Northern Area Plan 2016
Coleraine Borough: Garvagh

Garvagh is located 18 kilometres south of Coleraine on the A29 route, the main trunk road between Coleraine and Maghera. Founded in the early 17th Century by George Canning from Warwickshire, agent for the Ironmonger’s Company of London, it was subsequently developed into a modest size market town by the Canning’s. The town experienced considerable growth in the Post War period with a 2001 population of 1,278, a 17% increase on 1991.

Garvagh is situated on the banks of the Agivey River and orientated predominantly north south along the A29, but with east and west extensions along the B64 and B70 respectively. Garvagh Forest (the former estate of the Canning’s) and the attractive historic landscapes associated with Glen Ullin and the foothills of the Sperrins provide a distinctive setting.

Garvagh is a significant service centre for the surrounding countryside, providing a wide range of services and considerable employment. The town has been considerably enhanced in recent years with a series of private housing developments, investments in commercial development including a successful shop front scheme, and the comprehensive refurbishment of Main Street including street lighting and renewed paving. In October 2001 Garvagh Development Trust completed a regeneration project at a major property in Main Street, which included the alterations and refurbishment of an important listed building to provide community rooms, a music school, a cafe and a tourist information office. Retail and craft units were also erected within the rear yard. Garvagh has been designated a Small Town in the Settlement Hierarchy in Volume 1 of the Plan.

The development limit defines the extent of the existing town and will accommodate proposals consistent with its role and potential.