Magherafelt District Council
50 Ballyronan Road
Magherafelt
BT45 6EN
t:028 7939 7979
Masterplan
05/07/11
McCausland launches new vision for Magherafelt Town Centre
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland visited Magherafelt to launch the newly completed Masterplan for the town centre.
The Masterplan sets out a new vision for Magherafelt town centre and identifies a series of initiatives, including:
• A series of opportunity sites,
• Proposals for a phased improvement to the public realm,
• Use of Town Centre Regeneration initiatives such as ReStore (shop front improvement), Purple Flag (town safety accreditation), Urban Development Grants to enhance the central areas,
• Improvements to directional signage,
• A town centre Heritage Trail,
• Improvements to the parking strategy,
Minister McCausland said: "The Regeneration process mapped out in this new Plan will help lead Magherafelt towards a new vibrant and exciting future. The Masterplan is intended to guide and assist developers from the public and private sectors over the next 15 years. I want to encourage investment and growth in our town centres, and the Masterplan is an essential starting point for that growth."
Also speaking at the launch, the Vice Chair of Magherafelt District Council, Councillor George Shiels said: "The Council is delighted to see the launch of the Magherafelt Town Centre Masterplan. A lot of hard work and consultation has gone into its preparation, and we look forward to working in partnership with DSD and other agencies to make the vision a reality".
The Masterplan was prepared for the Department for Social Development in partnership with Magherafelt District Council and other stakeholders by a team of consultants from URS ScottWilson.
The Masterplan is available to download here.
March 2011
Magherafelt Masterplan
In May 2010 URS / Scott Wilson were commissioned by Department of Social Development to prepare a masterplan for Magherafelt Town Centre. The Masterplan is non-statutory and will provide the basis and justification for the department of Social Developments decision making on the promotion, implementation and timing of urban regeneration initiatives in the town centre over the next 15 years.
Steering Group
A steering group has been established to oversee the development of the Masterplan which is made up of representatives from the following organisations:
o Department for Social Development - Regional Development Office
o Magherafelt District Council
o Magherafelt Town Centre Forum
o Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce
o Department of Environment Planning Service
o Department of Regional Department Roads Service
Masterplan Process
1. Information Gathering
2. Analysis & Interpretation
3. Visioning - Vision Workshop 26 October 2010
4. Design Proposals
o Preparation of draft design proposals
o Public Consultation (25 January - 4 March 2011)
o Draft Town Centre Masterplan
5. Implementation
o Operational Action Plan
Vision
"Magherafelt a Vibrant, Thriving and Welcoming Town Centre"
By 2025 Magherafelt Town Centre will be:
o A competitive retail centre with an excellent range of independent and multiple retailers, providing everyday service to its local community and attracting visitors with its unique retail offer;
o A neutral venue which is inviting and welcoming to al sections of the community;
o Vacant units will be occupied and the town centre will have further established itself as a lively leisure hub with a thriving evening economy;
o The town centre will also be a desirable place to live with a range of accommodation available.
o The principles of sustainability will underpin the future growth of the town centre with Magherafelt becoming a market leader.
Magherafelt Short Term plan Download
