Visionary ‘Place Plan’ unveiled for Dromore

The Place Plan was taken forward by the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership of which Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council was the lead partner. Following the Armagh Place Plan (2022) and the Banbridge Place Plan (2024), this is the third locality plan for the borough.

Dromore is the smallest urban town in the borough with a strategic location along the A1 Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor. With over 1000 people participating in the ‘Taking Stock’ public engagement sessions, events and surveys, the Place Plan mirrors the ambition and passion to create a thriving and prosperous place to live, work and play.

Roger Wilson, Chief Executive ABC Council; Elaine Gillespie, Head of Department Community Planning, Policy & Research, ABC Council; Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage; Chris McNabb, Associate at HLM Architects; Joe Mahon. Credit: ABC Council

Speaking at the event, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kyle Savage said: “An extensive collaborative process with the local people, businesses and groups has helped to create this visionary Place Plan for Dromore. It recognises distinct challenges, exciting opportunities and unique characteristics to be celebrated within the town.

Dromore Place Plan Project Board members: (back row L-R): Lissa O’Malley, Place and Strategic Manager; Liz Doak, Duty Manager Dromore Community Centre; Shane Kelland, ABC Council; Mona Conway, NIHE; Jennifer McKibben, ABC Council. Front row L-R: Chris McNabb, Associate at HLM Architects; Elaine Gillespie, Head of Department: Community Planning, Policy & Research, ABC Council; Sinead Collins, NIHE; John Downey, DfI. Credit: ABC Council

"As a council, we are committed to ensuring that this shared vision and action plan is used as a tool to secure a vibrant, thriving and environmentally responsible town.”

The Dromore Place Plan outlines a strategic vision for the place, detailing five outcomes which are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents, preserving the unique character of the area whilst stimulating economic growth. Six thematic clusters comprising of 37 suggested actions, serve as a road map for the Community Planning partners, stakeholders, businesses and local community groups to collaborate to develop Dromore into the future.

Dromore Place Plan keynote speakers (back row L-R): Jonathan Saulters, DFI; Allison Savage, Ulster Bank Building; Dr Laura Michael, QUB; Simon Cole, Dromore Repair Café; Chris McNabb, HLM; Brian McClelland, DfI. Front row L-R: Elaine McAlinden, DBEC; Roger Wilson, ABC Council; Councillor Kyle Savage, Deputy Lord Mayor; Sinead Collins, NIHE; Joe Mahon, Mahon’s Way. Credit: ABC Council

The four big ideas include: Tackling Vacancy and Dereliction (breathing life into underutilised spaces to create vibrant hubs for community and business); Development Potential of Quillyburn (exploring opportunities to transform these lands into a thriving new space unlocking economic growth); Dromore Viaduct (restoring this historic landmark to promote heritage, recreation and community use); Active Riversides (enhancing links between the River Lagan and the town’s assets).

SRC students were involved in producing a ‘Living Memories Project’ which captured the stories of residents’ experiences of growing up in Dromore. Back row L-R: Lissa O’Malley, Place and Strategic Manager; Jennifer McKibben, ABC Council; Gordon Graham; Nigel Gribben; Victoria Ruddell, Libraries NI. Front row L-R: Corey Doran, Marcel Stachurski and Aaron Mitchell (SRC students). Credit: ABC Council

Sinead Collins, Vice Chair of Place Board Sub Committee said: “We were delighted with the response from the people based in Dromore, which had one of the highest engagement rates. Engaging with the people who live and work here gives them the opportunity to play a proactive role in defining the future of their town. By coming together, different stakeholders can work towards mutually beneficial projects for the betterment of Dromore, leading to a place that is more reflective of the people of that place.”

Chris McNabb, Associate at HLM Architects said: “Our work focuses on creating places where people can live, work, and thrive. This plan captures Dromore’s potential and charts a path for regeneration that respects its heritage while looking towards the future. We’re proud to have played a part in shaping the Dromore Place Plan and are excited to see it progress, develop, and make a lasting impact for the local community."

Members of the Community Planning Strategic Partnership/Place Board (back row L-R): Victoria Ruddell, Libraries NI; Nicola McEvoy, DfI; Paul Crooks, Education Authority; Elaine Gillespie, ABC Council. Front row L-R: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage; Sinead Collins, NIHE; Roger Wilson, Chief Executive ABC Council. Credit: ABC Council

Keynote speaker at the event was Joe Mahon, from the ‘Mahon’s Way’ television series, which sees Joe travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland exploring the heritage, history and culture which makes this place so unique. Joe spoke about the importance of profiling your place and celebrating some of Dromore’s unique assets including the Viaduct, the Motte and Bailey and the River Lagan, which will also feature in the Mahon’s Way autumn series.

Representing Lagan River DEA (L-R): Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage; Councillor Jessica Johnston; Councillor Tim McClelland; Alderman Paul Rankin. Credit: ABC Council

Regardless of your connection to Dromore, the Place Plan encourages everyone to be active, connect with the community and discover everything that this charming town has to offer.