Further Enhancements to your City
July 26, 2017
This week saw the start of a co-ordinated approach to the Lisburn Linkages Public Realm Scheme, which will further enhance Lisburn city centre creating additional attractive and safe public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Building upon the city centre transformation this phase of work will see improvements to the linkages and connectivity between key developments such as the tranquil Castle Gardens and the busy shopping areas of Market Square and Bow Street Mall. The ‘Streetworks’ scheme will improve the physical appearance of gateways and streets in the following areas: Bridge Street, Antrim Street, Railway Street, Castle Street, Seymour Street and Bachelor’s Walk.
Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Council’s Development Committee, met with members of the public on Tuesday as NIE were onsite to start work on upgrading and reinforcing underground cables, and said: “Over recent months a co-ordinated programme has been developed to ensure any planned major utility works are carried out in preparation for the future upgrade of paving. This approach will mean a shorter period of works on the ground and minimal disruption to your city. The Council understands that the co-ordination of all services providers is essential to the success of any public realm works and we are fully committed to enhancing public areas to benefit those who live in or visit Lisburn.”
Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Dr. Theresa Donaldson, was also onsite and said: “It is vitally important that we continue to invest in our city centre as it reaps returns in the improved quality of the environment, as well as in more measurable economic benefits to local businesses. The Council, along with the Lisburn City Centre Street Ambassadors, will be providing timely updates on the progress of the work and how the vision of the City will be realised through these schemes.”
NIE has invested significantly in the electricity infrastructure which will result in a more secure, reliable network across Lisburn City Centre. Morrow Contracts, on behalf of NIE Networks, commenced works on 24th July in Castle Street before moving to Seymour Street, Railway Street, Bachelors Walk, Antrim Street and Bridge Street. To facilitate this various traffic management arrangements will be in place.
It is anticipated works will be carried out during normal working hours 8am – 6pm. Arrangements can be made on site with the contractor for mobility access and to enable deliveries to take place.
To minimise disruption further works are planned by BT during the same period. This includes a considerable financial investment in upgrading of infrastructure which will see consumers benefit from even faster broadband.
Alderman Ewart added: “Please look out on the Council website and our social media for Public Realm updates on how the work is progressing and we look forward to seeing the end results for the benefit of everyone.”
The Lisburn Linkages Public Realm Scheme is a £3.7 million project funded by The Department for Communities (£2 million) and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (£1.7 million).