FOCUS ON THE GREAT NORTHWEST
THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY what does it mean for the North West?
asks Eamonn Loughrey, director at planning consultancy DPP in Belfast A
fter a long two year wait, the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 was finally launched by the Department for Regional Development (DRD) in March 2012. Put simply, the RDS is the umbrella document that sets out where growth should occur in Northern Ireland, including how it will be supported by infrastructure, over the next 23 years. The strategy takes account of a number of key factors such as population growth, demographic changes, transportation needs as well as economic changes. According to the DRD, the strategy seeks to inform and guide the whole community in the drive to create a dynamic, prosperous and progressive Northern Ireland.
The strategy is also a key document within the planning system, as it sets out guidance for the preparation of development plans and policy that, amongst a number of things, aim to;
• Support strong, sustainable growth for the benefit of all parts of Northern Ireland • Strengthen Belfast as the regional economic driver
• Support Northern Ireland's towns, villages and rural communities to maximise their potential
• Promote development which improves the health and well‑being of communities • Improve connectivity to enhance the movement of people, goods, energy and information between places • Protect and enhance the environment
As well as identifying Belfast as the regional economic driver, the RDS also recognises the role that the North West has to play in Northern Irelandʼs economic future. Thanks to its capacity and potential for economic
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growth, the RDS pays particular attention to the role Derry ‑ Londonderry has to play in driving the region forward, highlighting it as the principal city of the North West.
Strengthening the role of Derry ‑ Londonderry is therefore vital for its future sustainability and growth.
The next few years are likely to see a wave of changes making its way through Derry ‑ Londonderry in terms of regeneration and development, with the aim of making the city the focus for administration, shopping, commerce, services as well as tourism. In fact, the cityʼs ʻOne Planʼ strategy has already identified a number of regeneration locations, including former security bases at Ebrington and Fort George, which will provide opportunities for development in the future. Itʼs also likely that as Derry ‒ Londonderryʼs housing needs continue to grow, development will be ongoing to provide enough dwellings to keep up with demand. Just walking through the streets of Derry ‑ Londonderry, it is already evident that the city is beginning to implement some of the key points of the RDS and the ʻOne Planʼ through regeneration projects such as the restoration of the Guildhall. It is also likely that this is set to continue following the announcement in May this year that Derry City Council has set aside almost £750,000 for a new economic development plan identified for the City of Culture in 2013.
Whilst it is all well and good to strive to enhance the towns and cities across the North West, it is key to create better transport links. This objective is another aspect of the RDS and vital in helping to strengthen the region as a whole. This means enhancing transport linkages, managing travel demand, improving public transport and providing better access to
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the central area of the city will be of paramount importance.
Now that the RDS has been launched, it is vital that is used to its full potential. Not only will it have a physical impact in terms of new buildings, development and regeneration, but it will also serve as a significant marketing tool for the North West.
Government, councils and private sector companies are now in a strong position to attract new business to Northern Ireland, as it is possible to marry business commercial reality with land use and locational considerations in terms of accessibility, labour and resource.
It is clear that an opportunity now exists for Derry ‑ Londonderry, and the wider North West, to make the most of the position outlined in the RDS and to capitalise on events, such as the UK City of Culture in 2013, that are set to put the city centre stage throughout Europe and the world.
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