Regeneration scheme to see proper development in Carryduff

The up to date shopping centre will include a strong focus for town centre living.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood revealed the plans when he announced his decision to grant planning permission for this mixed use development. This is another ‘Article 31’ (major planning application), one in an ongoing series of large planning announcements being made by the Minister.

The proposal involves the demolition of the existing Carryduff Shopping Centre and construction of new mixed use development comprising an overall retail floorspace of 8,825 square metres consisting of 19 units at ground floor level and 150 apartments above the retail element. Parking is provided at basement levels for both the residential and the retail aspect of the proposal.

“This is a boost for Carryduff,” said Mr Attwood. “It will help revitalise the area. A more vibrant town centre will be much welcomed by shoppers, traders and visitors. Apartments to create town centre living will ensure that it is not a shopping centre by day and a ghost town by night. Construction jobs will be created in the short term, other jobs in the longer term.

“I am very conscious that there are concerns about the impact of the proposal on residential amenity but I have balanced this against the wider benefits of the proposed scheme. The economic, physical and social advantages will directly benefit many people’s lives while at the same time rejuvenating Carryduff. The existing centre has lost its initial appeal. This integrated scheme can bring life back, creating ‘a retail living space’, balanced and broad development.

“As Environment Minister I not only want to protect the environment, but also do everything I can to create jobs and develop the economy. The plans for Carryduff, carried out in a sensitive way, will help do that.”

The Minister concluded: “This decision brings to a conclusion a planning process that began in 2007.