Poots clears the way for £20million investment in Dungannon

The approved plans are for the construction of 12 new retail units, a kiosk, café and 84 apartments, which will bring some £20million investment to a currently neglected part of the town centre.

Making the announcement Minister Poots said: "This welcome investment is expected to provide 65 construction jobs, and on completion, will secure approximately 150 permanent retail jobs.

"The proposed development at Anne Street also includes much needed housing in the town, which will be of a high quality sustainable design that is sympathetic to the architecture in the immediate vicinity."

The Department for Social Development released lands to the Department for Regional Development for the purpose of providing access to the site. He said: "I wish to thank these Departments for helping to bring this scheme into being. This sort of inter-departmental working is essential in enabling such schemes during these economic times."

Dungannon’s Mayor, Robert Mulligan, welcomed the approval stating: "The planning approval of this site will initiate much needed investment, and help rejuvenate the centre of Dungannon."

1. The application for Anne Street, Dungannon, M/2007/0831/F, involves the construction of:

· 12 retail units which will comprise three anchor stores of 10,000 square feet, 7,000 square feet and 6,500 square feet down to the smallest units of 1,000 square feet, with a total net sales floor area of 50,000 square feet.

· 84 apartments, to be provided over three upper floors.

· a kiosk, café, and car parking provided by way of 234 basement/lower ground parking spaces and 24 surface spaces.

2. When the retail complex is fully occupied, it is hoped that it will provide local people with additional shopping provision which will include such uses as a food store, a toy store, ladies and gents clothing, and a baby store.

3. The Department has been proactive in agreeing a suitable design for the development via its Urban Design Unit as well as cooperating with the Department of Social Development and DRD Roads Service in facilitating access off Greer's Road to service the development and the adjacent existing public car park which will accommodate displaced car parking spaces in the vicinity of the site.

4. A high quality building is proposed which will be sympathetic to its surrounding urban context in terms of its height, scale, massing and architectural style. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has been involved in ensuring that the proposed building does not adversely affect the setting of the nearby listed Bank Hotel.

5. The completed retail scheme will generate in the region of 150 full and part time jobs.

6. All media enquiries should be directed to DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.