Foundry Lane scheme to begin amidst concerns from businesses

BUSINESSES in the Foundry Lane area of Omagh have mixed expectations over the potential impact on their trade, when a major re-development of the area gets underway.

Work on the refurbishment scheme is due to begin today (Monday).

It is being carried out by FP McCann Ltd and is expected to take around three months to complete.

Foundry Lane has been a key location for artisan and independent business over the years, and retains a strong independent retail character.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said that, due to the limited width of the entry during the completion of the works, it will be closed off to pedestrians for health and safety reasons.

However, local access will be facilitated for businesses and customers.

Despite this, the plans have caused concerns for one business, which feels that it will miss out on people passing from High Street through Foundry Lane to Kevlin Avenue.

Violet Dennehy from Grovehill Animal Trust said that while the scheme is very much required, they could see fewer people due to their proximity to the High Street entrance.

“We get a lot of passing trade coming into the shop, and when the work starts, that will stop because we’re so close to the High Street entrance,” she said. “This scheme is definitely one that is badly needed.

“The Foundry Lane at the moment is a disgrace because of its condition, so this work is definitely welcome.

“But the impact on our business could be significant.

“Hopefully the work that is being carried out so close to us will be short-term because we are at the opposite end to the Kevlin Avenue entrance. We’ll just have to wait and see if people still come to us in the same numbers.”

At the opposite end of Foundry Lane to Grovehill is butchers, The Meat Joint. It is located right next to Kevlin Road and is not anticipating the same level of disruption.

David Moore says that they are content that the council are taking action to improve this area of the town.

“This re-development should certainly help our businesses and all those others on Foundry Lane,” he said.

“Hopefully it won’t have any significant impact on our business because we are easily accessible from Kevlin Avenue.

“We’ve been located here for 34 years, and if the scheme is done in phases, then I’d expect that everything should work out alright.

“Three months, though, is a long time away as the work starts.”

Works will commence at the High Street side in short sections, with pedestrians accessing Foundry Lane from Kevlin Avenue (carpark end) only. As the works progress through Foundry Lane towards the carparks, completed areas will be re-opened.

Due to the level of footfall through Foundry Lane, diversionary signage will be put in place to advise pedestrians of an alternative route via Scarffes Entry.