Proposed £2m market development has ‘massive potential’

MORE than 50 new jobs could be created by proposals to develop a new £2 million multi-purpose market and events space in Omagh.

Planning approval is being sought for a 1,000 square metre commercial space at Kevlin Avenue, capable of accommodating more than 1,500 people.

It will also be aimed at hosting community events and a ‘traders’ market’.

An application for the ambitious project has been submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

If approved, the new scheme would be located in the existing car parking space at the rear of the Main Street complex, close to the town centre.

Michael McElroy, managing director of Dergmoney Ltd, said the scheme would contribute to the 40,000 visitors coming to Omagh annually and create new jobs in the design, construction and management of the project.

He also hopes that it would contribute to sustaining retail sector employment by creating new footfall in the town centre.

“What we are planning is that this new space will help to accommodate a variety of attractions in Omagh town centre,” he said.

“Our hope is that this will become the venue for the town’s market and develop into a really exciting annual Christmas market. It will also be a great asset for wider community events.

“On occasions it will be used for entertainment, complying with the regulations set by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. This will bring great assistance to the town’s night-time economy.”

Mr McElroy added, “I believe this is what Omagh needs and I think it will help re-establish the town centre as a vibrant destination.”

Architect Paul Hamill, from Hamill Architects in Dungannon, said the design for the project was a modern version of the traditional market space.

“It’s designed to be a multi-purpose space which will hopefully act as a catalyst to bring people into the town centre,” he said.

“This new commercial space will be designed to be as flexible as possible, which will enable it to be still used as a car park and then for a range of other events.

“Occasionally throughout the year, there is also the potential to hold major entertainment events. It’s a project which has massive potential for the town centre.”