First Minister praises regeneration group

Since its formation in 1994, the Portadown 2000 regeneration group has been a major catalyst for change in the town, First Minister, David Trimble, has said.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the group held in Millennium Court, itself a major regeneration project developed by Portadown 2000, Mr Trimble said successful regeneration could only happen when the community was involved and supported what is planned.

He added: “The Millennium Court building represents, in physical terms, Portadown 2000’s flagship regeneration project. This facility also provides a tangible illustration of the energy, commitment and vision, which the organisation has brought to the people of the town as it seeks to move forward towards greater prosperity.

“Of course, government also has an important role to play. In many areas of Northern Ireland, partnerships between the public and private sectors are vital to drive forward change and improvements. Along with the then Deputy First Minister, Séamus Mallon, I took the view that a group of interested government departments should be convened to see how the issues affecting the town could be progressed in a positive way. The group facilitated the production of the present concept masterplan, which will be formally launched soon."

Mr Trimble said that the plan contained a series of proposals which would seek to address many of the problems affecting Portadown.

He concluded: "The key objective is to attract investment to the town and highlight the importance of the town centre to the borough and region as a whole. Portadown is often described as the “hub of the North” and revitalisation of this key area will not be a quick fix solution.

The First Minister called for a "concerted and coherent partnership approach" which would be needed to help ensure a successful regeneration of the town.

(MB)