Small settlements scheme
Small settlements in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area have benefited from a programme of interventions to support their recovery from the impact of the pandemic and deliver regeneration projects.
We successfully secured funding through the Department for Communities, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Department for Infrastructure to deliver its ‘COVID Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme’ from 2022 to 2025. This programme will make our small towns and villages more appealing, accessible, vibrant and welcoming while addressing rural poverty, isolation and access to services.
The £2.625m Small Settlements Regeneration Programme within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area delivered a variety of projects that can be categorised as:
1. Environmental improvement Scheme
2. Shop front improvement
3. Greenway enhancement
4. Community enhancement (hubs, parklets or markets)
5. Active travel/ transport and walkability
6. Tourism
All areas benefited from floral gateways to enhance the visual appeal of the key arterial route into each small settlement.
Summary of projects
Heritage Shop Front Scheme
Within Royal Hillsborough and Moira Conservation Area 44 businesses have availed of the opportunity to improve their shop frontage. They were supported to replace their shop front façade and signage in order to conform to the conservation guidelines. This successful scheme has created a more pleasing environment through improved heritage shop fronts, wider benefits for the public realm and civic pride.
Rural Shop Front Scheme
Across Aghalee, Annahilt, Dromara, Drumbeg, Glenavy, Upper and Lower Ballinderry, Maghaberry, Milltown and Moneyreagh 12 businesses have availed of this grant opportunity. They installed shop fronts that are respectful of the architecture and the character of the surrounding area. Charm and vitality have been added to these areas which have a high level of civic pride.
Rural Investment Fund
The Rural Investment Fund assisted 22 businesses across Aghalee, Annahilt, Ballinderry, Dromara, Drumbeg, Glenavy, Royal Hillsborough, Maghaberry, Milltown, Moira and Moneyreagh to renovate a vacant property or diversify their current offer through repurposing an unused area within their premises.
This grant scheme improved the commercial offering in our villages and enhanced their environment.
Traffic calming measures
Speed bumps and pathways were widened within Aghalee to improve public safety between Aghalee Free Presbyterian Church and Beeches Day Nursery.
Glenavy had speed cushions added to improve public safety. The council is working with Translink to build a bus shelter at Lyngrove Hill.
A new pedestrian crossing was added to Maghaberry village to improve access to the shops and community spaces.
Environmental Improvement Schemes
Anahilt benefited from footpath upgrades to improve the walking space for local people and resurfacing of the main road through the village. A pedestrian crossing was installed outside Anahilt Primary School to help improve road safety for schoolchildren during pick up and drop off.
Maghaberry based businesses welcomed the resurfacing of the car park to provide safer and improved accessibility to businesses in the heart of Maghaberry village. It complements the overall village environment and visual appeal for the local community.
A play park was installed at Killultagh Grange in Glenavy to meet the needs of the local community.
Greenway enhancement
Lagan Towpath is a popular greenway (from Belfast through Lagan Valley Island and on to Sprucefield) used by the public for walking, running, and cycling. The enhancements we have carried out aim to encourage more people to enjoy it.
To encourage greater use of the Lagan Towpath and promote active travel through improved access from the village we upgraded the steps, footways, and signage and added a bike repair station to Drum Bridge Car Park. The works increase opportunities for local people to walk, wheel and cycle in this scenic area.
Access to Navigation House has been enhanced following the completion of a new path connecting the Lagan Towpath at Union Locks to this historic site with new directional and informative signage. We have opened the site further to residents and visitors by replacing what was originally a set of wooden steps. The car parking facilities at Blaris Road completed in 2022 further supports the site, encouraging walkers and cyclists to park and enjoy the amenities while exploring the towpath.
Community enhancement
Both Moira and Anahilt had a parklet installed in an open space to be enjoyed by the residents who wish to catch up with each other of take a break when out for a walk.
Moneyreagh's village green was improved, new village signage was installed and the provision of power and water allowed a coffee dock to be added close to the play park and the local community open space and walking trails.
Poundbridge and District Community Association and Anahilt and Magheraconluce Community Association successfully completed a community market pilot. Through grant assistance they were able to purchase their own assets to set up their own ‘Farmer’s style’ market to sell local and artisan produce to local shoppers and showcase the wealth of talent we have across the council area.
The weekly Lisburn market has been running for centuries; and we are delighted to see local community organisations establish their own community markets.
Tourism
Under the brand Royal Hillsborough & Historic Moira we have delivered a number of unique food & drink experiences across these villages.
These beautiful rural locations steeped in history, offer an experience like no other. Stay, eat, explore in Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira. Whether you are seeking a historic getaway, a dining experience with a difference or a fun filled catch up with friends, you will be spoilt for choice.
To spark some ideas for your next getaway, browse these bespoke itineraries that showcase the best of what the areas have to offer. These give you some top tips and ideas of new things to experience, adventure to new places, and sample some of the best cuisine these rural areas have to offer.
Check out the great itineraries on this link
For more information contact Becky Colvin via email becky.colvin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk