IN/0464

Commercial boost for Omagh could create 200 jobs
By Cara O'Doherty

OMAGH town centre is set to receive a £7 million commercial boost in the shape of a state-of-the-art shopping centre, it has been confirmed.
It is the first significant investment in the town since the August bombing that killed 29 people, injured hundreds more and devastated the town centre.
Scottish-based property company B&S Ventures has applied for planning permission to build the 54,000 sq ft complex on the site of the Royal Arms hotel, just 500 yards from where the bomb exploded.
Director Mark Strutt said he had been examining the possibility of a major retail development in Omagh for over two years and, despite the atrocity, was still convinced of its potential to become a strong shopping town.
Mr Strutt said: "We have been working on the plans for quite some time and based on the outstanding requirements of a number of High Street retailers we remain utterly committed to the project."
He said he remained convinced that the project could only improve the town centre, encourage more people to shop there, benefiting traders in Omagh and the retail image of the town itself.
The town's chamber of commerce has also welcomed the proposals. A chamber spokesman said the centre should attract a number of anchor stores and succeed in keeping shoppers in Omagh, as well as tempting others from the surrounding areas.
The Chamber along with Omagh District Council recently called on the British government for help in attracting outside investment to the town.
Earlier this month, the council launched an initiative targeted at potential investors, in a quest to rebuild the town economically and socially in the wake of the bombing.
The site for this development was acquired jointly by Andrew Marsden of property consultants Lisney, and Paul Brannigan of PA Brannigan and Co.
Omagh born development surveyor Mr Marsden said that he was encouraged by this massive cash injection into the Co. Tyrone town.
He said the proposal had not been affected by the bomb, despite the concerns of politicians and the Business community at the time, that it would adversely affect trade.
The plans for the Mall which should create 200 jobs, were announced only days after two shops devastated by the bomb decided not to re-open, resulting in the loss of fifteen jobs.
Mr Marsden said: "Commercial projects such as this one play a role in helping a town recover from such physical and emotional devastation as suffered by Omagh.
"Omagh has suffered like no other town in Ireland or Britain and the development of this centre is a measure of the optimism and confidence not only of the town's citizens but also of inward investors from the private sector."
The proposed shopping mall has also been welcomed by first Minister David Trimble. He said that it was a vote of confidence for Omagh and would encourage other investors to follow suit: "This will help restore Omagh to its position as one of the most vibrant market towns in Northern Ireland and give heart to local traders and those who live in the town."
He added: "It is significant that when it would have been easy to walk away at the time of the appalling atrocity, these investors were undeterred and they are to be commended for that.
"I hope that this will lead to further inward investment in the commercial and industrial sector and that existing traders, who will have suffered greatly, will benefit from the extra business this will generate."
Initial plans for the mall show an impressive Victorian style centre which should house 14 retail units. There will be main entrances on Omagh's High Street and Kevlin Avenue.
A planning application for the development has been lodged with Omagh District Council. If approved, the mall is expected to be ready for Christmas 1999.