Communities Minister has announced the completion
of the regeneration projects funded through the Portrush Urban
Development Grant (UDG) programme.
The programme saw £1.4million of grant funding invested by his
department to support the redevelopment of three prominent,
listed properties in the area, as well as a new-build development
on a previously derelict site in Portrush town centre.
The aim of the UDG scheme is to re-invigorate town centres by
encouraging private sector investment to bring vacant, derelict,
and underused land and buildings back into use. The department's
funding has helped to unlock property owner investment, which has
led to a total investment in the properties of over £16million.
The department's funding enabled the regeneration of the former
railway station at 16c Eglinton Street, the former Northern Bank
building at No. 60 Main Street, Marcus Hotel (formerly the
Londonderry Hotel) on the junction of Main Street/Atlantic
Avenue, as well as a new-build apartment and retail block at
Dunluce Avenue.
Minister Lyons said: “I am pleased that my
department has been able to provide financial support to assist
with the regeneration of three historically significant landmark
properties and the development of a derelict site within Portrush
town centre.
“The financial assistance offered through this grant
programme has encouraged the private sector to invest in
the built heritage of the town which, in turn, has given a
much-needed boost to residents and visitors. In addition to
preserving these historic buildings, the projects have
contributed to job creation and enhanced the quality of the
tourism offering to confirm Portrush as one of Northern Ireland's
top holiday destinations.”
The Portrush Urban Development Grant scheme was one element of
the wider Portrush Regeneration Programme, which has seen
investment in projects including the Portrush town centre public
realm scheme, the new railway station and the environmental
improvements at Landsdowne/Ramore area.
The Minister continued: “This substantial investment in
Portrush will promote commercial and residential opportunities
within the town centre and address economic decline, as well as
encouraging town centre living, which I believe is key to
sustainable regeneration in the future.”
Notes to editors:
- The total value of the investment in the four Urban
Development Grant (UDG) funded projects is £16,297,258, with the
Department awarding £1,399,369 of that amount.
- The total value of the projects delivered under The Portrush
Regeneration Programme (which included the UDG element) was
£14.637M
