£350 million development proposal for Omagh given green light
Published: 29 July, 2010
West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty and the chair of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer have welcomed the decision by Planning Service to issue a 28 day notice of opinion to approve a £350 million multi use development site on the Derry Road, Omagh.
The scheme, which has been brought forward by GML Estates will include a hotel, retail space, offices as well as health and leisure facilities and is expected to create 1000 construction jobs for a period of 3 years, followed by an additional 1000 permanent jobs in a range of sectors and services.
It is thought construction firms could be invited to tender for the project in the autumn.
Reacting to the news, the West Tyrone MP said: "This is an absolutely tremendous news story for Omagh and the wider North west region. The prospect of 1000 construction jobs followed by another 1000 permanent jobs in a range of sectors has the potential to really transform the local economy.
"It is not an exaggeration to state that this development is the culmination of years of hard work involving key stakeholders such as Omagh District Council and the community sector.
"The realistic prospect of the Strathroy link Road, which is part of the proposed development, being constructed has the potential to solve the issue of traffic flow through Omagh town and enhance the viability of other major structural projects, such as the shared educational campus at Lisanelly and strategic linkages to the new A5/N2 dual carriageway will further strengthen Omagh's regional position.
"The decision to make such a capital injection into the area is proof of investor confidence in this region. I have been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the investors, who are already in the US meeting potential end users of the facilities which will be on offer in Omagh.
"There has been a series of meetings held with major organisations in the fields of IT, health and finance and Omagh is being seen as a key location to do business. During this uncertain economic climate, this is the best opportunity that Omagh has in terms of jobs and economic regeneration. As such, it is essential that all of the key stakeholders work together to ensure that this community can gain maximum benefit from this major investment.
Also welcoming the news was the chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer. "This is a huge vote of confidence in this district and will give hope to local people who are facing an uncertain economic future.
"I have had a considerable amount of interaction with the developer during the past two years and am satisfied that the proposal will deliver large scale social and economic dividends for this district. I was speaking to a representative from the development company today (Wednesday) and understand that the tendering process should commence in the autumn.
Cllr Mc Aleer continued "The location and specification of the proposed development enables it to seamlessly integrate with other major developments such as the educational campus, the arts centre, the town centre environmental improvement scheme, the new south west college and the development will provide the final section of the riverside walkway providing a link into the town centre.
"The development will also give Omagh a much needed 'gateway site' to attract people into the town. This is in line with the Council commissioned 2025 Visioning framework and significantly helps us to move a step closer towards aspired city status by 2025".
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