Maghera 2017-2030 A Physical Development Framework and Action Plan
A Physical Development Framework and Action Plan
‘A vibrant, welcoming place where people work in partnership to create a thriving town reflecting its unique culture and heritage’.
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Contents
Introduction and Summary 3 Placing Maghera in Context
6
The 2017 Physical Baseline for Maghera
8
Maghera – A Vision and Outcomes
14
Opportunity Sites 16 Physical Development Framework: Themes and Projects & Implementation Plan
18
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Appendices
Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C: Appendix D: Appendix E: Appendix F:
2
Socio-Economic Profile for Maghera Strategic Fit Business Baseline Traffic Count Consultation Details Acknowledgements
20-32 33
Introduction and Summary
This Document sets up a Physical Development Framework for Maghera. It has been commissioned by Mid Ulster District Council and delivered by the Venturei Network (Venture) and MWA Partnership (MWA).
‘Maghera will provide a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, accessible and functioning streetscape’.
The aim of the Physical Development Framework and Action Plan is: • To establish a Physical (Public Realm, roads infrastructure, parking, signage and opportunity sites) baseline for Maghera at 2017; confirming the strengths and constraints with the current presentation and functionality of the town’s physical infrastructure. •
To establish a vision for Maghera as an important settlement in Mid Ulster District Council Area; establishing the reworking, enhancement or improvement of the physical infrastructure required to deliver this vision for Maghera.
• To confirm the key physical projects (introduction of new physical infrastructure/assets, enhancement of existing assets or reworking of the existing assets). • Confirming the detailed project technical delivery pathway for each of the identified projects. • Establishing how short to medium and long term projects might be funded. All proposals contained in this document will be subject to further consultation and development. 3
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Rationale for the Physical Development Framework
Mid Ulster District Council took the strategic decision to lead a physical masterplanning process leading to a Physical Framework for Maghera to ensure that: The community consultation and engagement processes used and refined across the three main settlements (and latterly Coalisland) were applied to Maghera. To ensure that there is agreed physical framework (between Council, local traders and people with a commercial/industrial interest in Maghera, the wider community and any statutory partners i.e. Departments or Agencies). To be at a ‘state of readiness’ if any potential funding becomes available to implement key projects set out in the Physical Development Framework for Maghera; typically, this could include the Rural Development Programme 2013-2020, the Department for Communities, through Council’s own investment and through any other funding programmes designed and agreed by the Stormont Executive and administered by its Departments or ‘Arms Length’ Bodies. It is recognised that the Physical Development Framework is a high level strategic document. It has been organised around five core themes within initiatives set out against each of these themes. The initiatives have been developed on the basis of robust and sustained feedback from a wide range of important stakeholders including the local community, 4
traders in Maghera, the wider business community (non-retail and service), community organisations, statutory agencies with a planning, resource management and service delivery responsibilities for Maghera and the Council’s own Elected Members. Where appropriate, indicative project concepts or high level options have been developed. It must be recognised that these have been developed in order to test the opinion of all of the stakeholders (presented to the stakeholders at consultation processes and events across a timeframe of August to December 2016). Each initiative will require a ‘technical journey’. This will help to bring the initiative from the high level concept or options set out in this Physical Development Framework to a detailed working drawing/concept agreed with all relevant stakeholders (e.g. adjacent retailers, businesses, landowners, community organisations or residents). The Action Plans which are included as an integral part of the Physical Development Framework set out (largely for Mid Ulster District Council but where appropriate, for other lead partners) the steps associated with the ‘technical journey’.
‘The initiatives have been developed on the basis of robust and sustained feedback from a wide range of important stakeholders’.
Outcomes
It is the view of Mid Ulster District Council that through its leadership and the implementation of this Physical Development Framework and Action Plan for Maghera the following outcomes would be achieved over the short, medium to long term (i.e. up to 2030):
‘Maghera will be a good place to do business, or to operate business from’.
• Maghera will be positioned as an important heritage/historical/medieval destination town. •
Maghera will use its heritage and historical assets and resources to contribute to the wider visitor offer including Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Outdoor Recreation and Heritage.
• Maghera will provide a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, accessible and functioning streetscape. • Maghera will be a good place to do business or to operate business from. • Maghera will be a place people want to visit and when they do for the first time will want to return. • Maghera will be known as a community which respects its natural and built assets, maintains them and adds value to them. •
Maghera will be easily accessible for people who want or require to stop in it and efficient to go through for people for which it is a location on an onward journey.
5
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Placing Maghera in Context
‘From 2005 to 2015 the population increased by 13.8%, almost twice that of NI as a whole’.
Coleraine 31 miles
Maghera is a small rural town situated in Mid Ulster District Council Area; comprised of a population of some 4,220 people (NISRA population estimate as at 30 June 2015). Maghera has a growing population; from 2005 to 2015 the population increased by 13.8%, almost twice that of NI as a whole (7.2%) and slightly below the Mid Ulster total of 15.3%. Population projections show a dramatic increase in the number of older people by 2037: the population of older people will rise by 21%. More detailed socio economic information can be found at Appendix A. Maghera is 8.5 miles from Magherafelt, 16 miles from Cookstown and 26 miles from Dungannon. The town is located on two main arterial routes; the A6 and A29, a location which can be capitalised on to contribute to economic growth in terms of attracting new business investment and growing existing businesses in the town. Maghera has the potential to become a destination town.
Londonderry Londonderry 31 miles
Maghera
Donegal 57 miles
Belfast 40 miles Lisburn
Fermanagh 59 miles
Monaghan 50 miles
The map depicts Maghera’s location in relation to other main places in Northern Ireland and ROI.
Newry
Mid Ulster District Council Boundary
6
Armagh
‘Maghera has a strong heritage and a number of key strategic sites’. Maghera Walled Garden
Maghera has a strong heritage and a number of key strategic sites. Assets include St Lurach’s Church and the Walled Garden. Not only can the town boast characters such as Charles Thomson and Watty Graham, but its location lends itself as a convenient base to explore the surrounding area for example, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Outdoor Recreation and Heritage. The Action Plan at Section 5 and the Strategic Context at Appendix B considers the visitor appeal and tourism links in more detail. The contribution the Physical Development Framework and Action Plan for Maghera makes to key corporate, community development and tourism strategies is detailed in Appendix B. To summarise, the urban regeneration of Maghera aligns with the: • Draft Programme for Government 2016 – 2021, • The Northern Ireland Regional Development Strategy 2035,
• Mid Ulster District Council’s Economic Development Plan: Our Plan for Growth 2015 – 2020, • Mid Ulster District Council’s Community Plan: Our Community Plan 10 year Plan for Mid Ulster. The success of the project is dependent on its ability to demonstrate its contribution to the vision, aims and objectives of these strategies particularly when funding is required to implement them. The urban regeneration of Maghera town centre will complement the aims, objectives and policies developed at both a local and regional level. The project has the potential to further develop economic growth and tourist offer in the Council Area, providing more opportunities for local businesses, residents and visitors and be a more appealing place for visitors/ shoppers and ultimately increase the amount of time people will spend in Maghera.
Planning Context Mid Ulster District Council is now the lead organisation in delivering a planning service across the District. Currently it is operating within the guidelines established in the existing Area Plan. However, it will develop a new Mid Ulster District Plan. The Physical Development Framework and Action Plan can help inform discussion in relation to the definition of the town boundary and zoning of land for development, commercial, recreational and community use.
7
Maghera 2017 - 2030
The 2017 Physical Baseline for Maghera
This section of the Physical Development Framework establishes the current (2017) baseline position for Maghera; it is important to emphasise that this focuses on its physical assets i.e. townscape improvements (Public Realm and Presentation), traffic management, car parking, green and recreational space, visitor appeal and potential sites/spaces for economic and commercial development. It is recognised that there are many other important factors which make up life in Maghera but these lie outside the Physical Development Framework. The baseline position has been established through: • A review of existing planning and physical framework documents produced for Maghera (historical). • A visual audit completed by qualified landscape architects team (MWA Partnership). • Analysing the feedback provided by stakeholders in the future of Maghera obtained through a series of consultation processes and events. •
8
Consultation with Government Departments and Agencies with a responsibility for planning, developing, maintaining or investing in the physical assets for Maghera.
The baseline position at 2017 has been set out against the key elements of the physical assets and infrastructure of Maghera, i.e. in relation to the strengths of the existing physical assets and infrastructure in addition to establishing their constraints. The Physical Development framework for Maghera seeks to ascertain practical and deliverable (i.e. real) solutions to the identified constraints and over the short, medium and long term deliver them in order to create the conditions for a vibrant, sustainable and important rural town. The following points summarise the baseline position: • Maghera is strategically well located on main arterial routes from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast and from the North Coast travelling south (A6 and A29). •
Maghera is poorly identified on the main thoroughfares (A6 and A29) and therefore a significant volume of traffic passes either through or past Maghera; however, given the poor identification and signature features/signage and poor car parking accessibility the town does not benefit from this traffic.
• On the basis of its strategic location many people meet at Maghera or leave Maghera to work elsewhere; as a result, existing ‘park and cccshare’provision is significantly over capacity and people use existing car park provision in the town (which is non-regulated) as de facto ‘all day share’
thus removing the benefits of these car parking spaces for traders and businesses in the town. • Whilst the volume of car parking spaces is commensurate with the need for a settlement of the size of Maghera their identification is poor, access to them is challenging and management of them is almost non-existent – all of which will be addressed. •
Whilst Maghera has significant heritage and historical assets, features, stories and resources its physical presentation as a streetscape has few buildings of any significant architectural value.
‘Maghera will position itself as a destination town’.
Maghera Business Baseline Overview
While this Physical Development Framework focuses on the urban regeneration of Maghera town centre, it is still important to consider the business profile of the town as a whole, as regeneration of the town centre will have a direct impact on its economy. The town centre will appeal to local residents and visitors and they will want to stay longer in the town and spend. By making itself vibrant and competitive, Maghera will position itself as a destination town.
Coleraine Road
Appendix C contains tables setting out the Maghera Business Baseline Overview and compares it to the other four principal towns in the Council Area, namely Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt. 87% of the businesses surveys in Maghera were independent against 81% for other four principal towns in the District; this indicates that Maghera returns a strong independent offer and that locally owned and managed businesses are central to business and commercial life in the town. The baseline study identified eight vacant business premises; given the pressures on local retailers this is a relatively low figure.
Hall Street
Main Street 9
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Maghera Traffic Count
6096 per day A29 Moneysharvin Road
Transport NI (TNI) has a number of permanent and temporary traffic counters in and around Maghera. Permanent Counters are no longer being replaced so the information below is the most up to date figures TNI could provide. The temporary counters are normally put down for a particular reason and are usually in place for one week and therefore are not as accurate. Appendix D provides the full details of the permanent and temporary traffic counts, and the map sets out the traffic flow coming through Maghera.
4505 per day A42 Carricknakielt Road
9797 per day A29 Tobermore Road
Permanent Traffic Counters Average number of Vehicles (5 day working week) 10
• Meetings with the various community and voluntary groups and associations in Maghera. • Drop-in consultation event open to all. • A facilitated workshop for local elected members and members of Mid Ulster District Council. • Public meeting open to all.
Green Space
Independent Retail Offer
Linked Walkways Medieval Town
Heritage
Disabled Facilities
• Facilitated interactive workshops (based around social, economic and environmental issues) for key target groups.
Traffic Flow
Signage
Comprehensive stakeholder consultations were undertaken to identify issues, gaps and opportunities to develop this Physical Development Framework. The overall community engagement and consultation process included:
Car parking
St Lurach’s Church
Consultations and Community Engagement Findings
‘Consultations were undertaken to identify gaps and opportuinities’.
Walled Garden
High Quality Public Realm Culture
Town Brand Shop Fronts
The full consultation details are at Appendix E.
11
Action Plan Themes: The following five themes emerged from the consultations and have shaped the development of the Action Plan: Theme
Theme Title
A
Townscape Improvements
B
Traffic Management
C
Car Parking
D
Recreation and Amenity
E
Visitor Attractions
Set out in the table are the high level findings of the consultations arranged according to each theme of the Framework.
12
Strengths
Townscape Improvements (Public Realm and Presentation) Constraints
• Visitors to Maghera have described it as a clean and friendly town • • • Local residents would like to be involved in helping improve the • image of the town (e.g. litter picking or flower planting) • • The public realm should reflect the rich heritage of the town • • • Detail the history of the town using information boards • •
Strengths
Narrow footpaths are difficult Lack of disabled facilities Lack of adequate lighting The town needs brightened up Lack of seating Derelict buildings are an eyesore Lacks a strong town centre Improve the shop fronts
Traffic Management (Transport and Road Infrastructure) Constraints
• A lot of traffic comes through Maghera so we can capitalise on it – get people to stop and spend time in Maghera rather than -- simply passing through
• --• ---• • ---
The traffic at Hall Street and Coleraine Road turns into a bottleneck The traffic flow at the traffic lights / --junction needs improved Congested town The entrance to Bradley’s filling station needs improved to help with congestion
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Car Parking Strengths
Constraints
• • • •
• • • • •
Good space at Coleraine Road but it needs white lines painted on it Coaches come here, so give coach parking priority There is car parking available but improve the signage to it Private and community owned car parks could be used during business hours for public use
Strengths
Car parking spaces are not used properly There are illegally parked cars which leads to traffic congestion People park their cars all day Not enough disabled car parking bays Tobermore Road Park and Ride is inadequate
Recreation and Amenity Constraints
• • • • • •
Playpark/ soft play area Good retail offer Potential for new trails and linkages to be developed Potential to develop a link between the Walled Garden and St. Lurach’s Church Potential to develop the link between the High School site and the town Link with other pathways and other recreational space in and around the town and help create additional complementary walkways • Existing links can be made more appealing and attractive • Cycling routes • Walking routes
• • • • • • • • •
It takes too long for pedestrians to cross the road at A29/ Main Street Lack of public space Lack of green space Lack of play space Lack of safe walking space Better provision for youth Basic signposting is needed Improve signage for places of interest such as the Walled Garden Lack of disabled facilities
Visitor Attractions Strengths
Constraints
• • • • • • •
• • • •
St. Lurach’s Church The Walled Garden Potential to create a brand based on the rich heritage of the town Potential for trails and linkages to be developed Opportunity for gateway features on the A29 and Hall Street Opportunity for artwork at the Walled Garden Links to surrounding attractions and places of interest
Need basic signposting Visitors should have a sense of arrival The bilingual character of the town is not reflected in the signage Maghera should be branded and positioned
13
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Vision Statement
Vision and Outcomes Mid Ulster District Council has taken the strategic decision to directly address the physical presentation and functionality of its five main settlements i.e. Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon, Maghera and Magherafelt. This establishes their importance in terms of the development and performance of the District and also confirms that Maghera is an important settlement not only within the context of the District but also as a focal point for regeneration, commercial activity, service delivery and community life in the Council Area. The review and consultation processes underpinning the production of this Physical Development Framework for Maghera has confirmed its importance to stakeholders who live in it, earn their living from it and are involved in its community life. Therefore, it is important that any Physical Development Framework for Maghera is set in a context of a vision for it as an important town within the District and its immediate catchment area. A Vision Statement has been developed for Maghera. It is important to recognise that the production and implementation of the Physical Development Framework for Maghera creates the conditions for many other things to happen, including contributing to people’s quality of life, ensuring that homes are available in the area, ensuring that services are accessible, that people visit and have a good experience and that the needs of our citizens from birth through to end of life are met and exceeded. In line with the principles of community planning for 14
‘That Maghera will be a vibrant, welcoming place where people work in partnership to create a thriving town reflecting its unique culture and heritage’. which Mid Ulster District Council now has statutory and lead responsibility, it is appropriate that outcomes for the Physical Development Framework have been developed. Whilst they are Maghera and its surrounding hinterland focused, they will also contribute to the overall direction for the District established in the Community Plan. There are 15 outcomes listed in the Community Plan, the five below are those to which the Physical Development Framework and Action Plan for Maghera will directly contribute:
The Physical Development Framework will contribute to meeting those outcomes by:
• Our towns and villages are vibrant and competitive.
• Maghera providing a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, accessible and functioning streetscape.
• We are better connected through appropriate infrastructure.
• Maghera being a good place to do business or to operate business from.
• We will increasingly value our environment and enhance it for our children.
• Maghera being a place people want to visit and when they do for the first time will want to return.
• We give our children and young people the best chance in life.
• Maghera being known as a community which respects its natural and built assets, maintains them and adds value to them.
• We are better enabled to live longer, healthier and more active lives.
• Positioning Maghera as an important heritage/ historical/medieval destination town •
•
Maghera using its heritage and historical assets and resources to contribute to the wider visitor offer including Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Outdoor Recreation and Heritage
Maghera being easily accessible for people who want or require to stop in it and efficient to go through for people for which it is a location on an onward journey.
Recent Council Projects
1. Shop Improvement Scheme More than 100 town centre properties across Mid Ulster District Council area have been able to enhance their premises inside and out through a £450,000 improvement programme. The Council’s Shop Improvement Scheme allowed eligible businesses in Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon, Maghera and Magherafelt to apply for up to £10,000 in grant aid to fund internal areas which are visible to the public, as well as building frontages.
2. Maximising Technology and Improving Connectivity Mid Ulster District Council installed a free public Wi-Fi system in Maghera town centre for a 3 year period.
15
Maghera 2017 - 2030 OS2
Opportunity Sites
OS5
Maghera enjoys several sites that present opportunities in terms of regeneration, commerce and investment namely: OS4
• OS1: Maghera High School Site • OS2: Former PSNI Station • OS3: St Lurach’s Road Car Park • OS4: Former Recreation Centre • OS5: Area to rear of 102 – 118 Main Street The map highlights their locations. The opportunity sites are in public or private ownership and have been identified through the process which if developed could contribute to the regeneration and long term sustainability of Maghera. Development proposals are either non-existent at this stage or at early stages of development. OS1
Sites
16
OS3
‘Maghera enjoys several sites that present opportunities in terms of regeneration, commerce and investment’.
Maghera Opportunity Sites
St. Lurachs Road Car Park
Maghera High School Site
Former Recreation Centre Site
Former PSNI Station
17
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Physical Development Framework Themes and Projects and Action Plan
‘Central to the success of the urban regeneration of Maghera town centre will be the local leadership and co-ordination afforded to it’.
Ultimately, the Physical Development Framework process is of no benefit if it is not led and implemented to ensure that the substantive actions and solutions identified in the framework document are delivered, thereby bringing about the desired outcomes for Maghera whilst also contributing to the delivery of the Community Plan for Mid Ulster District Council Area and the performance of the Council Area as a whole. This section of the Physical Development Framework for Maghera sets out an Action Plan for the projects under each of the five Physical Development Themes. It is recognised that each action is a project in its own right and as a result will require clear leadership, effective implementation of project development actions (the technical journey), identification of resources and the procurement of contractors and specialists to deliver the project. The Action Plans set out the key details placing emphasis on: • The initiatives (outcomes) to be delivered by each theme. • The technical journey (actions) for each project. • An indicative timeframe for the delivery of the 18
• •
action (short, medium or long term). Confirmed leadership for each project (i.e. who is responsible for leading the effective delivery of the technical journey). Potential sources of funding.
It must be noted that this is a high level strategic Physical Development Framework for Maghera. By its nature, each of the concepts or options developed are exactly that – they are high level actions or concepts which require detailed technical assessments leading to the development of working concepts which continue to meet with the agreement of the local stakeholders but also are consistent with appropriate policies including those by Planning and Transport NI. In simple terms the concepts and options presented (where appropriate) against the themes and actions in the Physical Development Framework for Maghera can only be considered a ‘work in progress’. While the actions have been identified, their delivery is crucial for realising the outcomes of this Framework. While the Council will work in partnership with agencies such as Transport NI, it is recognised that there is strong community leadership in Maghera itself through community and voluntary groups such as the Maghera Development Association. It is vital therefore, that the Council, Agencies and groups come together
to form a Forum or Partnership and work in a co-ordinated approach to ensure Maghera can achieve its full potential and become a destination town. How this Forum or Partnership is to be shaped is still to be determined. Central to the success of the urban regeneration of Maghera town centre will be the local leadership and co-ordination afforded to it. It is recognised that the Framework set out in this document is wide ranging. It will require a co-ordinated effort between the Council and those groups in addition to establishing collaborative partnership working arrangements with statutory and voluntary agencies but with a remit and responsibility for service delivery in it. Below are the Action Plans for each of the five Themes that emerged from the consultations and have shaped the development of the Framework. Theme
Theme Title
A B C D E
Townscape Improvements Traffic Management Car Parking Recreation and Amenity Visitor Attractions
‘This is a high level strategic Physical Development Framework for Maghera’.
‘That Maghera will be a vibrant, welcoming place where people work in partnership to create a thriving town reflecting its unique culture and heritage’. 19
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme A: Townscape Improvements
• • • • • • •
20
Spatial re-organisation Footpath re-surfacing Civic space Street Furniture Tree planting Street lighting Intrepretation panels
Town Centre (delineated by red line) as designated by Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 (currently under review).
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme A: Townscape Improvements Initiative
Action Needed
Timeframe
Lead Partner
Potential Sources of Funding
A1. Public Realm works to central area • Main Street • Church Street • St Lurach’s Road • Hall Street • Tirkane Road • Coleraine Road
Appoint ICT to design and deliver a quality public realm scheme
Short term
Mid Ulster District Council
Department for Communities
Design framework to be informed by Feasibility Study carried out on traffic management
Liaison required with all stakeholders to ensure support for the scheme
Mid Ulster District Council Combine with preferred traffic management option Review additional land requirements
Works to consist of surfacing; lighting; street furniture; tree planting RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7 A2. Revitalisation Projects • Shop Front Improvement Scheme • Dereliction • Grant assistance to refurbish and improve the built fabric of the central area A3. Opportunity sites • • • • •
Maghera High School Former PSNI Station St Lurach’s Road Car Park Former Recreation Centre Area to rear of 102-118 Main Street
A4. Provide landmark feature entrance and signage to the town RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7
Identify sites Review design / eligibility criteria
Short term / on-going
Mid Ulster District Council
Department for Communities Mid Ulster District Council
Identify sites
Short term / ongoing
Mid Ulster District Council
Review design / eligibility criteria
Department for Communities Mid Ulster District Council
Promote and support private, community or public sector development processes for these sites Review potential sites / land ownership
Short term
Mid Ulster District Council
Rural Development Programme
Design and implement landmark signage at entrances to the town 21
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme B: Traffic Management
Traffic Management Option 1 22
• Retain two way traffic movement • Reduce level of on-street car parking • Footpath / street improvements
NOTE: Any proposals will require traffic modelling, vehicle tracking and detail design approval by Transport NI prior to any works proceeding.
Traffic Management Option 2
• Pedestrianisation of Main Street • Offers maxium potential for street improvements • Increases traffic on St. Lurach’s Road
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme B: Traffic Management Initiative
Action Needed
B1. Feasibility Study to review traffic Review traffic survey data and vehicle tracking management options and on street car requirements parking Review traffic flow options to maximise vehicle movement through central area
Timeframe
Lead Partner
Potential Sources of Funding
Medium term
Transport NI
Transport NI
Analysis of on-street parking to achieve balance between traffic flow, pedestrian space and parking availability Review restrictions on waiting times Consider improvements to alternative route signage to facilitate HGVs and through traffic
23
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme B: Traffic Management
Traffic Management Option 3 24
• • •
One way system Main Street, part of Meeting House Avenue, St. Lurach’s Road Reduce level of on-street car parking Footpath / street improvements
NOTE: Any proposals will require traffic modelling, vehicle tracking and detail design approval by Transport NI prior to any works proceeding.
Traffic Management Option 4
• • •
One way system Main Street, part of Meeting House Avenue, St. Lurach’s Road Reduce level of on-street car parking Footpath / street improvements
‘Ensure Maghera can achieve its full potential and become a destination town’.
‘That Maghera will be a vibrant, welcoming place where people work in partnership to create a thriving town reflecting its unique culture and heritage’. 25
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme C: Car Parking
C1. Development of new facility on A6 / Tobermore Road. C2. Review potential of accessing private car parking for public use. C3. Promote St Lurach’s Road car park and linkage to Main Street. C4. Re-organisation of Coleraine Road lay by and development of civic space. C5. Re-organisation of lay by at Church Street. 26
Maghera 2017 - 2030 Theme C: Car Parking Initiative
Action Needed
Timeframe
Lead Partner
Potential Sources of Funding
C1. Development of new facility on A6 / Tobermore Road
Review delivery with Transport NI
Short / medium term
Transport NI
Transport NI
Short / medium term
Transport NI
Transport NI
Short / medium term
Mid Ulster District Council
Department for Communities
Medium term
Transport NI
Transport NI
Short / medium term
Transport NI
Transport NI
Design and implement a new Park and Ride facility. RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7
Establish land ownership / funding Support Transport NI to bid for design fees
C2. Review potential of accessing private car parking for public use
Identify potential sites and liaise with landowners
Review legal arrangements / insurances etc.
Review insurance and operational issues
RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7 C3. Promote St Lurach’s Road car park and linkage to Main Street
Review opportunities to incentivise private sector to refurbish buildings along the linkage
Design and implementation - Signage opportunities - Linkage to Main St [entrance feature; paving; lighting; building frontage improvements]
Co-ordinate with Public Realm scheme in terms of design ethos and materials
RIBA Plan of Works stages 1-7 C4. Re-organisation of Coleraine Road lay by and development of civic space Design and implementation of re-organised car park and development of civic space RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7 C5. Re-organisation of lay by at Church Street Design and implementation of re-organised car park and development of amenity open space relating to Walled Garden RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7
Review land ownership and acquisition required Development of civic space as a focal point of arrival in the town centre Review need to restrict waiting times Co-ordinate with Public Realm scheme in terms of design ethos and materials Agreement with stakeholders on land take / long term options for Walled Garden Rectory site Consider potential linkages as part of overall requirements
27
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme D: Recreation and Amenity
28
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme D: Recreation and Amenity Initiative
Action Needed
Timeframe
Lead Partner
Potential Sources of Funding
D1. Develop walking / cycle trail
Identify off-road linkages as part of an overall walking / cycling route around the town
Short / medium term
Mid Ulster District Council
Heritage Lottery Fund
Investigate opportunities for on road / off road network around village Include linkages to other facilities e.g. Watty Graham GAC and Walled Garden Rectory site
Sport NI Identify on – road sections and improvements required e.g. Crew Road
Department for Infrastructure
Work with Transport NI to develop Departmental bid
Identify health and safety issues for on road sections; any new sections off road e.g Crew Road Implementation / improvement works RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7 D2. Potential development of Walled Garden, Rectory site and environs as recreation / amenity hub
Liaison with Select Vestry and other interested stakeholders on way forward to identify a long term vision
Investigate options and role of interested parties
Agree roles and identify potential funding sources
Short / medium term
Mid Ulster District Council
Heritage Lottery Fund
Relevant community and voluntary organisations
29
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme E: Visitor Attractions
Upperlands & The Linen Insustry
Drumnaph Wood Carntogher History Trail
Swatragh Cycle Route
Maghera Moyola Cycle Route North Sperrins Scenic Route Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
30
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme E: Visitor Attractions Initiative
Action Needed
Timeframe
Lead Partner
Potential Sources of Funding
E1. Promote Walled Garden and St Lurach’s Church as local and visitor attractions
Review existing marketing and promotion strategy
Short term
Mid Ulster District Council
Mid Ulster District Council Heritage Lottery Fund
Develop and promote an events programme Product development Review need for additional facilities or requirements
Discuss opportunities with interested parties e.g. Mid Ulster Garden Centre Review any additional facilities required
Promote events in the Walled Garden E2. Develop and Implement an Interpretation Plan To develop a brand and identity for the key cultural / heritage sites in the town and locality
Preparation of an Interpretation Plan to include a signage branding and strategy for the immediate environs to Maghera
Short / medium term
Mid Ulster District Council
Mid Ulster District Council
To develop and implement a signage strategy; web site and printed / promotional material for a Town Trail and attractions within the locality; Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Outdoor Recreation and Heritage e.g.: • • • • • • • •
Charles Thomson Carntogher History Trail and An Carn Tirkane Sweathouse Drumnaph Wood Upperlands and the linen industry Sperrins Walk and Cycle Routes North Sperrins Heritage Trail Tirmoney Dolmen
RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-7 31
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Themes and Initiatives Summary Theme
Theme Title
Initiative
A
Townscape Improvements
A1. Public Realm works to central area A2. Revitalisation Projects A3. Opportunity Sites A4. Provide landmark feature entrance and signage to the town
B
Traffic Management
B1. Feasibility Study to review traffic management options and on street car parking
C
Car Parking
C1. Development of new facility on A6 / Tobermore Road C2. Review potential of accessing private car parking for public use C3. Promote St Lurach’s Rd car park and linkage to Main Street C4. Re-organisation of Coleraine Road lay by and development of civic space C5. Re-organisation of lay by at Church Street
D
E
Recreation and Amenity
D1. Developing walking / cycle trail
Visitor Attractions
E1. Promote Walled Garden and St Lurach’s Church as local and visitor attractions
D2. Potential development of Walled Garden, Rectory site and environs as recreation / amenity hub
E2. Develop and implement an Interpretation Plan
32
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Set out in the table is the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for the initiatives under each Theme.
‘Each initiative will have the same evaluation focus and monitoring questions applied’.
The evaluation will be for the Council, its partners involved in delivering and implementing the Action Plan and funders. Each initiative will have the same evaluation focus and monitoring questions applied to it to allow for consistency across the monitoring and evaluation process, but the indicators, methods, responsibility and timeframes will change.
Evaluation Focus
Monitoring Questions
Quality
1. How well was the initiative designed and implemented?
Outcomes
2. To what extent did the initiative meet the overall needs? 3. Was there any significant change and to what extent was it attributable to the initiative?
Learning
4. What worked and what didn’t? 5. What were the unintended consequences?
Investment
6. What was cost effective? 7. Was there another alternative that may have represented a better investment?
What next?
8. Can the initiative be scaled up? Does it need to be? 9. Is there any ongoing maintenance or upkeep?
33
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Theme
Indicator
Method of Data Capture
Responsibility
Timeframe
Theme A: Business prestige / external image Townscape Reduction in anti-social behaviour Improvements Number of businesses / residents satisfied with Maghera as a place to live and work Number of positive media citations
Consultation with local businesses Crime and fear of crime statistics Business / household survey satisfaction forms Media monitoring
Mid Ulster District Council and delivery partners
Short term
Theme B: Traffic Management
Permanent and temporary traffic counts Local users’ perceptions of traffic flow
Permanent and temporary traffic counters Business / household survey satisfaction forms
Mid Ulster District Council and Transport NI
Short term
Theme C: Car Parking
Number of and location of car parking spaces User satisfaction / appreciation
Mid Ulster District Council and Mid Ulster District Council and Transport NI review of current and planned car park facilities in Transport NI Maghera
Short / medium term
Business / household survey satisfaction forms On site face to face questionnaires Theme D: Recreation and Amenity
User satisfaction / appreciation
On site face to face questionnaires
Mid Ulster District Council and delivery partners
Short / medium term
Theme E: Visitor Attractions
Visitor Spend User satisfaction / appreciation Number of overnight stays Number of visitors attracted Tourism businesses encouraging people to visit attractions
Business to assess increases in turnover On site face to face questionnaires Consultation with local tourist board Footfall survey Consultation with local tourism businesses
Mid Ulster District Council and delivery partners
Short term
34
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendices
Appendix A:
Socio-Economic Profile for Maghera
Appendix B:
Strategic Fit
Appendix C:
Business Baseline
Appendix D:
Traffic Count
Appendix E:
Consultation Details
Appendix F:
Acknowledgements
35
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendix A Socio-Economic Context
1. Population The estimated population of Maghera at 30 June 2015 was 4,220, of which 2,073 (49.1%) were male and 2,147 (50.9%) were female. This was made up of: • • • •
937 children aged 0-15 years 1,830 people aged 16-44 years 959 people aged 45-64 years and 494 people aged 65 years and older
Table 1 shows Maghera has a growing population; from 2005 to 2015 the population increased by 13.8%, almost twice that of NI as a whole (7.2%) and slightly below the Mid Ulster total of 15.3%. The table shows that there is a young population in Maghera, with the majority of people being in the 16-39 years age bracket, higher than both the Mid Ulster and NI figures. Or, in other words, Maghera has a younger population profile when compared to Northern Ireland as a whole.
36
Table 1 Maghera
Mid Ulster
Northern Ireland
Total Population (2015)
4,220
144,002
1,851,621
Children (0-15 years)
22.20%
23%
20.8%
Young Working Age (16-44 years)
43.36%
33.09%
31.49%
Older Working Age (45-64 years)
27.73%
30.29%
31.94%
Older (65+ years)
11.71%
13.62%
15.76%
Population Change % (2005-2015)
13.8%
15.3%
7.2%
Table 2 below sets out the estimated population growth in Mid Ulster from 2016 to 2039. It is estimated that the population will grow by 20%. On Census day 27th March 2011, in Maghera: • • • •
21.67% were aged 16 years and 11.29% were aged 65 and over 48.56% of the usually resident population were male and 51.44% were female 32 years was the average age of the population There were 2,852 people living in 1,056 households, giving an average household size of 2.70
Table 2 - Population Estimates of Mid Ulster from 2016 - 2039 Age Band
2016
2020
2025
2030
2035
2039
0-19
41,052
42,256
43,918
44,119
44,005
44,266
20-39
40,539
40,974
40,569
41,190
42,276
43,189
40-64
44,146
46,169
48,200
49,370
50,070
50,420
65 +
20,193
22,510
26,100
30,384
34,462
37,374
All ages
145,930
151,909
158,787
165,063
170,813
175,249
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Socio-Economic Context
2. Economic Activity in Maghera
NIMDM 2010 Summary Measures have also been produced for the new Local Government Districts. The Extent Score, Income Deprived Scale and Employment Deprived Scale for Mid Ulster are set out below, in comparison to Northern Ireland, where 1 out of 11 is the most deprived Local Government District. Mid Ulster ranks 8:
On Census day 27th March 2011, in Maghera: • 63.50% were economically active, 36.50% were economically inactive compared to NI as a whole, of which 66.22% of people being economically active and 33.78% economically inactive • 54.28% were in paid employment, compared to the overall NI figure of 57.61% • 6.70% were unemployed compared to NI as a whole of which 4.96% were unemployed
Mid Ulster rank
NI value
8%
8
18%
32,900
6
-
24%
5
25%
10,100
6
-
13%
6
13%
Extent Number of people income deprived Percentage of population income deprived Number of people employment deprived Percentage of working age population employment deprived
The above table shows 24% of Mid Ulster’s population is income deprived and 13% is employment deprived. Overall these percentages place Mid Ulster in a good ranking position – it falls within the top five least deprived Local Government districts in Northern Ireland.
3. Deprivation The Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM) 2010 provides information on seven types of deprivation and an overall measure of multiple deprivation for small areas. Wards are ordered from most deprived to least deprived on each type of deprivation and then assigned a rank. The most deprived ward is ranked 1, and there are 582 wards, the least deprived ward has a rank of 582. The deprivation rankings for Maghera are set out below and shows that Maghera is ranked in the top 25% most deprived:
Mid Ulster value
Maghera Multiple Deprivation Measure
140
Income Deprivation
107
Employment Deprivation
136
Health Deprivation & Disability Deprivation
152
Education Skills & Training
132
Proximity to Services Deprivation
255
Crime and Disorder
230
Living Environment
302
37
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendix B Strategic Fit
There are a range of strategies developed at government, department and Council level throughout Northern Ireland. These can be for health, education, tourism, economic development and community development. The success of projects is dependent on their ability to demonstrate their contribution to the vision, aims and objectives of these strategies particularly if funding is required to implement them. The contribution the Physical Development Framework and Action Plan for Maghera makes to key corporate, community development and tourism strategies is outlined below:
1. Draft Programme for Government 2016 – 2021 The Northern Ireland Draft Programme for Government Framework 2016 - 2021 contains 14 strategic outcomes supported by 42 indicators and covering a wide spectrum of areas, including creating an environment in which opportunity can flourish in economic, social and cultural terms to develop the region’s appeal/attractiveness as both a tourist destination and a place for business.
38
The Programme is committed to the delivery of: “Public realm investment, to support the creation of spaces that are better used, have greater footfall, and where possible, are equally welcoming to people from all backgrounds/ Section 75 groups”. A key feature of the new Programme is collaborative working between organisations and groups, whether in the public, voluntary, or private sectors and it is a Programme in which concepts such as the urban regeneration of Maghera can play an active part in contributing to stated outcomes and indicators, including:
Outcomes: • • •
We prosper through a strong, competitive regionally balanced economy We are a shared society that respects diversity We have created a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest • We connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure
Indicators • • • • • •
Increase shared space Increase reconciliation Improve transport connections for people, goods and services Increase quality of life for people with disabilities Improve internet connectivity Improve cultural participation
• Increase innovation in our economy • Increase the confidence and capability of people and communities • Increase respect for each other • Improve our attractiveness as a destination • Reduce underemployment
2. The Northern Ireland Regional Development Strategy 2035 The Regional Development Strategy recognises the importance of accessible, vibrant city and town centres which offer people more local choice for shopping, social activity and recreation. Although Maghera is not specifically mentioned in the Strategy, Mid Ulster is with focus on Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt: “Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt have the potential to form a cluster. Each of the towns act as important centres for retailing, commerce and business and serves a substantial number of dispersed smaller settlements. This cluster is well positioned on two Key Transport Corridors connecting it to Belfast, Londonderry and Enniskillen. Its position close to both Lough Neagh and the Sperrins provide opportunities in the Tourism sector.” Maghera is located 10km north-west of Magherafelt town. It lies to the north of the A6 Belfast to Derry Road, and is bisected by the A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road. Due to its location, Maghera is significant for tourism and businesses. The regeneration of the town centre will include public realm improvements.
Maghera 2017 - 2030
3. Mid Ulster Council Corporate Plan 2015 – 2019 The Plan commits to the following vision: “Mid Ulster Council aspires to be at the heart of our community” The second theme of the Plan is Growth: “To create the conditions for growth in Mid Ulster we will work to ensure business and employment opportunities, support for rural communities and the regeneration of our towns and villages and investment in the district’s tourism potential are maximised, with the aid of our expanded powers and responsibilities” Maghera is a principal town in the Mid Ulster District Council Area, and the planned urban regeneration of the town centre is consistent with the priorities of the Corporate Plan.
4. Mid Ulster Local Economic Development Plan 2015 – 2020 Theme 3 of this strategy is “Enabling Town and Village Regeneration” – the purpose of this theme is to promote the towns and villages of Mid Ulster as places to shop, visit, invest and live. The five principal settlements of Mid Ulster: Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt, and Maghera are recognised as vibrant shopping towns
with a strong independent business base and retail mix which continues to successfully attract visitors from out of the region. Consultations identified a comprehensive range of initiatives required to ensure Mid Ulster’s towns and villages stay ahead of the competition and sustain the momentum of developments progressed in recent years. These include physical improvement schemes, delivery of signature events, and town centre business support measures, all of which will be underpinned by strategic, integrated and co-ordinated promotional campaigns.
The Council recognises that there are changing economic, social and environmental trends and the urban regeneration of Maghera town centre will enable the town to be in a better position to capitalise upon such trends in the future.
5. Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plan 2016/17 The Mid Ulster Town Action Plan has four themes: • Marketing and Promotion • Business Support/ Attracting Investment • Town Centre Events • Physical Regeneration/ Improving Infrastructure The aims are to: • Maximise the profile of the five town centres and reinforce the existing town centre brands • Support the growth and development of a competitive retail sector across Mid Ulster • Develop and deliver a number of key events that add vitality and vibrancy to the town centres • Improve the townscape quality of the town centre.
39
Maghera 2017 - 2030
What the Magherafelt Area Plan Says About Maghera:
6. Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 This Plan is the statutory land use development plan for the Magherafelt District. It sets out a policy and proposals framework that is used to guide development decisions across Magherafelt. Its main objectives are:
Maghera is situated in an elevated position above lower lying wetland, on the edge of the River Moyola Floodplain (to the south) and the lowland landscape of the Garvagh Farmland (to the north). The form of the settlement has been influenced significantly by the steep slopes falling to the low-lying wet lands to the south, where there is a history of flooding. The mature Glebe lands contribute considerably to the attractive landscape setting from the southern approaches to the town.
• To facilitate sustainable patterns of growth and development throughout the Plan area in accordance with the sustainability related strategic objectives of the RDS • To promote Magherafelt as a local hub within Northern Ireland and to strengthen its role as one of the principal administrative, trade, employment and residential centres within the District • To allocate land for additional housing development over the Plan period in accordance with the strategic objectives and guidelines contained in the RDS • To facilitate appropriate development within existing urban areas that will promote urban renaissance, create ease of access to services and community facilities, and to maximise the use of existing infrastructure • To promote compact urban forms that respect the individual character and identity of settlements, avoid urban sprawl and conserve the countryside • To facilitate economic development and the creation of employment, taking into account the Government initiative: New Targeting Social Need • To facilitate integration between land use planning and transportation in order to reduce congestion and the need for car journeys and to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, including walking, cycling and public transport • To promote vital and viable town centres
The Plan makes provision for approximately 600 dwellings over the Plan period. This will include dwellings built since 31 December 1998, the yield arising from existing commitments and the estimated yield delivered by the housing zonings. Maghera has a number of existing industrial sites including a 14 unit business park on Station Road, joinery works and bakery on Coleraine Road, joinery works and workshops on Glen Road, a food factory at Fair Hill, timber frames workshop and builders services on Craigadick Road and industrial units on Tobermore Road.
• To protect and enhance the character, quality and biodiversity of natural and man-made environments • To facilitate the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group. The Area Plan defines two towns; four villages; and 21 smaller settlements across the District. The villages are seen as performing a locally significant role, in providing housing, employment and services for their residents and the wider rural community.
40
In line with its role as a service and employment centre, mainly serving the northern sector of the District, the Plan zones an additional 10.85 hectares of land for industry within the settlement development limit. The Council recognises that there are changing economic, social and environmental trends and the urban regeneration of Maghera town centre will enable the town to be in a better position to capitalise upon such trends in the future.
Maghera 2017 - 2030
7. Maghera Village Plan 2011 The Village Plan developed for Maghera sought to contribute to economic, physical and social renewal by providing a framework for key stakeholders and service providers to work together strategically in a way which would ensure co-ordination, avoiding duplication and displacement. The Village Plan supported the Maghera community to utilise the village’s assets and natural resources to develop a vibrant and welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. It was produced based on a robust and enthusiastic consultation process which saw many groups contributing. It provided a tangible series of actions and opportunities on which the Maghera Community Forum could focus. The actions identified sought to develop and promote Maghera’s many and varied assets, seeking to build on its heritage, natural resources and vibrant community spirit to contribute to both social and economic renewal. Its themes were: • • • • • •
Smartening Up – First Impressions Village Visions – Rethinking Space Maximising Assets – Unique Characteristics Local Economies – Strengthening Business Better Connections, People, Place and Technology Improving Communities – Quality of Life
8. Maghera Redevelopment Appraisal This report was commissioned by the Maghera Development Group with the aim of developing and preparing a coherent document identifying: • An overall masterplan for the future of the town • The historical significance of Maghera and the surrounding area • The potential ‘branding’ of Maghera as a destination • Colour and signage improvements • Gateway to the town of Maghera and the perception of this The Appraisal was an important forerunner to the Physical Development Framework and Action Plan 2017 – 2030.
9. Mid Ulster Tourism Strategy 2016 – 2021 The vision for tourism in Mid Ulster is to enhance Mid Ulster’s image and reputation for visitors and grow the visitor economy to £50m by 2021 as measured by overnight expenditure. The aims and objectives of the strategy are: To develop three strategic tourism strands, around which the attributes of the area and the industry can cluster and to attract visitors. The three strands or themes are: i. ii. iii.
Seamus Heaney Archaeological sites, history and heritage Outdoor Activities 41
Maghera 2017 - 2030
• • • •
To grow tourism as an economic driver for Mid Ulster To manage the destination and create the preconditions for successful tourism To profile and promote Mid Ulster to enhance the visibility of the area and boost visitation spend To support the dispersal of visitor spend and investment across the area
Mid Ulster has the potential to expand its tourism offer significantly by focusing in upon one new tourism strand, currently under development – linked to Seamus Heaney - and two strands that are significant and prominent, but so far undeveloped, relating to Outdoor Activities and to Archaeological sites, the History and Heritage of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the area itself. These strands, or themes, will serve as the strategic core propositions for Mid Ulster, to attract visitors, encourage them to stay longer in the area and ensure that tourism contributes to the local economy. Tourism’s importance to Mid Ulster lies both in its links to the retail, food, cultural and heritage offer, and to wider perceptions of the area. Opportunities for tourism growth lie in galvanising existing and new tourism propositions and capitalising on Mid Ulster’s central geographical position in Northern Ireland. An important characteristic of Mid Ulster is its location within an hour’s drive of Northern Ireland’s significant tourism regions – Causeway Coast, Derry/Londonderry, Fermanagh Lakes, Belfast, and also the cross border destinations of Donegal and Monaghan. This strategic location presents opportunities to develop and promote 42
tourism experiences within striking distance of these destinations and encourage more visitors to visit and stay within Mid Ulster: • Maghera to Giant’s Causeway A29 31 miles (46 minutes) • Maghera to Derry A6 31 miles (41 minutes) • Maghera to Fermanagh Lakes A32 59 miles (1.5 hrs) • Maghera to Belfast M2 40 miles (56 minutes) • Maghera to Donegal A6 57 miles (1.5 hrs) • Maghera to Monaghan A29 50 miles (1.25 hrs) Current tourism performance is largely based on rural and outdoor activities, linked both to the Sperrins and across the whole Mid Ulster area and tied into the area’s natural attributes. Tourism performance is also linked to the strong retail proposition of Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt and a compelling mix of heritage properties and historic and archaeological sites, again spread right across the district. But the central issue for Mid Ulster is its comparative lack of visibility in the tourism marketplace, linked to limited levels of visitation (214,000) and spend (£27m) equivalent to 4.6% of NI overnight trips and 3.6% of NI spend in 2014. The area is dominated by day trips and those visiting friends and relatives.
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendix C Business Baseline Overview
Table - Business Overview (A) No. Businesses surveyed
No. of completed business surveys
Total Number of Employees
Full Time
Part Time
Casual
Coalisland
105
90
638
317
266
55
Cookstown
323
283
2230
1219
845
166
Dungannon
309
262
1782
1047
616
119
Maghera
98
90
530
269
217
44
Magherafelt
245
212
1698
833
712
153
Total
1080
937
6878
3685
2656
537
Table - Business Overview (B) Town
No. Vacant Properties
No. Independent
No. Franchise
No. Small Multiple No. Large Multiple
Coalisland
15
76
2
6
1
Cookstown
37
209
12
30
26
Dungannon
47
206
7
18
19
Maghera
8
78
2
7
2
Magherafelt
33
142
9
21
29
Total
140
711
32
82
77
43
Appendix D Traffic Count
44
Permanent Counter Results 5 Day Working Week
Permanent Counter Results 7 Day Working Week
Temporary Counter Results 5 Day Week
Temporary Counter Results 5 Day Week
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendix E Consultation Details Group/Person Met With
Date
Location
Number of people in attendance
Maghera Development Association (Meeting)
9 August 2016
Mallon McCormick Solicitors, Station House, Maghera
6
Young people (Workshop)
12 August 2016
The Link Summer Scheme
12 young people aged between 12 and 19 years old
Traders Association and Community Consultation (Drop in event)
7 September 2016
Walsh’s Hotel
61
Public Survey
10 September 2016
Walled Garden; “Blooming Good Fun in Wonderland”
100 surveys completed: 26 local residents 74 visitors
Maghera Historical and Cultural Society (Meeting)
4 October 2016
Maghera Historical and Cultural Centre, 17 Coleraine Road, Maghera
Chairperson
Lurach Centre Management Board (Open Discussion
4 October 2016
Lurach Centre, 15 Church Street, Maghera
12
Councillor George Shiels (Meeting)
4 October 2016
Orange Hall, Crewe Road, Maghera
Mr. Shiels
Watty Grahams GAC (Open Discussion)
4 October 2016
Watty Grahams GAC Social Club, 66 Tirkane Road, Maghera
15
An Carn (Meeting)
14 October 2016
An Carn
3
Coleraine Road Traders Association
16 October 2016
Coleraine Road, Maghera
9
Follow up community consultation (Public Meeting)
7 December 2016
Walsh’s Hotel
29
Select Vestry (Open Discussion)
10 January 2017
Lurach Centre, 15 Church Street, Maghera
10
45
Maghera 2017 - 2030
Appendix F Acknowledgements The Maghera Development Framework and Action Plan project was funded by Mid Ulster District Council. Mid Ulster District Council, the Venturei Network and MWA Partnership would like to thank the following people and organisations for their assistance in the development of this Framework: • Members of the community groups and organisations who met with us to discuss the physical issues relating to Maghera town centre. • Members of the local community who attended and participated in the consultations and survey. • The Link Youth Summer Scheme for hosting the youth workshop consultation. • Local organisations who met with us independently. • Elected Members and Officers of Mid Ulster District Council. • Representatives of Transport NI.
46
47
Maghera: A Physical Development Framework and Action Plan Mid Ulster District Council Economic Development Department Call 03000 132 132 Email: economicdevelopment@ midulstercouncil.org www.midulstercouncil.org