Lisburn Historic Quarter
The future is looking bright for Lisburn Historic Quarter as a series of integrated regeneration projects are further developed with the aim of restoring and protecting the city’s natural heritage whilst simultaneously acting as a catalyst for new investment into this area of Lisburn city centre.
The initiative is being progressed through the Lisburn Historic Quarter Partnership, under the Chairmanship of Councillor Trevor Lunn. This Partnership comprises key stakeholders from the private, public and community sectors. The Partnership is charged with facilitating the rejuvenation of this important conservation area at the heart of Lisburn, bringing neglected and vacant properties back into use for residential and commercial purposes, encouraging people back to the city centre to live and work, and making the area more attractive to local residents and to visitors.
A key milestone was reached when the Lisburn Historic Quarter Development Strategy was launched in November 2001. A 10 year Strategy, the document highlights how regeneration in Lisburn Historic Quarter will be delivered through seven key strategic Sub Groups as detailed below:
> Sustainable Economic Development
> Community Benefits
> Restoration and Enhancement of the Built Environment
> City Centre Living
> Public Realm
> Marketing and Communications
> City Centre Safety
Pivotal to the success of Lisburn Historic Quarter is the Castle Gardens regeneration plan which, when fully developed could cost in excess of £2m, with funds obtained from Lisburn City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Situated in the heart of Lisburn Historic Quarter the restoration of the gardens is a flagship project, which will transform this key public space and improve links to Lagan Valley Island and the riverside.
Another major refurbishment project is The Bridge Street Townscape Heritage Initiative, which has attracted a restoration fund of £1m from Lisburn City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Planning Service, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Department of Social Development and the International Fund for Ireland. Working through the Bridge Street Partnership, 3 priority properties have already had their shop fronts refurbished in keeping with the distinct streetscape and character of the street. As part of the project’s Year 2 Action Plan, 9 additional properties have been earmarked for restoration in 2002-2003. The Bridge Street Partnership which comprises representatives from the Council, Lisburn Development Ltd and the Heritage Lottery is continuing to work closely with the property owners, to refine drawings and implement plans which will restore as many of these heritage properties as possible.
The achievements of the Lisburn Historic Quarter Partnership demonstrate that sustainable regeneration solutions can be delivered in an historic environment. The initiative will not only contribute to the wider vitality of the city centre but will ensure its future at the heart of the local community and economy.
Lisburn Development Ltd
Lisburn Development Ltd manages and co-ordinates several City Centre based strategic development programmes on behalf of the Council (Lisburn Strategic Investment Framework, Lisburn Historic Quarter Partnership, Lisburn Building Preservation Trust, Bridge Street Townscape Heritage Initiative, Lisburn Commerce Against Crime, City Centre events programme). Lisburn Development Ltd aims to improve the overall competitiveness, economic circumstances and profile of Lisburn City Centre by influencing new investment, attracting new businesses and new jobs and increasing footfall in the City Centre.
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The distinctive logo, which was created for Lisburn Historic quarter and which will be used to brand and promote awareness of Lisburn Historic Quarter. |
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Number 9-11 Bridge Street, one of three properties which have had their shop fronts refurbished as part of the Heritage Lottery's Bridge Street Townscape Initiative (THI) in Lisburn Historic Quarter. |
Key developments in Lisburn City centre include the official opening of the new CUSP private sector development, Lisburn Square, which has brought 21 new retailers to the City. Plans are also progressing with the new £850m retail development at Sprucefield.
Colin Urban Regeneration Initiative
The Colin Urban Regeneration Initiative is currently developing a localised, cross sectoral integrated plan for the regeneration of the Colin Area. Representatives from the council, the local community and business sector are working together to improve the economic and social circumstances and promote the regeneration of the Colin urban area with assistance from Belfast Regeneration Office.
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The right Worshipful, The Mayor, Councillor Jim Dillon, pictured with the Permanent Secratary of the Department of Social Development, John Hunter, Chairman of Lisburn Historic Quarter, Councillor Trevor Lunn and two 17th century ladies who add to the historic theme at the Official Launch of Lisburn Historic Quarter Development Strategy in November 2001. |
