A FORMER police station in Portaferry could become a key part of the regeneration of the town, a local politician has claimed.
Councillor Joe Boyle has appealed to the PSNI to reveal its plans for the building which has lain empty for over 10 years since being closed by the police in 2014.
The SDLP councillor has contacted the PSNI’s Land Estates Department seeking information on plans for the extensive site, but has said the complex could become a community business hub if acquired by the local community.
Mr Boyle said he had asked the police to gift the facility to the Portaferry community when it was announced that the police were withdrawing from the base. The police declined and, while it was originally put up for sale, it is still part of the PSNI’s estate.
The local politician suggested that the current pressure on police budgets could be eased if it sold off assets it no longer requires.
“At that time (when the building was closed) budgets within policing were more favorable than they are currently. But now the policing budget has been slashed and every aspect of saving and or maximizing their assets is overseen on a best value for money scenario,” said Mr Boyle.
“I had previously met along with Portaferry Regeneration Ltd, the PSNI and the Department for Communities with the view to progressing this situation. This is one of three notable entrances into Portaferry and the reality is that everyone is greeted with a significant, derelict and deteriorating building to drive past both entering and departing from the town.
“There is significant space that could be utilised as a community business hub with ample accommodation for office space, and business opportunities and is located adjacent to the current business facility, the Brewery Yard, which is already home to a range of several business units, owned and managed by Portaferry Regeneration Ltd,” he continued.
Mr Boyle said the recently created Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has access to a three-year funding pot of around £4.2m which will be focused across the borough. He said a new community business hub, based on the site of the former police base, could attract some of the funding pot.
“ It’s not all about the cities and larger towns within the borough but equally it is important to address need and viability within and across the borough,” he said.
“Business infrastructure involving industrial land development, commercial property development and infrastructure to support business growth are all elements of this fund.
“What is key is to have ideas and thinking that suits the criteria and can deliver on positive and sustainable business and economic development opportunities that hopefully will benefit the local economy, area and locality where projects have been identified,” said Mr Boyle.
