UH/1564

A lot achieved in such short time - Shane Campbell

"A LOT has and is being achieved in the current regeneration plans of Omagh" according to the town's Development Director, Shane Campbell.
"A lot of effort, passion and commitment is being applied by a range of individuals, groups, sectors and organisations working in partnership. We only have to look around to see the examples of physical change underway, giving the town a bright and hopeful future. This is the result of hard work and planning which have been applied over the course of recent years.
"The town of Omagh, like its people, also suffered grievously in the immediate aftermath of the horrific events of 15 August . While it was recognised that the physical and mental scars caused to the bereaved and injured would take many years to overcome, it was considered imperative that the recovery of the commercial life of the town, the heart of the community, be effected immediately. To this end the 'Give a day to Omagh' campaign, involving volunteers from local business and community sectors with Omagh District Council, was kick-started to gain a morale boost for the town and to therefore reclaim the town back for its people. As a result people from throughout these islands came to Omagh in late 1998, showing their support for the people of the town in a very tangible way.
"The partnership of Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Omagh District Council, Omagh Local Strategy Partnership (then Omagh District Partnership) and the Traders' Association, were keen to maintain this momentum. This partnership set up Omagh Business Forum Ltd - the town centre management company which completed the Omagh 2010 Vision Strategy plan for future of the town. The Vision for Omagh is of "a vibrant and enterprising place that inspires confidence, excellence and the development of opportunities for all members of the community.
"A key goal is for Omagh to fulfil its natural role as the County town of Tyrone and the 'regional capital' of the South West of Northern Ireland. The new vision for Omagh will be realised through developments in five key areas. The completion of what will amount to be £100 million on infrastructure in Omagh in around two years time, will ensure the reputation of the county town as the commercial heart of the south western region. This spend on retail and office developments, environmental schemes, regeneration of Market Street, a new Community House, a new state of the art College, commencement of new Civic / Arts Centre and the Rixcell factory to name but a few, will move the town ever closer to its stated vision ambition.
"The Omagh 2010 Taskforce was set up as an initiative involving central government to drive the implementation of the Vision / Strategy. Their recently launched Second Review and Progress Report on the Omagh 2010 Vision / Strategy provides a detailed insight into the progress being made. In the report the Chairman of the Omagh 2010 Taskforce, Perry McDonnell commented, "There have been many challenges and opportunities presented in all five elements of the Strategy, as well as real achievements and some frustrations. The (past) year can best be crystallised as a year of 'infrastructure change', for not in generations has there been so much change and so many developments getting underway at the same time. It is an exciting time for us all to witness and be part of."