Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are again inviting residents to shape the development of Banbridge. The draft ‘place plan’ sets out a vision for the future to create a vibrant, creative, and environmentally responsible town and the Council now seeks further input from the community.
The draft Banbridge Place Plan has been created through a comprehensive engagement process with people who live and work in Banbridge and it suggests some ‘Big Ideas’ for the future including an improved evening economy, new footbridges, and the development of a cycling network.
The Council as lead partner of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership has facilitated the development of the Place Plan and are seeking further feedback from the people of Banbridge on the draft outcomes and actions. There will be several opportunities for the local community to view and comment on the plan through public consultation events.
The first drop in consultation event will be on Tuesday 17th October for businesses, traders and shoppers in Banbridge Old Town Hall from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Another event will be open to the public on Wednesday 25th October in Banbridge Library from 9.45am to 1.30pm and on Friday 27th October at The Boulevard from 12 noon to 4pm. Additionally, there will be drop-in sessions every Tuesday from 17th October to 28th November in Banbridge Civic Building from 10am to 12 noon.
Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley commented:
“It is inspiring to see the draft Banbridge Place Plan come together through a thorough engagement process with businesses, residents and communities within the town.
“The ideas that are being developed in the plan show diverse and rich aspirations from everyone involved and showcase the vision of connectivity, equality and sustainability. I encourage everyone to come and view the work carried out to date and to keep these conversations going.”
The Banbridge Place Plan was undertaken after successfully developing a similar plan for Armagh in 2022. Both plans are an outcome of ABC Council’s community plan for the borough where the vision is to see a happy, healthy and connected community, a vibrant and sustainable economy and appealing places for living, working and learning.
Welcoming the launch of the draft Banbridge Place Plan, Department for Communities Deputy Director, Lynne McDonald said:
“The Department for Communities is pleased to continue its partnership working with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council to develop a detailed Place Plan for Banbridge. The new Banbridge Place Plan is an important roadmap for those who wish to live and work, to visit and invest in Banbridge. “
“The Department recognises the importance of high-quality places in which communities can thrive and, through the development of the Banbridge Place Plan, we now have a real opportunity to help build a healthy, connected, prosperous and engaging town. I look forward to seeing this ambitious vision for Banbridge come to life over the coming months and years.”
This project is part funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities.
Should anyone be unable to attend the public events, there is an online survey on the Council’s website which has the draft place plan details. You can find it at https://armaghbanbridgecraigavon.citizenspace.com/community-planning/draft-banbridge-place-plan
There will also be opportunities to get involved during November 2023 as further events and activities are being planned. For more information https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/banbridge-place-plan/
