RPS to produce Limavady masterplan

The Department for Social Development (DSD) today, Friday, April 30, announced the appointment of international urban design experts, the RPS Group, to prepare a masterplan for Limavady town centre, marking another important step towards producing a masterplan for the area

The masterplan will inform the priorities for development in the town centre and provide in particular: an agreed strategy for town centre development; an assessment of the development potential of vacant and underused sites within the town centre; and suggestions for public realm enhancements to support the regeneration objectives and complement the recommendations for restructuring and redevelopment of various buildings/sites.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "The appointment of consultants with international experience to prepare a town centre masterplan marks an important phase in the overall regeneration of Limavady.

"My Department is committed to working with Limavady Borough Council and other statutory organisations to help regenerate the town centre. "This detailed masterplan will form the basis for strategic and integrated regeneration activities in the coming years."

Councillor Cathal hOisn, Mayor of Limavady Borough Council said: "This is an exciting announcement for Limavady, especially at a time when rural towns such as ours continue to struggle during the economic downturn.

"We look forward to working with the Department for Social Development and engaging the local community to play their part in this new development.

"I am sure that councillors, residents and business people will recognise what an important opportunity this is for Limavady - we encourage everyone to participate in this important project."

Work to prepare the masterplan will commence immediately and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.