Build projects bring ‘new life’ to city centre

The Chairmen of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee and Economic Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter and Alderman Allan Ewart, visited the city centre to see how work is progressing.

Alderman Porter said: “The Irish Linen Centre is receiving essential maintenance work to its roof, windows and its walls to ensure this landmark facility continues to provide its historical services and receive a refreshed appearance. The building will also be fully repainted.

“The work at the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is scheduled to finish in mid November which will leave it ready for Christmas.

“We have planned that all works going on in Lisburn will be done as far as possible in tandem.”

Mr Ewart has been monitoring progress on the public realm works, and the Council’s schedule of upgrade works are due to commence within the next fortnight, now that all preparatory works by Northern Ireland Water are nearing completion.

He said: “The City Centre Masterplan for Lisburn is designed to breathe new life into its public areas and provide an enjoyable and ambient atmosphere for our residents, shoppers and visitors.

“With the choice of destinations open to people in Northern Ireland it is essential for cities and towns to evolve and improve so as to offer the best visitor experience possible and creating attractive surroundings and visitor facilities is a core part of that offer.

“Footpaths, street lighting and street furniture will be upgraded and there will be new signage, landscaping and public art in the city centre.

“It is our hope that private sector investment will grow over the medium to long term in Lisburn city centre, bringing with it employment opportunities and increased career prospects for our young people.

“While some disruption is inevitable in the short-term, in the long term the benefits will vastly outweigh those and a brighter, more attractive Lisburn city centre will attract shoppers and other visitors into the years ahead,” he said.