Key findings and report proposals

• The team agreed very early that there were no quick solutions which would create a turnaround. The report looked at medium term solutions.

• Public Realm Upgrade has been difficult but provides good potential to provide an attractive venue

• Members agreed that historical disagreements such as Maze/Long Kesh and John Lewis at Sprucefield have bene unhelpful.

• There is a need for greater co-ordination and communication in business support services.

• Existing infrastructure provides a positive basis for growth.

• Lisburn is an excellent central transport hub and location.

• Car parking strategy has potential to be a positive contribution.

• Strategy must address shopper leakage to other others.

• There is a need for co-ordination in attracting tourism.

• The facet that there is currently little office space available in Lisburn City Centre was considered a major weakness.

Key Recommendations

• Lisburn must adapt a branded approach across all sectors.

• Creation of a Lisburn 2022 co-ordination team.

• Public Realm launch

• Adopt a focused approach to attract key large businesses.

• A packaged small business start-up initiative targeted at the city centre.

• Co-ordinated retail packaged approach.

• Integration of social economy businesses.

• Development of the evening economy.

• Develop a co-ordinated tourism approach, including Canal development and developing Lisburn as a venue for the film industry.

• Provision of affordable transport and office solutions, with office space being identified at the HMRC site on the Hillsborough Road and at Hilden Mill.

• City Centre hotel.

• Provision of superfast broadband.

• Development of ‘Above the Shop’ apartments and city centre living.

• Lisburn needs a skilled and innovative workforce.

• Development of key areas such as the Laganbank Quarter and Knockmore Hill .