The future of our town centre

The purpose of the masterplan is to provide the strategic vision that will guide the regeneration and development of the town centre over the next 15 years.

Mr McCausland said: “Coleraine is a town with many unique qualities, most notably its strategic location along the River Bann, its strong retail offering, and its close proximity to the Causeway Coast.

The launch of the masterplan signals Coleraine’s intent to move with the times not only to support existing businesses but to encourage a more diverse mix of uses to ensure the future sustainable growth of the town.

“The masterplan proposals show how this historic town can capitalise on its assets to achieve this vision and ensure that Coleraine is a place that people want to visit and where businesses want to locate to and grow.”

“In these challenging economic times, now is the right time to set out how Coleraine plans to grow and prosper over the next 15 years.

“The proposals published in the masterplan today provide a clear vision of how the town can utilise its best features and ensure its continuing success and prosperity.

“Whilst some of the proposals are challenging and will require significant effort and co-operation by all stakeholders to both fund and implement, I look forward to seeing these proposals being delivered and the future transformation of the town.”

The Mayor of Coleraine, alderman Maurice Bradley, said: “I am delighted to see that Coleraine is looking to the future and this masterplan is evidence of just how strong that future could be.

“Coleraine is a town with a wide variety of assets and this positive step highlights how best to use and build upon those assets to create strong and sustainable growth in the area. This is an exciting time for Coleraine and I very much look forward to seeing this plan come to fruition and watching the town reap the undoubted benefits these developments will bring.”

The masterplan was commissioned by the Department for Social Development (DSD) in conjunction with Coleraine Borough Council. The Paul Hogarth Company was appointed in July 2010 to complete the masterplan at a cost of £79,055.