Radical plans to reshape Omagh

A SERIES of radical new proposals for the future of Omagh – including the pedestrianisation of the town centre – have been unveiled this week.

The Omagh Place Shaping Plan 2035 – currently in draft format – envisages a dramatic revamp for the area during the next decade.

Ambitious, and perhaps controversial, plans include the phased pedestrianisation of High Street, Bridge Street and Mountjoy Road, the re-location of town centre car parks, and the transformation of the Courthouse, for the first time in its 200-year history.

Another proposal includes a floating platform on the River Strule at Drumragh Avenue.

Vacant sites left after the relocation of five post-primary schools to the Strule Campus have long been a matter of debate.

On that topic, the plan proposes a business hub on the site of either Omagh Academy or the CBS, a retreat centre and retirement village at the Loreto Grammar, and new homes at the Sacred Heart College and Omagh High sites.

Redevelopment plans are also being considered for Arleston Park, the former Scott’s Mills site, St Lucia Barracks, and the Oasis Plaza.

Memorial garden

One of the proposals also suggests removing the large mirrors and support poles from the Omagh Memorial Garden.

Erected following the 1998 Omagh Bomb, these were originally aimed at tracking the sun and reflecting its light off mirrors to connect with the monument on Market Street.

But those consulted were said to have noted that the idea has not worked in practice.

Although a budget for the many proposals being forwarded for discussion has not been provided, it does envisage a timeframe of delivery in the short term of 2023-2024, the medium term from 2025 until 2028, and the long-term from 2029 to 2035.

The plans have been prepared for Fermanagh and Omagh Council under the banner slogan of ‘Inspired by Omagh – The Heart of Tyrone’ following a consultation carried out earlier this year on conjunction with the consultants KPMG.

A total of 240 public surveys were received, 29 businesses responded online, and 103 children and young people were involved.

A survey of students obtained 78 responses, 25 schoolchildren also took part, and and there were 40 people consulted, including councillors, statutory organisations, community and voluntary sector and local business representatives.

The stated-ambition of the plan is to position Omagh as a ‘more attractive, vibrant, inspirational’ town, and increase the resilience of the local community and economy, while providing for an enhanced, accessible, inclusive, child-friendly and healthy urban environment.

It outlines six key themes for achieving this – a green heart, a beautiful place, connecting people and place, ensuring Omagh is inclusive, thriving and vibrant.

A total of 20 actions have been highlighted, with the ultimate aim of bringing what draft plan describes as ‘tangible and effective change.’