Designs for a major public realm scheme for Royal Hillsborough unanimously signed off by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
A long-awaited plan for a huge refurbish of Royal Hillsborough has been approved.
Designs for a major public realm scheme for the heritage rich Royal Hillsborough were unanimously signed off by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee on Monday January 12.
The development has been mooted for the “last 20 years” however road safety issues were raised in the chambers amid concerns the council has “missed an opportunity” for cycle lanes to be included.
Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: “These plans fascinate me as a former resident of the area some 40 years ago.
“I recall children being knocked down on the road and there being a huge public outcry. But, only now we have a traffic scheme to deliver the safety required and these are welcomed.”
The regeneration of the streets which will form part of the £26m Destination Royal Hillsborough development, could take until 2027 for construction to begin.
The Co Down village was granted Royal status in 2021 and is considered of high cultural value with over 40 listed buildings in a small area.
Hillsborough Castle in the centre of the village is the residence of the British monarchy when they visit Northern Ireland as well as being the base for the Secretary of State as well as playing a significant part in peace process agreements.
Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “These plans have been a long time coming.
“Though, I think that there may be an opportunity missed with no cycle lanes to be created if this council is serious about sustainable travel and getting people out of their motorcars. But, I am 96% in favour of these designs.”
A design team spokesperson responded: “We have had numerous public consultations on the designs for Hillsborough and consulted at length with the Department for Infrastructure. We would suggest that cyclists can share the roads with other traffic.
“The footpaths are to be widened and the roads made more narrow, this is done to impede heavy traffic vehicles from going through the village.”
Committee chairperson Alderman James Tinsley (DUP) added: “The public realm development for Hillsborough has been talked about for 20 odd years and this council has been considering designs for about three years.
“It will now be a great improvement for Hillsborough.”