Image via Department for Communities

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today announced a public consultation seeking views on proposals for a new approach to delivering physical regeneration in our villages, towns and city centres.

Shaping Sustainable Places has been developed by the Department for Communities in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. It articulates a vision for maximising the limited budgets available for regeneration through focused, strategically aligned projects.

The proposed Programme would seek to deliver place-based regeneration and infrastructure interventions which would be developed by local councils. A budget of £150million, with each Department contributing £50million over a ten-year period, is proposed and the final programme will require Executive approval.

Minister Lyons said:

“I am pleased that my Department has been leading on this work to develop a new joint approach to delivering regeneration in Northern Ireland. Shaping Sustainable Places aims to demonstrate that, by working together, we can maximise the impact of our collective investment and support communities to create sustainable and attractive environments. This consultation is an important step in progressing this collaborative work and I encourage everyone to play their part to help guide its future shape by responding to the consultation and sharing your views.”

Minister Kimmins said:

“This consultation represents a vision across Government to engage communities in the improvement of their villages, towns and city centres through the provision of funding for local councils to lead on the delivery of regeneration and placemaking projects. We can all play our part in shaping places that are welcoming and inclusive, encouraging people to walk, wheel or cycle to many of their favourite local amenities. I would encourage everyone to complete the consultation and help us build the foundations for a better future.”

Minister Muir said:

“Working together to create a thriving and sustainable rural Northern Ireland, ensuring the needs of rural communities are addressed in partnership, remains a key objective for my Department. The opportunity to work with my Executive colleagues to strategically address regeneration in villages, towns and city centres throughout Northern Ireland is one I have warmly welcomed. I encourage all stakeholders, particularly those in rural areas, to respond to the consultation, and take the opportunity to have their voice heard, to help inform and shape the ambition of the Shaping Sustainable Places Programme.”

The consultation is open now and closes on 24 August 2025.

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