PLANS to deliver Portaferry’s eagerly anticipated public realm scheme this year have been welcomed by local elected representatives.
Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen and councillor Robert Adair have confirmed that funding has been secured for the scheme and a contractor appointed to deliver this ‘exciting project’.
The public realm scheme includes an upgrade of existing paving and kerbing, the installation of new street furniture, seating, street lights, litter bins, planters and cycle stands.
There will also be a reconfiguration of the existing car parking, the relocation of existing bus shelter and replacement of existing wall mounted lamps with new LED lanterns.
Mr Adair said he and Miss McIlveen are delighted Portaferry Town Steering Group has now been recalled to deliver the Portaferry public realm scheme after funding was secured.
“The future of the public realm scheme had been in doubt following a change in funding criteria by the Department for Communities. Michelle had previously highlighted funding issues and worked to find a solution to deliver the project that will benefit residents, local businesses and promote tourism.”
Said Mr Adair: “The project has full planning approval, the funding is secured and a contract awarded to deliver this exciting regeneration scheme for the town.
“We thank Portaferry Regeneration and Portaferry Community Collective for lobbying with us for this scheme. We welcome the reconvening of the town steering group to start planning and overseeing the delivery of the public realm scheme that should commence this year.”
