Master McGrath returning to town centre

It will the last stage in the Craigavon Borough Council and Department for Social Development public realm improvements in the
town.

The lead contractor, McLaughlin and Harvey, who started the work in November 2012, is now entering the final phase of work with less than four weeks 
remaining.

They will still be in the town after June to carry out minor repairs and address any defects or other issues, but with a greatly reduced presence.

There will be a short period from June 13 to 20 when no work will be carried out due to the G8 Summit, which has placed a moratorium on all road works across Northern Ireland.

The well known Master McGrath bronze sculpture is being relocated to a location on the central island close to the High Street Methodist Church. Council have lobbied to have this work carried out within the public realm scheme, and acknowledge the support of the Brownlow family and local businesspeople.

Master McGrath, alongside the Maurice Harron public artwork to be installed on the central plaza later this year, will add further interest to the town centre, further celebrating the area’s rich local
heritage.

Public realm works has led to some disruption, but constructive engagement between the contractor and business owners has helped to deliver the project as efficiently as
possible.

Recent surveys have found that footfall in the streets completed during the first phase of work two years ago has increased by approximately 35 per cent on average.

It is anticipated that similar benefits will soon be evident in the phase two area.