The British Urban Regeneration Association is working with the Northern Irish authorities to regenerate areas blighted by violent political and sectarian clashes.
Craigavon borough council has enlisted the body to advise on the implementation of its development framework. Scott Wilson prepared the CIDF document. The proposal, unveiled by social development minister Alex Attwood this week, proposes a 20-year framework.
The area comprises three town centres – Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown – which include sites blighted by the Troubles.
BURA members have provided advice on how to attract private sector partners for more than 50 proposals, including flagship projects in each town.
Earlier this year, a five-strong team from BURA advised Northern Ireland’s Strategic Investment Board that a proposed peace centre could be developed around the former Maze Prison’s listed buildings, and advised on the creation of an Urban Development Corporation at the site (6 March, p31).
The plans were rubberstamped by the government last week.
BURA vice chairman Dr Paul Evans said: “What is unusual in Northern Ireland is the number of large-scale sites, previously used for military and other government purposes, that are becoming empty. We have been able to provide an entirely non-partisan approach and give access to a reservoir of expertise in major development.”
paul.norman@estatesgazette.com
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