Main pic: An artist’s impression on the proposed redevelopment of the centre of Ballybofey.
The lead architect and design team has been appointed for the ambitious €9.8 million Ballybofey-Stranorlar Regeneration Strategy.
The award-winning McCabe Architects, Donegal town, will lead the project with work expected to begin in the second quarter of next year.
The appointment was confirmed by Minister Charlie McConalogue at a public meeting in Ballybofey last week.
“They (McCabe) are currently doing the design work to move towards the planning stage. The aim is for works and construction to start in the second quarter of 2024,” he said.
Minister McConalogue outlined the importance of the multi-million euro commitment from the government for the SEED Project.
He said it was one of the most significant funds in the country “which is going to redevelop the centre of town area outside the Butt Hall and develop an urban enterprise hub as well which will tie into the various enterprise hubs which have been developed over the last couple of years across the country.”
Funds have already been approved for the impressive development which will see the restoration and redevelopment of the old Ritz Cinema in Ballybofey as an enterprise centre.
The Ballybofey shopping centre car park.
The car park opposite will also get a major makeover to create a new, high quality, multi-functional civic space with canopy shelters, enhanced pedestrian linkages, accessibility and public conveniences (including changing facilities).
The façade of the Ballybofey Shopping Centre will be enhanced too, to make them more attractive. And, the site to the rear of the centre will be developed as a multi-storey car park.
Donegal Daily asked Donegal County Council for a comment on the development.