Portrush set for major overhaul
ONE of Ulster's best-known holiday resorts is in line for a major – and overdue – facelift.
In the first of three major contracts, Portrush's East Strand area is being refashioned in a 1.1 million contract that will stretch from the famous Arcadia building to the end of the promenade.
The other two facets will be the reconstruction of the harbour area, for which a technical appraisal is being carried out, and a major refurbishment of the west of the town.
Proposals for the West Bay renewal – thought to be in the 2 million-3 million price bracket – will be on show in the Town Hall next Tuesday as part of the public consultation process, and it will follow on from the East Strand contract.
Regeneration manager Alan Jeffers said: "The harbour project will take longer. The harbour is central to the tourism aspects of Portrush and it's one we must get right.
"Portrush badly needs a total facelift and will benefit tremendously from this project."
The rather ad-hoc car park at East Strand will be renewed, as will the surface of the promenade, with access to the beach improved, plus additional lighting and landscaping.
That section of the overall regeneration project will take about a year, and work will start after the Easter rush.
During the summer there will be temporary access to the famous beach which leads to the White Rocks.
In the West Bay area, the plan is to again improve the promenade; enhance the adjacent Town Hall Square; provide recreational facilities and prepare the way for a four-star hotel and conference facility.
Coleraine Borough Council is preparing to buy the go-kart area next to Barry's Amusements to create what Mr Jeffers described as "a more appropriate facility in this prominent part of the town".
"The harbour area is central to the entire scheme and will be central to Portrush's tourist future. We must get this one right and that's why we are having a detailed technical appraisal.
"There is no doubt that Portrush needs a proper, integrated regeneration, and we are delighted that the first phase is starting soon.
"The town has been allowed to get into a run-down state, but we are convinced this plan will put Portrush back where it belongs as a jewel in Northern Ireland's tourism industry.
"There are so many natural attractions on the North Coast and this regeneration plan is just what the town needs."
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Monday 28 May 2012
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