‘Stunning’ new urban garden to be developed in Omagh

PLANS have been finalised to develop the amphitheatre at a well-known Omagh arts venue into a new urban garden, creating a green space in the heart of the town.

Speaking about the proposals for the new urban garden outside the Strule Arts Centre, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council chair, Errol Thompson, said, “The redevelopment of the amphitheatre space in Town Hall Square, will create a stunning green space in the town centre for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working with other key stakeholders to make the district a great place to live, work and visit and the new urban garden will greatly enhance the visitor offering in Omagh town centre and will support the recovery and revitalisation of the town as we emerge from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Due to improvement works there will be no through access to Bridge Street and High Street via the amphitheatre from this Monday (June 14) for 13 weeks until September 13.

A spokesperson said, “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council apologises for any inconvenience the improvement works may cause.”

Mr Thompson said that the improvements would reimagine the existing grey space into a green space by “repurposing” the amphitheatre.

He said, “The urban garden will provide an opportunity to increase biodiversity within the town centre through the inclusion of a living wall feature and planting. Also included in the improvement works is an awning to provide a covered seating area, new doors allowing direct access from the garden to Strule Café and additional seating.

“The urban garden will connect an attractive sustainable green space from High Street to Bridge Street that seeks to improve linkages between areas of the town centre. The work will also include a cycle landing point and a rest stop that connects to the National Cycle Network developing new ways of using the space and diversifying its usage.”

The urban garden project is funded by the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities to support town centre recovery and revitalisation.