Downpatrick Town Centre Masterplan

The Downpatrick Town Centre Masterplan was commissioned by the Department for Social Development in 2009, working in close partnership with Down District Council and many fellow stakeholders from the public and private sectors. It was developed through a process of consultation with the people of Downpatrick, generating a public discussion about the future of their town.

Vision for Downpatrick

"Downpatrick will be rejuvenated as an energetic, vibrant and forward-thinking Town in which all its residents can take pride. Its unique historic environment, particularly its early Christian heritage, will be leveraged and complemented by exemplary development, establishing Downpatrick as a special visitor destination. The Town and surrounding area will also take advantage of its natural setting. Its buildings, streets and spaces will be attractive, safe and friendly, providing a focus for community life and an attraction to the increasing numbers who visit.”

The vision seeks to respect and capitalise upon Downpatrick’s immensely rich heritage, while ensuring that appropriate new development can take place to stabilise and enhance the economic sustainability of the Town and make it better equipped to compete with other urban areas.

It is hoped that the Masterplan will be used as material consideration to inform future planning decisions and provide guidance on the growth, development and future needs of Downpatrick.

The report is structured to succinctly convey the findings of the analysis process, the content of the Masterplan proposals and the process by which these can be delivered. Its development was founded on an extensive process of research and consultation, fuller details of which are provided in the accompanying appendix document.