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Pride Of Place
Strabane District Council herald Strabane 2000’s pride of place assessment a success.
July 2007
Strabane District Council has hailed a visit from three judges from Co-operation Ireland’s Pride of Place award yesterday a success. Speaking after the event, Council Chairman, Councillor Gerald Foley stated: “Strabane District Council, through Strabane 2000, were pleased to host three judges from the Pride of Place Awards yesterday. They spent an afternoon with us while we outlined the progress that Strabane has made in recent years in its urban regeneration and infrastructural development programme”.
During their two and a half hour visit; the judges were officially welcomed by Strabane 2000 chairman, Councillor Jarlath McNulty and given a visual presentation by the Chief Executive of Strabane District Council. The judges were also treated to a guided tour of Strabane. During the presentation, Mr Philip Faithful took the judges through the progress of Strabane from the past, through the difficult times in the troubles, touching on the devastation that the flood caused - to today. The Chief Executive detailed the level of public and private sector investment in Strabane to date and detailed Strabane 2000’s plans for future urban regeneration.
Chairman of Strabane 2000, Councillor Jarleth McNulty explained: “The presentation reflected on the past, present and future. The video and images that we used reflected the journey that we have come through and the vast progress that has been made to the infrastructure of the town and our vision for the future.”
Following the presentation the judges were given a guided tour of Strabane – firstly viewing the impressive “Let the Dance Begin” Sculptures”. “We were keen to show the judges these landmark sculptures which reflect Strabane’s tradition in arts, music and indeed sport. They are situated on a significant site, locally known as the ‘old camels hump’ and visually reflect Strabane’s rebirth from its troubled past” said Councillor McNulty.
Proceeding down the Railway Road, the judges were given the opportunity to view the new ASDA development and Strabane retail park. “We felt that it was important that the judges were able to view these developments, as they are a clear illustration of the rising growth and confidence that many commercial interests now have in Strabane” explained Councillor McNulty.
The judges then disembarked at the award winning, Alley Theatre where they were given a guided tour of the £3.5 million arts, cultural and exhibition centre. “Strabane District Council’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Department proudly launched the Alley in March 2007. Its woodenpanelled270-seat auditorium has hosted a wide variety of high profile performances, world famous acts and many local performers in its inauguralprogramme.Citizens of all ages now have increased choice: they have access to a range of cultural events and activities and it has enriched and diversified our nighttime economy. Local people have embraced this facility and it is already proving to be a thriving hub of cultural activity in the heart of the district” said Councillor Foley.
Judges were then guided into the new community library to view the learning resource, computer suite, recording studio and meeting rooms. “The judges commended the partnership approach taken in the development in the library” said Councillor McNulty.
Following the tours, the judges went on walkabout in Strabane town to view the many environmental improvements and shop front developments. “The judges were able to see for themselves the vibrancy of the town, our bustling economic, cultural and civic centre and see how it has been sensitively redeveloped over the years” said Councillor McNulty.
Following a brief historical snapshot of the significance of Strabane in Gray’s Printers, the judges were guided along the bridge to see where the proposed two new pedestrian bridges are to be built. Finally the judges took time to view Melvin Community Sports Complex, “This model community sport complex is always busy and an excellent resource for young people, and local groups engaged in sports and other activities,” explained Councillor Foley.
“What we tried to relay was the amazing transformation that this town has undertaken and will continue to do so with many new facility developments and improvements to come. The judges saw for themselves how Strabane has moved away from its troubled past to become a vibrant, thriving town that is bustling with local people going about their day-to-day business. This was in stark contrast to the images that they were presented with before. “ said Councillor Foley.
“The judges also had an opportunity to talk to many local people, public representatives and business owners. This gave them a chance to hear the optimism, spirit and enthusiasm that local people have. We made it clear to the judges that we still have a long way to go on our journey. There are still many more things for us to do. But we feel that, when you consider where we have come from, the progress is remarkable and
should be recognised. Whether we win the award or not, I feel that the judges went away knowing that there are many local people who are rightly proud to call Strabane their home and that in many ways, we are a perfect illustration of pride of place” said Councillor McNulty.
For Further Information please contact:
Heather Torrens
Project Officer – Strabane 2000
028 71 381302
htorrens@strabanedc.com
