Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has launched a Masterplan for Holywood town centre.

The Masterplan sets out a new vision for Holywood town centre, focusing on a number of core regeneration objectives including:

· Improving physical linkages.
· Creating shared space.
· Working together.
· Reconnecting with history.
· Enhancing first impressions.
· Connecting land and sea.

Minister Storey said: “The Holywood Masterplan is an important milestone in planning the strategic development of Holywood. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work which will guide and assist developers from the public and private sectors to ensure that Holywood meets its full potential as a vibrant town centre.”

The Masterplan provides a road map for how a prosperous and vibrant town can be achieved through coordinated implementation of regeneration activity designed to address current social, economic and environmental challenges.

Minister continued: “The goal was to produce a Masterplan which is distinctive, inspirational, realistic and deliverable and this has been achieved. This investment by the Department will help to deliver economic regeneration in partnership with communities and demonstrates a continued commitment of the Northern Ireland Executive in the regeneration of our towns and cities.”

The Masterplan proposals are based on an extensive process of research, consultation and engagement with local people and organisations. It will be used by central and local government, community organisations and the private sector to plan investment in Holywood over the next 20 years.

Deputy Mayor of North Down, Alderman Anne Wilson said: “North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce the new Holywood Town Centre Masterplan. Commissioned by The Department for Social Development in partnership with North Down Borough Council and developed by The Paul Hogarth Company, the Masterplan identifies 23 potential projects for the future growth of Holywood town centre.

“An extensive and innovative consultation process has enabled the Masterplan to develop a vision for Holywood town centre, which will build on existing strengths and contribute to its long term viability. It provides a framework for the future; a framework to attract new businesses, new homes, new leisure, cultural and recreational provision.”

The Masterplan is available to view on the DSD website at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/rdo-holywood

Pictured with the Minister is deputy Mayor of North Down Borough Council, Alderman Anne Wilson, Chief Executive of North Down Borough Council, Trevor Polley and James Hennessey, the Paul Hogwarth Company.