'I encourage communities to participate in the engagement process': Voices needed to shape next Chapter for Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and partners begin engagement on new place plans to drive regeneration, wellbeing and economic growth across Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown

Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership is inviting residents, local businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown by contributing to the development of place plans.

placeholder image — Lissa O'Malley, ABC Council, councillor Peter Lavery, Sinead Collins, Housing Executive, NI, vice chair of Place Board, John Scally, Carling Planning, Charlene Stoops, deputy chief executive ABC Council, Lord Mayor ABC Council Alderman Stephen Moutray, Councillor Kate Evans, Colum Rooney, Dept for Communities, Elaine Gillespie, ABC Council, Kieran Carlin, Carling Planning

The place plans will set out a shared vision for each town, identifying priorities, projects, and actions that will improve the physical environment, community wellbeing, economic opportunities, and connectivity.

This place planning process is your chance to make a real difference and shape a brighter future for Craigavon, Lurgan, and Portadown. Join us, share your ideas, and help drive innovation and positive change across the area. Together, we’ll explore what makes the places unique and how everything connects to create a stronger, more vibrant community.

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Your voice matters—let’s create ‘connected places inspired by people’ that thrive for generations to come.

As the lead partner, ABC Council and Carlin Planning Ltd are reaching out to people of all ages to gather their ideas, aspirations, and priorities for Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown. A series of interactive engagement sessions will take place in each town from February to May 2026.

Ways you can participate over the coming months: View upcoming events in a town near you here; Complete the online public engagement survey here; Have a one-to-one conversation with a member of the project team email – [email protected]

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local people to help shape the future of their towns. These place plans will reflect the aspirations of the community, and we want as many voices as possible to be part of this process. I encourage everyone to share their views online or visit the team at one of the engagement sessions. This is your chance to make a difference and have your say.”

Welcoming the launch of the Craigavon Urban Area Place Shaping Plan, Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, added: “I am pleased that my department has been able to provide funding towards the development of this plan and I encourage communities to participate in the engagement process. Understanding community needs and issues will be vital in shaping a clear vision for Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown, guiding future investment and regeneration.”

This project is part funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities.