Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

CURRENT WORKS

The contractor, Fox Contracts are now planning to commence works on the next section of the public realm project, starting Monday 24th June 2024. This will include the works to the pavements in the following locations:

• Scarva Street South including Downshire Bridge (Jingler’s Bridge); from Houstons to A.J. QUINN & SONS.
• Scarva Street North including Downshire Bridge from the vacant building at the corner of Rathfriland Street and Downshire Bridge to SUPER-FRY TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS.

The following drawings indicate the current position in relation to phases 1,2 and 3 of the proposed works in this section.

In Phase 1 of this work, lane closures will be implemented on the south side of Scarva Street/Rathfriland Street in the vicinity of Houstons and Downshire Bridge. Additionally, the roads to each side of The Cut in Newry Street, as illustrated in red in the above drawing will also be closed.

In Phase 2, the ongoing works on the Downshire Bridge and newly commenced works outside Richard Morwood Optometrist will necessitate lane closures on the south side of Scarva Street/Rathfriland Street, as well as the road to The Cut to the west side of Newry Street, as indicated in red in the above drawing. At this stage, the road to The Cut to the east side of Newry Street will be reopened, as works around this junction will have been completed.

In Phase 3, the south lane of Scarva Street will remain closed to facilitate the ongoing works. The roads to each side of The Cut in Newry Street / Bridge Street and Rathfriland Street will be reopened. This traffic management configuration will remain in place until the completion of works up to and around A.J. QUINN & SONS.

Car Parking will be available during lane restrictions in the areas highlighted in yellow on the maps.

NEXT PHASED WORKS 4-6

Fox Contracts will issue a further update to businesses in relation to phases 4, 5 and 6. Once information is available this page will be updated.

EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

There are no traffic restrictions in place during the evenings or at weekends.

COMPLETED WORKS

The public realm scheme began in May 2023 and is 70% complete.

OFF STREET PARKING

All council owned car parks are operational as usual.

ABOUT BANBRIDGE PUBLIC REALM SCHEME

The Banbridge Public Realm Scheme is a £6 million investment in the town centre with the main aim to create a high-quality, better-connected streetscape with a strong focus on improved safety and accessibility for all users.

Key features of the scheme include new natural stone paving, granite kerbs, widening and resurfacing of footpaths, wayfinding, cycle parking, interpretive signage and tree planting – all of which will improve access around the town for all users and strengthen the town centre’s sense of place and unique characteristics. In addition, bespoke street furniture and feature lighting will be installed to reflect the historic fabric of the town.

Other major enhancements include a new plaza area at Scarva Street which will create a new multi-functional event and civic space; new gateway features at existing roundabouts to create more attractive arrival points; improved on-street parking bays on Newry Street and Bridge Street; improved pedestrian linkages to adjacent car parks and feature lighting to enhance key landmarks such as Downshire Bridge and Bann Bridge.

Council appointed leading construction company, Fox Building and Engineering Limited, to deliver the multi-phased programme of works, which began in May 2023.

This scheme is funded by Council and the Department for Communities (DfC).

A key consideration in the approach to the improvements in Banbridge has been to consider and enhance the heritage and history of the town.

The landscape of the town is defined by the River Bann. This natural feature contrasts with the man-made feat of engineering locally known as The Cut, which is said to be Ireland’s first underpass.

Banbridge’s architecture consists of a mixture of late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, with a remarkable 140 listed buildings and structures.

The scheme uses natural stone paving materials with contrasting coloured granite kerbs and trims to define footpaths. The colouration of the paving materials takes its cue from the surrounding built form, providing a complimentary colour to the listed buildings and monuments enhancing their setting within the existing streetscape environment.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Whilst the public works are in progress, businesses across Banbridge town centre are still open for business.