Anger at continuing delay in delivery of Strabane Public Realm Project

A LOCAL councillor has questioned council on the ongoing delays over the delivery of the long-awaited public realm scheme for Strabane town centre.

Planning approval for the scheme - which would represent the biggest cosmetic shake-up in the town for decades - was granted back in July 2019 with hopes work on the scheme would have been completed - or at least underway by now - but the scheme has been beset by delays.

Devised by council in conjunction with consultants RPS and with an estimated value of £7m, the plan will see a number of significant environmental improvements specifically around the area of Abercorn Square, Railway Street, Market Street and Castle Street.

A business case for the scheme currently sits with the Department for Communities (DfC) but has yet to be signed off.

Strabane independent councillor, Raymond Barr, referenced the project during the monthly meeting of the local authority as councillors ratified the acceptance of funding from DfC for a public realm artwork improvement scheme under the Harbour Square Public Realm Project.

The project will receive over £1.2 million in funding from DfC, paving the way for the full delivery of the plans which were approved by council’s Planning Committee earlier this year.

Council will make a 10 per cent contribution to the total costs of the project which are estimated to be £1.38m.

Speaking during the meeting, councillor Barr said: "While I'm pleased to see the city benefiting from this work, I have to say I'm envious and not a little angry at the fact we're still waiting on the public realm work to begin in Strabane.

"Strabane people see the Harbour Square Project, St Columb's Park regeneration, the Greenway work being carried out in the city and wonder why still nothing is happening in the town.

"Litter bins and dog litter bins are at a premium. I visited the play parks in the town and some are not fit-for-purpose.

"In fact, I'd say two of those parks - Courtrai Park and Beechmount - pose a risk to public health.

"I've no doubt we'll be hit with another huge rates increase next year.

"Every year we are paying for more and receiving less.

"I know BID has become active in the demand for the public realm works to be carried out, and I welcome that.

"Businesses are closing at an alarming rate in Strabane and there is nothing there to attract any alternative, inward investment.

"Can council tell me where we stand at the minute and what is being done to expedite the public realm works in the town?"

Mayor Patricia Logue described the commentary on the play parks as "a very serious situation" and requested that councillor Barr contact the relevant council department with his concerns, "to highlight your concerns".

The Strabane politician confirmed he has contacted officers on the matter.

Chief executive, John Kelpie, said a report on both issues - the public realm and play parks - will be brought before the September meeting of the Environment and Regeneration (E&R) committee.

"We're following up with DfC on the Strabane Public Realm Project on a regular basis and we'll bring an update report on where that's at into September E&R," he added.

The project will involve the replacement of the variety of footpath finishes on Market Street and Abercorn Square with new natural stone paving along with new granite kerbs and the existing street furniture across the public realm area will also be replaced to give a consistent appearance.

It will also see significant improvements to a number of roads in the town centre and the creation of a new public space in Abercorn Square.

There will be a realignment of the traffic flows and improvements to a number of junctions and parking areas in and around the town centre area with priority given to traffic travelling between Market Street and Railway Street and a new junction for traffic wishing to turn onto the Derry Road.

The bus stop and taxi rank will be relocated from Abercorn Square, with the existing toilet block removed, with the scheme also involving the relocation of the Pagoda and planting of semi-mature trees.