'˜New lease of life' as £220k town scheme completed

The Revitalise project, involving around 70 businesses, has given a new look to Railway Road, Kingsgate Street, Long Commons and Brook Street.

Improvements include enhanced shop fronts, new signage and rainwater goods. It is hoped the initiative will make the area more appealing, leading to increased footfall which will ultimately help sustain businesses in the area and encourage further investment.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “The completion of the scheme has given a new lease-of-life to this important part of Coleraine, which is home to a fantastic range of businesses and services.

“I hope the Revitalise project will attract more people to the area, and I would encourage everyone to come and explore what it has to offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved, and commend them for what they have achieved.”

Coleraine Revitalise 2016/17 was awarded £200,000 from the Department for Communities with a further £20,000 from council.

To mark the milestone a family fun afteroon will take place on Saturday (April 1) with radio roadshow, balloon modelling, face painting and street characters.

Jan O’Neill, council’s Revitalise Project officer said: “Around 70 businesses are involved in the scheme and it is so rewarding to witness the transformation process.”

“I would like to thank the steering group and the property and business owners for participating. I should also mention the contractors who have put so much effort in to completing the works within a very tight timeframe.

“The project has been achieved by working together and we are now looking forward to celebrating together as well.”

Saturday’s programme willl see the Q Radio roadshow broadcasting live from outside Coleraine Leisure Centre. There’ll be street entertainment including balloon modelling, face painting and street characters.

Many of the traders are doing special promotional offers and there’ll be goodie bag giveaways.

The Revitalise scheme follows on from similar projects completed in recent years around the Train Station, the Waterside and Bridge Street areas.