Givan welcomes completion of £2.4million Public Realm scheme in Comber

Date published: 15 December 2016

The public realm scheme, which was funded by the NI Executive, through the Department for Communities and Ards and North Down Borough Council, has seen a number of improvements to the town centre including upgraded footpaths featuring new natural stone paving, upgraded and improved lighting provision and semi mature tree planting throughout the town.

To complement the public realm scheme the Minister has also approved further funding of £150,000 for a shop frontages revitalisation scheme to support traders improve the physical appearance of premises.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to see firsthand how the investment translates into the physical public realm improvements in Comber’s town centre. It has resulted in a scheme that has significantly improved the appearance and appeal of Comber town centre, and is something that will encourage people to work, visit and spend more time here.

“Urban Regeneration work taken forward by my Department clearly transforms our towns and cities and encourages renewed growth and investment. This year my Department has invested some £16million in public realm works across Northern Ireland, with a number of schemes completing during 2016 in Larne and Portstewart and others due to complete early next year in Cookstown and Magherafelt, demonstrating the Executive’s support for our town centres.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, said: “It is a very great pleasure for me to be able to mark the completion of the Comber Public Realm Scheme today, especially as I am elected as a representative for the town and Comber is my home.

“We have already had the opportunity to appreciate what a difference the project has made since its completion.

“It has enhanced the character of the town and made it more accessible for everyone. It has contributed to revitalisation by increasing the number of people coming into the town to shop, dine and visit.

“I would like to thank the Minister and his officials for providing the additional funding that enabled this very important scheme to be completed and for the technical support provided throughout the construction period. This partnership approach has delivered real results and is to be commended.”