14/08/2013

£255k To Revitalise Newcastle As Tourist Hot Spot

£255,000 is being allocated to revitalising Newcastle in County Down as a tourist hot spot.

The project will include a new portable cinema, a covered outdoor event space and the development of a 'gateway feature' for the town.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland announced the funding yesterday.

He said: "This is a very exciting project which will deliver an innovative set of measures designed to give Newcastle a new set of tools to market itself as one of our top tourist destinations. The Revitalisation project in Newcastle town centre will play a significant role in the continued regeneration of the area. The project follows on from the £3.5m investment by the Executive through my department in the public realm improvements.

"Ambitious plans for a portable cinema, marketing campaign and a covered outdoor space will enhance Newcastle’s reputation with visitors and locals alike. It is envisaged that this increased footfall will help encourage economic regeneration and growth in Newcastle town centre."

Down District Council Vice Chairman, Councillor Gareth Sharvin said: "This investment by DSD will complement the excellent work already undertaken in Newcastle in terms of the public realm and shop front improvements. I am pleased to see that the committee delivering the Revitalisation programme represents a partnership approach between the Council, DSD and the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce. I wish the group every success in implementing the project and look forward to seeing the economic benefits which the programme will deliver."

(IT/CD)

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