Communities Minister , DAERA Minister and Infrastructure Minister
today announced a public
consultation seeking views on proposals for a new approach to
delivering physical regeneration in our villages, towns and city
centres.
Shaping Sustainable Places has been developed by the Department
for Communities in collaboration with the Department for
Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and
Rural Affairs. It articulates a vision for maximising the limited
budgets available for regeneration through focused, strategically
aligned projects.
The proposed programme would seek to deliver place-based
regeneration and infrastructure interventions which would be
developed by local councils. A budget of £150million, with each
Department contributing £50million over a ten-year period, is
proposed and the final programme will require Executive approval.
Minister Lyons said: “I am pleased that
my Department has been leading on this work to develop a new
joint approach to delivering regeneration in Northern Ireland.
Shaping Sustainable Places aims to demonstrate that, by working
together, we can maximise the impact of our collective investment
and support communities to create sustainable and attractive
environments. This consultation is an important step in
progressing this collaborative work and I
encourage everyone to play their part to help guide its
future shape by responding to the consultation and sharing your
views.”
Minister Kimmins said: “This consultation represents a
vision across Government to engage communities in the improvement
of their villages, towns and city centres through the provision
of funding for local councils to lead on the delivery of
regeneration and placemaking projects. We can all play our part
in shaping places that are welcoming and inclusive, encouraging
people to walk, wheel or cycle to many of their favourite local
amenities. I would encourage everyone to complete the
consultation and help us build the foundations for a better
future.”
Minister Muir said: “Working together to
create a thriving and sustainable rural Northern Ireland,
ensuring the needs of rural communities are addressed in
partnership, remains a key objective for my Department.
The opportunity to work with my Executive colleagues to
strategically address regeneration in villages, towns and city
centres throughout Northern Ireland is one I have warmly
welcomed. I encourage all stakeholders,
particularly those in rural areas, to respond to the
consultation, and take the opportunity to have their voice heard,
to help inform and shape the ambition of the Shaping Sustainable
Places Programme.”
The consultation is open now and closes on 24 August 2025.
The Department for Communities will meet with a range of
interested parties as part of the consultation exercise.
To read the full consultation document and have your say, visit:
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/ssp-consultation
