Banbridge District Council strives to support the development of a thriving, enterprising and competitive economy within Banbridge District and recognises that the four main towns of Banbridge, Dromore, Gilford and Rathfriland make an important contribution to this economy. The Council is playing a pro-active role in the development of each of the towns through the following projects.

Banbridge

• Development Strategy
  In 2000, Banbridge District Council commissioned a development strategy for the town of Banbridge. Entitled 'Banbridge - A Vision For The Future', this document aims to identify ways to revitalize the economy of the town through a staged process by environmental enhancement, resolving traffic issues and improving marketing and management. Following the completion of the strategy a number of projects have commenced and a number are planned for the future.
  
• Environmental Improvement Scheme
  Between 2001 and 2004, three phases of an Environmental Improvement Scheme have been completed in Newry Street, Bridge Street and Church Square which included the widening of footpaths, new street lighting, safer pedestrian crossing points, the introduction of trees and stylish street furniture. This work has resulted in private investment into the town centre, creating new business and reducing the amount of dereliction in the town.
  
• Town Centre Manager
  A Town Centre Manager has been appointed to drive forward a number of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the town centre and attracting an increased numbers of visitors.
  
• Marketing Budget
  A budget of £78,000 has been committed to promote the town centre over the next three years. This project is funded through DSD and Banbridge District Council.
  
• Website
  A website has been produced to promote the work of Banbridge Community Regeneration Limited and to provide information to potential developers.
  
• Events Programme
  A programme of events has been created to attract visitors to the town and a busking festival, known as BuskFest, has been developed.
  
• Security
  Several security initiatives have been put in place such as the introduction of 9 CCTV cameras and a Shopwatch radio scheme.
  
• Shopping Experience
  A town centre music system has been installed to provide music throughout Newry Street and Bridge Street.

Dromore

• Development Strategy
  In 2003, the Council commissioned a development strategy to support Dromore's regeneration and growth.
• Property Development
  The Council is working with property developers and owners to drive forward the development of existing premises and derelict properties.
• Environmental Improvment Scheme
  The Council is working to develop an Environmental Improvement Scheme for Dromore, which when complete will encourage private investment into the town.
• Riverside Walk
  Plans have been drafted up to create a riverside walk, which will link the Motte and Bailey to the town centre.
• Town Centre Living Initiative Area
  The Council successfully applied to the Housing Executive to have Dromore designated as a Town Centre Living Initiative area. Consequently, property owners who wish to refurbish their premises to create living accommodation within the town centre can now seek grants to do this work.
• Chamber of Commerce
  The Council has supported the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce, whose focus will be developing projects to help the business community.
• Marketing Budget
  A budget of £41,000 has been committed to promote Dromore as a heritage town. This has been funded by DSD and Banbridge District Council.
• Events Programme
  The May Fair Event has been re-established to attract visitors to the town centre.

Rathfriland

• Development Strategy
  In 2003, the Council commissioned a development strategy to support Rathfriland's regeneration and growth.
• Community Property Development Scheme
  A CPDS project has been identified and work is underway to create office accommodation and retail space within a derelict building in the centre of the town.
• Events Programme
  Rathfriland Christmasfest has been established as an event, which attracts large numbers of visitors to the town centre in December.
• Property Development
  The Council has accessed funding through DARD to create a town centre paint scheme which will provide grant assistance to businesses who wish to improve the frontage of their premises in keeping with a traditional town.

Gilford

• Development Strategy
  In 2003, the Council commissioned a development strategy to support Gilford's regeneration and growth.
• Environmental Improvement Scheme
  An Environmental Improvement Scheme is planned for Gilford town centre, which will include improvements to on-street parking, the introduction of trees and the refurbishment of pavements to create a visually attractive town.
• Support for Private Development
  The Council is supportive of private investment plans for Gilford Mill and Gilford Castle, which include the development of a major hotel conference centre and championship golf course. In conjunction with the hotel development, the Council plans to create a riverside walk and recreation area including an F.E. McWilliam sculpture park.