. Please contact us to request an invite.
- E-mail: futureballyshannon@g-m-design.co.uk
- Telephone : +44 (028) 7035 6138
- Write: GM Design Associates, 22 Lodge Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1NB
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