HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

Close by the water's farther side, There sits in clean and modest pride, The cheerful little Holywood.

1822

Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town Anon HOLYWOOD ii HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

The Holywood Town Centre Masterplan has been produced on behalf of The Department for Social Development and North Down Borough Council by The Paul Hogarth Company.

September 2014

iii HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD iv HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

Contents 1 INTRODUCTION

2 A PROFILE OF HOLYWOOD

3 CONSULTATION PROCESS

4 ANALYSIS FINDINGS

5 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE 6 MASTERPLAN CONCEPT 7 MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES 8 ACTION PLAN 9 CONCLUSION CONTENTS

v HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

1 Aerial viewAerial of view Holywood of Holywood HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

01 INTRODUCTION The Holywood Town Centre Masterplan has been commissioned by the Department for Social Development in partnership with North Down Borough Council and identifies a range of short, medium and long term initiatives which, subject to funding, will maximise the social, physical and economic potential of Holywood over the next 15-20 years.

The plan has been facilitated by a consultant team led by The Paul Hogarth Company (Masterplanners) and includes BDO (Economists), JMP (Transport Consultants), CBRE (Property Consultants), Place Solutions (Town Centre Promotion), Strategic Planning (Retail Capacity) and WYG (Cost Consultants). INTRODUCTION

2 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

1.1 WHAT IS A MASTERPLAN AND WHO IS IT FOR?

Central to a masterplan is the concept of The Holywood Town Centre Masterplan The Masterplan aims to serve the needs ‘placemaking’ which aims to ensure the will provide a framework for the promotion, of those who live, work, visit and conduct creation of successful and attractive places implementation and timing of urban business in Holywood. It should therefore be that promote peoples health and well being. regeneration and tourism initiatives. While multi faceted in nature and contain a range of non-statutory in nature, a masterplan is an initiatives that not only serve the immediate The Masterplan sets out a vision for effective tool that provides direction for both and long term needs of its residents, but also Holywood Town Centre over the next 15- physical and non-physical interventions address the needs of those who travel to the 20 years. It provides a coherent long-term that help to shape open space, landscape town to avail of its assets and services. strategy intended to guide growth and and buildings. Proposals contained development of the town and maps out the The Masterplan will help guide anyone with within the draft plan will be prioritised and steps that are required to deliver on that an interest in improving the town centre, phased within an Action Plan within which strategy in accordance with a shared vision. including council, local community groups stakeholders and potential funders will and businesses. The Masterplan should not be confused be identified to take projects forward. The with the on-going Holywood Public Realm masterplan will also form an important Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town Scheme, but instead sets the context within component of the wider process of which the public realm scheme is positioned ‘Community Planning’ under which wider in relation to other regeneration projects. range of services can be considered.

All proposals contained within the HOLYWOOD Masterplan would be subject to further 3 consultation and refinement. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

1.2 WHO WAS INVOLVED AND WHERE DOES THE MASTERPLAN COVER?

The Masterplan has been developed under the guidance of a multiagency Greater Holywood Advisory Group, chaired by North Down Holywood Town Centre Borough Council with representation from Approved Public Realm Scheme the Department for Social Development, Holywood Chamber of Commerce, Bangor & Holywood Town Centres Limited, Holywood Residents Association, Holywood & District INTRODUCTION Community Council, Holywood Conservation Group and Holywood Shared Town. This Group also included representation from statutory agencies including DRD, DOE, NIEA and NITB.

While the town centre tends to refer to the central area around High Street, Shore Road and Church Road, a holistic approach has been taken which looks beyond to ensure that initiatives contained within the plan INTRODUCTION respond to the wider townland. 4 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

1.3 METHODOLOGY

The Masterplan has been developed through This work stage also involved the production DESIGN a series of key work stages which have of land use and urban/landscape analysis The initial steps of the design stage included included comprehensive consultation and plans, which while focussed on the Town the identification of key opportunity sites liaison with the local community in Holywood. Centre, takes cognisance of the surrounding and the articulation of the most appropriate Consultation has also been carried out with context. form and timing of development. A draft the relevant statutory agencies to ensure that masterplan was prepared illustrating VISIONING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING the final plan appropriately reflects the needs innovative and pragmatic proposals which This key stage involved the establishment of the town centre. The process undertaken demonstrated the quality of existing and of local and international best practice to produce this plan involved the following proposed urban form. The draft plan was exemplars and lessons that could be learnt four key stages :- put out to public consultation and feedback from these places. This information fed into received was used to refine proposals and INFO GATHERING AND ANALYSIS the formulation of a Shared Vision to provide finalise the plan. In order to gain an in-depth understanding a concise description of the type of place of the strategic significance of Holywood, the people of Holywood would like their IMPLEMENTATION Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town and its position in relation to the wider area, town centre to be. Arising from the Vision, a An initial step of this final work stage a number of analytical steps were carried number of strategic regeneration objectives included the development of an Integrated out. This included a detailed review of all were developed. Promotional and Marketing Strategy available statistical information and relevant which identified key target markets. HOLYWOOD background documentation alongside a Implementation/benefits realisation plans 5 series of site visits and desktop research in were also produced which set out a range of order to establish a profile of the area. direct funding opportunities. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

6 Holywood Mayday Event HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

02 A PROFILE OF HOLYWOOD

2.1 INTRODUCTION 2.2 LOCATION

In order to establish aims and initiatives Holywood is a town and civil parish within appropriate to the Holywood area, it is County Down. The town lies on the shore of important to first understand how the town Belfast Lough between Belfast and Bangor centre presently functions and identify its and on Census Day 2011, a population of

existing qualities, needs and aspirations. 14,165 was recorded. Larne Following on from the various methods of The masterplan study area largely focuses HOLYWOOD information gathering, including the initial within the settlement development limit of Bangor stakeholder workshop, a profile for Holywood Belfast Holywood, as defined by the Department has been formulated which establishes the of the Environment (DOE) Planning Service. context for the sustainable future growth of While the Masterplan is largely confined to the town centre. this settlement development limit, a holistic Location Plan The remainder of this section provides approach has been taken whereby a number a brief overview of the location, historic of the identified projects look beyond this development of Holywood as well as a limit to ensure that initiatives respond and Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town policy review and details relating to its socio relate to the wider hinterland. economic profile. HOLYWOOD

7 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

2.3 SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE

The following statistical information relating HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION LABOUR MARKET to population and demographic figures On Census Day 27th March 2011, in NI: Considering the population aged 16 to 74 for Holywood has been reviewed from the • 66.9% of households owned occupied years old in the Holywood study area: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research and 30.0% rented; • 65.6% were economically active, 34.6% Agency (NISRA). • 11.1% of households comprised of a were economically inactive; single person aged 65+ years; • 59.8% were in paid employment; and AGE • 9.1% were lone parent households with • 3.6% were unemployed. On Census Day 27th March 2011, the usually dependent children; and resident population of Northern Ireland was HEALTH AND WELL BEING • 22.7% of households did not have access 1,810,863. Of this population: On Census Day 2011, in the Holywood study to a car or van. area: • 20.95% were aged under 16 years and This compares to the Holywood study area. 14.56% were aged 65 and over; • 19.6% of people had a long-term health Of the 6,040 households: • 44 years was the average (median) age. problem or disability that limited their • 72.1% of households owned occupied On Census Day the usually resident day-to-day activities; and 31.8% rented; • 82.0% of people stated their general population of the Holywood study area was • 14.7% of households were comprised of a health was either good or very good; and 14,165. Of this population: single person aged 65+ years; • 13.1% of people stated that they provided • 16.5% were aged under 16 years and • 5.4% were lone parent households with unpaid care to family, friends, neighbours 20.8% were aged 65 and over.

dependent children; and or others. HOLYWOOD OF PROFILE A • 44 years was the average (median) age. • 19.6% of households did not have access 8 to a car or van. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

9 Holywood Parish 1819 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

2.4 HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

The name Holywood derives from the Latin Holywood experienced substantial growth “Sanctum boscum” meaning ‘holy wood’. This following the Belfast and County Down was the name given by the Normans to the Railway Company opening a service to woodland surrounding the monastery of St Holywood in August 1848. This was soon Laisren (son of Nasca) founded in 640, on the followed by the extension of the line to site of the present day Holywood Priory. Bangor in 1865. It was at this time that a

The earliest anglicised name appears as range of high quality residential suburbs Haliwode in a 14th century literature while the were constructed on the lower slopes of the Irish name for Holywood is Ard Mhic Nasca Holywood Hills. which translates as “height of the son of Like many other coastal towns and villages Nasca”. throughout Ireland during the 19th century, Holywood quickly became a popular coastal During the 17th Century Plantation of Ulster, resort and a preferred location for wealthy Scotsman Sir James Hamilton, who had Belfast industrialists and merchants, such as secured lands including Holywood, Bangor the Harrisons of Holywood and Kennedys of and Castlereagh Hills, established Holywood Cultra, who built large Victorian mansions as as a market town. Settled with mainly English expressions of their new found wealth. settlers, it’s Maypole is documented in the

maps of Thomas Raven 1624/5. HOLYWOOD OF PROFILE A

10 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

2.5 DOCUMENT REVIEW

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2035 LIVING PLACES

‘Building a Better Future’ is a Strategy to Living Places - An Urban Stewardship and guide the future development of NI to 2035 Design Guide for Northern Ireland establishes and help meet the needs of the region. The a number of key principles behind good strategy contains aims to provide long- placemaking in urban areas. The guide aims term policy direction within a strategic to inform and inspire all those involved in the spatial perspective. The vision is to create process of managing and designing urban an outward-looking, dynamic and liveable Regional places across Northern Ireland. Development Region and to sustain a high quality of life for Strategy Living Places acknowledges the implications all. — that good design can have on our cities, — The RDS recognises the unique towns, villages and neighbourhoods Building a Better Future characteristics of individual communities such particularly in relation to the physical, as Holywood and acknowledges that their economic, social and community benefits. Of local needs should be catered for. It also particular relevance to this masterplan are Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town seeks to build on the strength of individual the 10 overarching principles that the guide communities such as Holywood and develop advocates should be followed in order to a metropolitan area which is attractive to achieve excellence in the stewardship and live in, providing a dynamic, commercial and design of existing or new places. HOLYWOOD cultural heart to the Region. 11 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

DRAFT BMAP 2015

The draft Belfast Metropolitan Area BMAP also makes reference to the Holywood Plan (BMAP) designated a settlement Conservation Area, designated in 2004, in development limit around the town to protect addition to 5 areas of townscape character. its natural setting whilst providing sufficient A number of Areas of International, National opportunities for future development. This Nature Conservation Importance and Local limit also prevents suburban sprawl and Nature Conservation Importance adjoin/are impingement on the open countryside while within the Holywood settlement development maintaining Holywood’s identity. limit. These include;

The Plan also identifies a number of • Belfast Lough Ramsar Site commited housing sites (approximately 10 • Belfast Lough Special Protection Area (SPA) hectares in total), development opportunity • Inner Belfast Lough Area of Special sites and makes reference to a ‘Route Scientific Interest Management Strategy’ along the A2 (dual • Outer Belfast Lough Area of Special carriageway) which is aimed at improving Scientific Interest safety and efficiency of this route. • Cultra Area of Scientific Interest • Six sites of Local Nature Conservation

Importance HOLYWOOD OF PROFILE A

• Seven Local Landscape Policy Areas. 12 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan WE WORKED

CONSULTATION 03 PROCESS

3.1 VISIONING WORKSHOP

A Visioning Workshop was arranged on the morning of Friday 25th October 2013 at the Holywood Library. Facilitated by the Consultant Team, the workshop was attended by representatives from a number of community organisations including Redburn / Loughview Community Forum, Holywood & District Community Council, Holywood Conservation Group, Holywood Residents Association, Holywood Shared Town and Holywood Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the workshop was to get people thinking about the type of place that they would like Holywood to be in the future, Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town with focussed discussion groups around a number of broad themes. An overview of the analysis findings was provided at the beginning of the workshop as a way of

HOLYWOOD setting the scene for the visioning exercises. 13 WE LISTENEDHOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

3.2 PUBLIC DROP-IN EVENTS

REDBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE A public drop-in event was held at the Redburn Community Centre on the evening of Thursday 12 September 2013. Organised by Holywood Shared Town, this informal event allowed the residents of Redburn and Loughview to engage with the Consultant Team to gain an understanding of the project and provide their views on issues that were pertinent to both communities.

QUEENS LEISURE COMPLEX A second public drop-in event was held at the Queens Leisure Complex on the evening of Thursday 6 March 2014. The purpose of this event was to present the draft masterplan including shared vision, overarching aims and objectives and initiatives. This event was attended by CONSULTATION PROCESS CONSULTATION residents and representatives from local organisations/businesses and played an 14 invaluable role in shaping the masterplan. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan WE TESTED

3.3 MAYDAY EVENT

One of the biggest highlights on the events calendar in North Down is the Mayday event in Holywood. This event sees the town centre filled with market stalls, street entertainment, children’s activities and dancing around Ireland’s only remaining Maypole which dates back to 1700.

This event was seen as the perfect opportunity in which to engage directly with the people of Holywood and truly test the draft masterplan. Visitors to the masterplan stand were encouraged to leave comments in the form of post-it notes on either the content of the plan or any other issue that Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town they wished to raise. The feedback received during the course of the day resulted in an impressive 168 comments. This information was collated and the findings reported back

HOLYWOOD to the Advisory Group and then used to refine

15 the content of the masterplan. WE ENGAGED HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

3.4 THE TARDIS

An innovative approach was taken to get the word of the masterplan out to the younger population of Holywood. With assistance from North Down Borough Council, the Holywood Men’s Shed took the bold step of constructing the Dr Who Tardis as a key feature of the Mayday consultation event.

As a means by which Holywood’s younger residents could be transported into the future and describe the type of place they would like their town to be, the Tardis proved to be a very popular attraction on the day. The Tardis was highly effective as a mechanism by which to engage and attract the interest of young people, with the support of our very own Doctor who quizzed them on what they liked and did not like about their town. Responses were video recorded in

the Tardis and have been used to shape the PROCESS CONSULTATION

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This is a key moment in the history of Holywood Town Centre. We look forward to hearing your views and ideas, so that together, we can shape a prosperous future for the HOLYWOOD town and its people. DRAFT Town Centre Masterplan Proposals Town Centre Masterplan HOLYWOOD œB)c HOW

Public Consultation Period: Please take time to view the consultation ŎƀƋĘƉ8åÆųƚ±ųƼƉƋŅƉŎŎƋĘƉa±ƼƉƖLjŎĉ boards and emerging proposals. All DRAFT SHARED VISION STATEMENT ŠƋƵåĬƴåěƵååĩƉŞåųĜŅÚš proposals are draft and will therefore be subject to change, pending the outcome of the consultation period. Holywood Town Centre will be a prosperous and attractive œB)) 8ŅĬĬŅƵĜĹčƉ ƼŅƚųƉ ųåƴĜåƵƉ ŅüƉ ƋĘåƉ Ņ±ųÚŸƉ ƵåƉ destination for all. By ĬĜĹĩĜĹčƉÏŅĵĵƚĹĜƋĜåŸ, Holywood will ƵåĬÏŅĵåƉƼŅƚƉƋŅƉÏŅĵŞĬåƋåƉ±ƉüååÚƱÏĩƉüŅųĵƉ Consultation boards on public display at: ±ĹÚƉŞųŅƴĜÚåƉƚŸƉƵĜƋĘƉƼŅƚųƉÏŅĵĵåĹƋŸƉŅĹƉƋĘåƉ work togetherWE to ensure its town centre works for everyone. ASKED ÎƉ }ƚååĹŸƉXåĜŸƚųåƉŅĵŞĬåƻØƉBŅĬƼƵŅŅÚ åĬåĵåĹƋŸƉŞųåŸåĹƋåÚţ ÎƉ BŅĬƼƵŅŅÚƉXĜÆų±ųƼØƉa±ĜĹƉ„ƋųååƋ By ŸƚŞŞŅųƋĜĹčƉÆƚŸĜĹ域 both existing and new, Holywood ÎƉ åÚÆƚųĹƉŅĵĵƚĹĜƋƼƉåĹƋųåØƉBŅĬƼƵŅŅÚ Hard copies of the feedback forms will be ÎƉ c%ØƉ‰ Ņ Ƶ Ĺ ƉB±ĬĬØƉ‰ĘåƉ±ŸƋĬåØƉ±ĹčŅų available at the four locations listed opposite will continue to enhance its reputation for quality. along with a post box to return completed Alternatively the consultation boards can be forms. viewed online at the following websites: ƵƵƵţÚŸÚĹĜţčŅƴţƚĩ Feedback forms can also be emailed to: By ʱųĹ域ĜĹčƉĘåųĜƋ±čå, Holywood will look its best and ƵƵƵţĹŅųƋĘÚŅƵĹţčŅƴţƚĩ ĘŅĬƼƵŅŅÚÄŞ±ƚĬĘŅč±ųƋĘţÏŅĵ unlock its potential as a place of tourism. And by making ƵƵƵţޱƚĬĘŅč±ųƋĘţÏŅĵ ƵƵƵţü±ÏåÆŅŅĩţÏŅĵ or posted to: BŅĬƼƵŅŅÚƉa±ŸƋåųŞĬ±Ĺ the most of its natural assets, not least its proximity to the Ɖ ‰ĘåƉ{±ƚĬƉBŅč±ųƋĘƉŅĵޱĹƼ A Public Consultation ‘Drop In’ Event will take Ɖ {ŅƋƋåųŸƉ}ƚ±ƼØ sea, Holywood will further ŸƋųåĹčƋĘåĹƉƉĜƋŸƉƉĜÚåĹƋĜƋƼ and place on: Ɖ ĂƉ±ƴåĹĘĜĬĬƉÚØ Ɖ åĬü±ŸƋƉ‰ƅƉí%c ƅƋĘƉa±ųÏĘƉƖLjŎĉƉŠÆåƋƵååĹƉƅţLjLjƉ±ĹÚƉĿţLjLjŞĵš build upon its reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s ±ƋƉƋĘåƉ}ƚååĹŸƉXåĜŸƚųåƉŅĵŞĬåƻØƉBŅĬƼƵŅŅÚ finest coastal towns.

3.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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Approximately 2000 leaflets promoting the draft Masterplan were produced and Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town distributed throughout Holywood. This was undertaken to raise the profile of the draft Masterplan and consultation period and to encourage as much feedback as possible. HOLYWOOD

17 WE REFINED HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

3.6 FEEDBACK FORMS

A total of forty completed feedback forms were received during the consultation period. From the scoring of draft proposals, an average project score of 7.2 was achieved across the board with the most popular project Traffic Management Strategy receiving the top score of 9.1. Shop Frontage Improvements, Laneways, Meanwhile Uses and High Street Civic Spaces complete the top five ranked projects. Traffic Management Strategy, Cheaper/Free Car Parking and Clean up rubbish/Dog fouling were also listed as respondent’s top three priorities.

On the whole feedback received has been supportive of the draft initiatives. The consultation process has helped to shape and refine the masterplan. CONSULTATION PROCESS CONSULTATION

Holywell at Belcoo, Fermanagh 18 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

1 2 3 4 ANALYSIS 04 FINDINGS

4.1 HOLYWOOD TODAY

Before determining the type of place the people of Holywood would like the town to 1 COMMUNITY AND VALUES be, it was crucial a thorough understanding A strong sense of community/identity and highly active community groups exists within the of how Holywood presently functioned was town. However issues relating to physical, social and economic detachment from town centre established. A comprehensive analysis of were raised within fringe communities. the town was undertaken by the Project Team, in conjunction with the Advisory 2 EVENTS ARTS AND SPORTS Group, and has included a review of all The town hosts nationally significant events which is representative of Holywood’s cultural existing documentation and plans, site vitality. Acknowledgement that there is scope for additional events, however the lack of internal visits, consultation meetings, stakeholder and external space limits the town’s potential. workshops and public consultation feedback. The collective findings of the analysis 3 ECONOMY/TOWN CENTRE BUSINESS work can be summarised under the eight Good links to Belfast and beyond. The town benefits from a high quality retail offer coupled with distinctive themes opposite. very low vacancy rates and diversity of businesses. However variable environmental quality

Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town does exist in places. By identifying these aspects of the town, both good and bad, we can identify which VACANT SITES positive elements need to be supported and 4 underpinned by the masterplan and those While only a few vacant sites exist within Holywood those within the town centre are prominent HOLYWOOD negative elements that should be mitigated. and largely privately owned. These impact the arrival experience and due attention must be 19 given to their urban and architectural design quality. Established communities A2 / Holywood Bypass HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Railway line Poor Environmental Quality Barrier effect 5 6 Key vacant / derelict sites Heritage Assets A2 crossing points Seapark P Car Parking Conservation Area 7 8 The Strand Ballymenoch Park

P

P P P

P P P MOVEMENT 5 Glen Kinnegar Lyon Complex parking demands and insufficient access and provision at Park Holywood Station Park & Ride. Notable impact of parking demands on P town centre residents and quality of pedestrian experience. Sports Fields 6 HERITAGE 6 Distinctive character, well preserved historic street pattern and rich variety of architectural styles. However the town’s heritage assets are not limited to the boundaries of the existing Conservation Area and little 7 Loughview exists in the way of interpretation. LANDSCAPE 7 Holywood Golf Course Unique landscape setting with a number of designated local landscape

Palace policy areas (Seapark, Ballymenoch, Redburn and Glenlyon). But these Barracks ‘hidden’ spaces are largely utilised by immediate residents only. ACCESS 8 Redburn

Lack of physical, visual and economic access as a result of the severance FINDINGS ANALYSIS caused by the A2 and railway line is seen as a key challenge for the plan. Redburn 20 Country Park High traffic flows and speeds along the A2 also viewed as problematic. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

Holywood Town Centre will be a prosperous and attractive “ destination for all. By linking communities, Holywood will work together to ensure its town centre works for everyone. By supporting business both existing and new, Holywood will continue to enhance its reputation for quality. By harnessing heritage, Holywood will look its best and unlock its potential as a place of tourism. By making the most of its natural assets, not least its proximity to the sea,

Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town Holywood will further strengthen its identity and build upon its reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s finest coastal

HOLYWOOD towns. 21 “ HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

05 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

5.1 A SHARED VISION

A key role of the Masterplan is to inform and shape a clear and shared Vision for the future of Holywood. Effective masterplans rely on there being a vision in place which is based on clearly articulated aims (the why) and objectives (the what). Only with these in place can we determine which initiatives are appropriate (the how). The Shared Vision represents the collective views and aspirations of the people of Holywood and form the basis upon which all proposed initatives must be tested against and contribute to.

The Shared Vision shown opposite was arrived at through a collaborative visioning workshop involving local community groups, statutory agencies, elected representatives and members of the Holywood Chamber of A VISION FOR THE FUTURE VISION FOR A Commerce, as well as feedback received during the public consultation period. 22 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

5.2 REGENERATION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Having established a Shared Vision for LINKING HARNESSING

Holywood Town Centre, it is now necessary COMMUNITIES 1 HERITAGE 3 to identify the means by which it can be IMPROVING SAFEGUARDING realised. This is achieved through the 1 .1 physical linkages 3 .1 assets formulation of aims and objectives which

collectively contribute to the vision. CREATING RECONNECTING 1.2 shared space 3.2 town with history Based on the feedback received during the consultation period and conclusions WORKING UNLOCKING 1.3 together 3.3 tourism potential drawn from the initial analysis stage, four key regeneration aims have emerged that will guide the future development of Holywood. These are Linking Communities, Supporting SUPPORTING STRENGTHENING BUSINESSES 2 IDENTITY 4 Businesses, Harnessing Heritage and MAINTAINING ENHANCING Strengthening Identity. Specific objectives 2 .1 quality 4 .1 first impressions Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town have also been identified under each of

these aims. NUTURING CONNECTING 2.2 emerging sectors 4.2 land and sea

HOLYWOOD ENRICHING DEVELOPING 2.3 the offer 4.3 a brand 23 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

1 LINKING COMMUNITIES 2 SUPPORTING BUSINESSES The Masterplan acknowledges the proactive Holywood Town Centre consistently work and positive change that the many outperforms many comparable towns in community groups have made in Holywood. Northern Ireland. Its high quality niche However more work needs to be done, retail offer, flourishing creative sector and particularly in relation to issues regarding the vibrant cafe culture have contributed to the social, physical and economic detachment of attractiveness of Holywood, not only as a particular fringe neighbourhoods. place to live and work but also as a visitor Linking communities not only refers to 1 destination. improving physical connections, but also It is crucial that the Masterplan recognises working relationships and the provision of these qualities and identifies relevant both internal and external space that will initiatives that help to support local enable the town’s many communities to businesses while creating opportunities for interact and socialise. new sectors to emerge. Three specific objectives that have been Three specific objectives that have been identified under this aim; identified under this aim; • IMPROVING physical linkages • MAINTAINING quality

• CREATING shared space THE FUTURE VISION FOR A • NUTURING emerging sectors • WORKING together 2 • ENRICHING the offer 24 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

3 HARNESSING HERITAGE 4 STRENGTHENING IDENTITY Holywood contains a range of architectural The unique charm and attractiveness of heritage assets all of which contribute to the Holywood is not evident from its existing attractiveness of the town. These assets entrance points. What could be perceived as include sites from Holywood’s early Christian a ‘hidden’ town centre, largely due to the A2, past and Norman occupation, as well as Holywood would benefit from initiatives that the Plantation period and from the town’s improve its ‘front door’ to the town in order expansion in Victorian times. to enhance first impressions. Strengthening Holywood’s identity would also involve The Masterplan seeks to raise awareness 3 rediscovering the towns historic connections of this asset base, building on projects with its coastline. such as the Holywood Old School Heritage Appreciation Walk, in order to safeguard Opportunities also exist to develop a these sites while making them work to the brand that is unique to Holywood and one benefit of the community. which reflects the principle of quality long Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town associated with the town. Three specific objectives that have been identified are; Three specific objectives that have been identified are; • SAFEGUARDING assets

HOLYWOOD • RECONNECTING town with history • ENHANCING first impressions • UNLOCKING tourism potential • CONNECTING land and sea 25 4 • DEVELOPING a brand WHAT YOU TOLDHOLYWOOD US...... Town Centre Masterplan

“Holywood needs more shops and “What the town really needs is a square!” better leisure facilities” Attendee at Visioning Workshop Tardis visitor (aged 10) “The Old Priory Inn “Holywood would benefit from was supposed to be redeveloped and has improving its connections with been vacant for a number the coast” of years now” Attendee at the Queen’s Leisure Complex Drop-in Event Redburn Community Centre Drop-in Event “Consideration should be given to a one-way system within the town centre” Resident at Merry Mayday Event “Holywood is increasingly “Better sports and becoming the desired location rugby facilities” “More for Digital and Creative Services” Resident at Merry Mayday Event Stakeholder Meeting feedback youth and “Holywood has quite a community “It would be great to build thriving art scene with facilities” and improve seafront a number of music and Tardis visitor (aged 14) access” drama festivals” 26 Attendee at Visioning Workshop Stakeholder Meeting feedback HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

06 MASTERPLAN CONCEPT

6.1 TOWN CENTRE CONCEPT

The Concept Plan identifies how the HOLYWOOD - A FRAGMENTED TOWN

Masterplan will be structured and identifies Today Holywood can be viewed as broad principles that govern potential drivers comprising two distinctive components. The of change. It illustrates how the town centre existing town centre and its surrounding 2014 should develop and highlights some of the residential neighbourhoods south of the key areas that need to be addressed. These A2 and the community of Kinnegar north of include elements such as the forging of new the railway line. Both of these areas have connections, the crossing of barriers and the been historically shaped and defined by the enhancement of existing movement patterns, introduction of the railway line and later the the combination of which will realise the construction of the A2. sustainable future of the town centre. This severance has resulted in a disconnect While the overall concept plan promotes between the town and its coast, placed Holywood as a connected town (see limitations on the future sustainable growth opposite), the adjacent plan gives a snapshot Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town of the town core area and a disjointed of the town today for comparative purposes. network of green spaces. HOLYWOOD

27 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

HOLYWOOD - A CONNECTED TOWN

By reducing the severance caused by the A2 and railway line, we can then set in place a framework that allows for improved 2034 connections between Holywood’s Town Centre and all adjoining communities.

A connected Holywood will be a town that embraces its coast while allowing for a strengthened town core based on sustainable urban design principles. Its once disjointed green spaces can now be extended to form a permable green grid which connects the communities of Holywood to its town centre, coast and beyond. In doing so, Holywood Town Centre has room to breathe. It’s core will be able to extend towards the coast, centred around a

new primary civic space. CONCEPT MASTERPLAN

28 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

To Bangor Railway line

6.2 WIDER TOWN CONCEPT KEY A2 Residential Green links Ballymenoch The wider town concept presents an Mixed uses Park opportunity to examine ways in which Entry Point Town Core Priory Inn connections between the public spaces Landscape Thresholds surrounding the town could be improved. Church Road Motte Formalising a green loop encompassing the greater Holywood area with connections to Belfast and Bangor, would link the ‘hidden’

spaces along the east of the town. These My Lady’s Mile would include Redburn Country Park, Glenlyon Glenlyon Park, Ballymenoch Park and subject Park to agreement, Holywood Golf Course. To Belfast Loughview Consideration would also be given to the Jackson’s Road future role and appearance of the three Palace green spines that connect these spaces to Barracks Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town the coast, namely Church Road, My Lady’s Holywood Golf Course Mile and Jackson’s Road and the treatment Redburn of their respective entrances to these public spaces. Likewise innovative solutions should Redburn Country Park HOLYWOOD be sougth to ensure that these spines 29 overcome the barriers posed by the A2 and railway line. HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

30 Ballymenoch Park To Bangor

KEY HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Railway Seapark A2 03 MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES HERITAGE ASSETS 19 KEY VIEWS 08 EXISTING OPEN SPACE/GREENWAY 13 PROPOSED OPEN SPACE/GREENWAY EXISTING MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT 13 Croft Road ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS 09 CAR PARKING 17 Bangor Road EXISTING RESIDENTIAL 03 CIVIC SPACE RAILWAY LINE A2 (HOLYWOOD BYPASS) 19 07 Victoria Road PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS 21 Shore Road 12 The Esplanade 14 FUTURE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS 20 LANDMARK BUILDINGS 11 EXISTING ARRIVAL POINT PROPOSED ARRIVAL POINT 19 10 NEW/IMPROVED LANEWAYS 18 07 01 17 ACTIVE FRONTAGES 16 To Glenlyon Park EXTENDED CONSERVATION AREA 10

Brook Street 14 02 Church Road

Kinnegar Road Station and P&R 01 10 08 04 Kinnegar Drive 05 High Street

07 Church View Downshire Road 10 06 02

Railway

Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town A2

22 15 To Belfast

My Lady’s Mile 09 HOLYWOOD 08 31 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

07 MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES

The following section provides details on The Masterplan will also take cognisance The following 23 initiatives are proposed within the the range of initiatives which collectively of the on-going strategic area plans for the masterplan and are referenced opposite; form the strategic vision for Holywood Town restructuring of primary education, which has 1 PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS Centre. It is intended that these Masterplan implications for Holywood Primary School, 2 FUTURE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS initiatives will combine to bring about Priory College, Holywood Nursery School 3 MEANWHILE USES the comprehensive physical, social and and the former Redburn Primary School site. 4 SHOP FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS economic regeneration of Holywood Town 5 TOWN CENTRE LIVING The focus of the Masterplan is on the 6 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Centre over the next 15 - 20 years. A Project strengthening of the town core area through 7 HIGH STREET CIVIC SPACES Action Plan accompanies the Masterplan and the reuse and development of vacant and 8 ENHANCED ARRIVAL POINTS identifies funding requirements alongside 9 TOWN CENTRE APPROACHES derelict sites and buildings, improvement those organisations from the public, private 10 LANEWAYS works to town centre entrances and the and community sectors that should be 11 YOUTH HUB identification of future public realm works. It involved in the delivery of each initiative. This 12 HERITAGE CENTRE also promotes a more permeable network is crucial in light of current Local Government 13 IMPROVED COASTAL CONNECTIONS of laneways and public spaces and includes restructuring, whereby planning and 14 DESIGN BRIEFS FOR KEY SITES proposals that seek to reconnect the town 15 SHARED SPORTS CAMPUS regeneration powers will be transferred to with its coast. 16 ENLARGED STATION PARK & RIDE Council. 17 TOWN GREENWAY Once funding is secured, all initiatives will 18 REDBURN SQUARE The Action Plan will also set out phasing, be subject to a process of further feasibility 19 COASTAL DEVELOPMENT defining which initiatives should be delivered studies, detailed design, public consultation 20 TIDAL MARINA in the short term and which are more suited 21 HOLYWOOD PIER and where necessary, planning approval. INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN to the medium and longer terms. 22 EXTEND THE CONSERVATION AREA 23 BRANDING AND PLACEMARKETING STRATEGY 32 07HOLYWOODMASTERPLANTown Centre Masterplan INITIATIVES PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS 01 FUTURE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS02 MEANWHILE USES 03 The Masterplan supports the approved Extension of high quality public realm Feedback from the many stakeholder £2.4million public realm scheme which treatment along additional key streets and public consultation sessions held has been developed by North Down throughout the town centre. Streets within the town highlighted the Borough Council and the Northern Ireland proposed in future public realm number of prominent vacant/derelict Executive (through the Department for improvement schemes could include properties and sites within Holywood as a Social Development). upper Shore Road, lower High Street, top priority. The presence of derelict and Sullivan Place, Church View and empty properties can quickly lower the This project will help to maintain the Downshire Road. quality of the environment and depict a vibrancy of Holywood Town Centre poor image, particularly on those more ensuring that it maintains its role as Works could include the upgrading of prominent sites within the town centre. an important retail and employment existing surface materials to complement base. When completed the public the current public realm improvements. This initiative would identify land or realm scheme will have the potential vacant/derelict buildings suitable for The undergrounding of overhead utility to reinvogorate the town and improve temporary socially beneficial uses until cables, renewed landscape, improved trading conditions. such time that a more permanent and street lighting and bespoke street sustainable solutions can be found. Work started on site in May 2014 and are furniture could also form part of any Here priority would be placed on expected to be completed by Spring future public realm works. achieving ‘quick wins’ in the most 2015. problematic cases. Town Centre Masterplan Centre Masterplan Centre Town Town HOLYWOOD

33 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENTS 04 TOWN CENTRE LIVING 05 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY06 Successful shopfront designs should One of the key contributing factors to A comprehensive Traffic Management complement the building of which it a successful town centre, is consistent Strategy, which aims to identify key forms part and reflecting it’s scale, footfall. Introducing residential uses into traffic issues, could be undertaken to proportion and character. This initiative our town centres brings the best footfall evaluate traffic flow patterns, existing would enable those retail frontages that both during the day, in the evenings and traffic conditions and travel patterns are in poor condition to be targeted for at night. Many age groups within our while balancing pedestrian and vehicular improvement with a focus on introducing society, particularly the young and old, priorities. With this baseline information, a degree of unity, establishing common need to regularly access town centre existing deficiencies could be identified design themes and raising the overall amenities. Providing accommodation which would single out locations in need design standard within the town centre. to suit the residential requirements of of improvement based on existing and these groups reduces the need to build forecasted traffic volumes. As part of ongoing revitialisation work, additional homes on the outskirts of this initiative could also include the our towns and reduces the reliance on This study should produce a list of commissioning of a feasibility study to private transport for everyday needs. findings and recommendations as a basis explore the potential of incorporating a for moving a number of related initiatives permanent or removable canopy within Town centre living could be increased in forward. Findings from the strategy the town centre and the identification of Holywood through the refurbishment of would provide the context within which an appropriate site. This would provide a existing redundant properties over shops consideration could be given to potential multi-functional and high value amenity (Living over the Shops) and through new improvements to the existing traffic for residents and visitors to the town. mixed use development opportunities. system and parking arrangements. MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN

34 07HOLYWOODMASTERPLANTown Centre Masterplan INITIATIVES HIGH STREET CIVIC SPACES 07 ENHANCED ARRIVAL POINTS 08 The opportunity exists to formalise a series Subject to consultation with the First Two existing and one proposed arrival/ of minor civic spaces within the town centre. Presbyterian Church, a second civic space gateway points have been identified. The These spaces would form key nodes at is proposed at the mid point of High Street first is located along the southern edge the southern, mid and northern end points that utilises the existing area in front of the of the town close to Jackson’s Road while of High Street and would provide flexible church. the second is to the north at the Bangor external spaces that could accommodate a Road entrance. The third, a new gateway, A third space is proposed at St. Helen’s range of community events. is proposed along High Street in close Business Park at the southern end of High proximity to the PSNI Station. The civic space suggested at the northern Street. While this space would retain its end of High Street could be associated primary function as the parking/threshold It is proposed that the status of these with the future redevelopment of the Priory to the business park, its design would arrival points are raised through a Inn building. This informal space could be lend itself to events if required. Subject to programme of improvement works. These utilised for key events with consideration consultation, consideration could be given works would include a re-examination given to the temporary exclusion of traffic. to the use of shared surfacing at each of of existing surface materials and where these three locations in order to create appropriate, the incorporation of shared a pedestrian friendly environment which surface solutions to slow traffic down and allows for safe, day to day traffic movement. enhance the sense of arrival. Community artwork, tree planting, lighting and the use of gateway markers could all form part of this initiative. Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

35 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

TOWN CENTRE APPROACHES LANEWAYS 09 New surface improvements and enhanced10 This project relates to modest scale This initiative concerns the establishment enhancement works along Holywood’s of a network of interconnected and lighting could also form part of these works key approach routes that lead to the vibrant laneways throughout the town and be designed so as to retain the intimate town centre. These works could include centre that promote a diverse alternative nature of these important connections. the repainting of selected building to the traditional High Street and Church New openings along the laneways would facades, new lighting solutions, street Street offer. Priority would be given to the also help to provide additional animation. tree planting and soft landscaping. enhancement of existing laneways within the The Masterplan also proposes the creation town centre, most notably Patton’s Lane and of a number of new laneways within the Formalising and widening pavements, Alexandra Place. town centre, namely a new link connecting installing good quality lighting and St. Helen’s Business Park southwards to improving those older commercial Here both laneways would benefit from Church View and within new development frontages would raise the status of enhancement works to raise the profile of opportunities identified along the A2. these key routes. These works would their entrances onto High Street. help to make these approaches a more viable option for residents of fringe communities wishing to access services within the town centre.

MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN

36 07HOLYWOODMASTERPLANTown Centre Masterplan INITIATIVES YOUTH HUB 11 HERITAGE CENTRE 12 IMPROVED COASTAL CONNECTIONS13 One of the key messages received A heritage centre within the town centre Underpasses allow for the uninterrupted during the consultation period, was the would capture the history associated flow of pedestrian and cycle movement, aspiration to establish a youth hub within with the Priory, the Motte, King John, the normally grade separated from vehicular Holywood. plantation and the pioneering Holywood traffic. As a means of crossing under familities. This facility would also be an barriers, underpasses work best A new youth hub within the town centre ideal venue within which to showcase the when designed to feel safe, open and would enable dedicated facilities and town’s Ulster Scots heritage. accessible. floor space to be established that caters for the social, creative and educational In the longer term the aspiration This initiative relates to the existing needs of Holywood’s younger population. would be to seek to design a bespoke underpasses at Strand Avenue and Priory Incorporating ‘chill out’ spaces alongside landmark building on the western Park, with a view to transforming them dedicated space for arts and sports, the side of a redesigned Redburn Square, into local landmarks. While benefitting youth hub would also act as a learning as a destination that draws visitors to from unimpeded and direct views, centre to develop business skills among Holywood’s coast. both underpasses look tired and make young people. minimal contribution to the quality of Temporary exhibition space could be the environment. Adaptation of these In the short term, redeveloping the Youth identified within the town centre as a pilot underpasses through innovative design Wing of the Queens Leisure Complex scheme in the short term, with a view in details and lighting solutions would help and incorporating a dedicated entrance the medium to longer term of identifying to introduce a sense of character and directly onto Sullivan Place, would allow a permanent site subject to demand and place at these locations while maintaining this building to work more efficiently and consultation. levels of safety. animate this stretch of the street. Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

37 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

DESIGN BRIEFS FOR KEY SITES 14 SHARED SPORTS CAMPUS 15 ENLARGED STATION PARK & RIDE 16 While there are only a few vacant sites A Vision for Sport in Holywood 2014-2017 As part of the wider regeneration of within the town centre, those that do exist was recently produced by Holywood’s opportunity sites along the Shore Road are prominent. It is crucial that design sports organisations and Holywood and A2, it is proposed that the existing briefs are formulated for these sites to Shared Town. This strategy outlines Holywood Railway Station Park and Ride ensure a high standard of urban and Holywood’s sporting vision, ambitions, could be repositioned and enlarged in architectural design quality. goals and priorities that promote ‘Shared order to address ongoing challenges in sporting facilities and opportunities this area and cater for the future growth The primary objective of the design through successful partnership of the town. briefs would be to assist in guiding approaches’. One key initiative relates future development and investment Extending the Park and Ride facility to a shared sports campus pavilion within Holywood Town Centre ensuring southwards, along the A2 in the medium and changing rooms at Spafield to that any proposals create a high quality to long term, would create additional accommodate the needs of Rugby, environment, which maximises the parking spaces while freeing up space Cricket, Football and Gaelic. regenerative benefits for its residents, to allow the future redesign and business sector and visitors. More The opportunity also exists to give due configuration of Redburn Square. New specifically, the design briefs should consideration to the development of a development opportunities elsewhere establish clear parameters to provide velodrome within the Holywood locale. within the town could provide more guidance on the form of development While not necessarily located at Spafield, suitable premises for the existing that is appropriate and in accordance this facility would have strong links to the businesses presently located in this area. with current planning policies and best Shared Sports Campus and cater for a urban design practice. number of complimentary activities. MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN

38 07HOLYWOODMASTERPLANTown Centre Masterplan INITIATIVES TOWN GREENWAY 17 The Masterplan includes proposals for Avenue via Stewart’s Place where it includes community services within the immediate the establishment of a Town Greenway a new public open space/outdoor gym on area, such as Holywood Nursery School, linking Brook Street with Stewart’s Place the site of the former Seaside Tavern. From Priory Surgery, Brook Street Surgery and beyond to Strand Avenue. Anchored here the Greenway continues to the coast and Church Road Car Park. As with all at its southern end by the Holywood and Seapark via the existing underpass. initiatives contained within the Masterplan, Motte, the proposed greenway follows an the proposal would be subject to detailed This proposal could result in a continuous existing stream to the rear of the telephone design work, statutory approvals and 0.5km pedestrian route which would not exchange and Church Road Car Park before consultation. This is primarily to ensure only improve access to one of the finest connecting to the Holywood Playground that the Greenway is designed and phased preserved Anglo-Norman earthmounds in at Johnny the Jig along High Street. The appropriately and in a way that protects the Ireland, but would also provide a safe and Greenway could continue north to Strand amenity of surrounding residents. attractive route for residents accessing key

Brook Street

A2 Bypass

Railway Line Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town Church Road Church Road Stewart’s Place Car Park

High Street HOLYWOOD

39 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

REDBURN SQUARE 18 Redburn Square was originally designed The Masterplan has examined various redesign Redburn Square as a key civic and laid out as a garden and open area options of how this issue of severance space enclosed by a range of high quality used by carriages at Holywood station, could be addressed, ranging from buildings. Due consideration would be following the introduction of the railway in modest proposals which tackle the given to the existing built environment 1848. The image below depicts the layout problem with at grade solutions to more within any design proposal to ensure the of Redburn Square as it existed in the 1930s innovative approaches that include the square befits its importance to the town. before the introduction of the A2 bypass in undergrounding of a section of the A2 A review of existing flood defence measures the 1970s, which completely severed the fronting the town centre. Lowering a should be integral to any option that connection between the square and the section of the A2 would not only improve involved the undergrounding of a stretch of station thereby changing its character and the efficiency and safety of this national the A2 dual carriageway. role overnight. route, but as a consequence, would present the opportunity to rediscover and

Shore Road

A2 Redburn Square

Extended Station Park & Ride MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN

40 07HOLYWOODMASTERPLANTown Centre Masterplan INITIATIVES COASTAL DEVELOPMENT 19 TIDAL MARINA 20 The potential for new mixed use In forging a more direct pedestrian This ambitious proposal would establish development opportunities exist in the connection from High Street, good quality a new destination site along Holywood’s longer term along Holywood’s coastline. Town Centre residential accommodation coast and create a waterside entrance to To ensure that this area becomes a vibrant can then be provided within close proximity the town and act as a catalyst for further extension to the town centre, active of Holywood Railway Station that provides a waterside based activities in this location. frontages would be promoted at ground new edge to this historic coastal town. Recent studies conducted in Ireland floor level, residential and commercial uses and the USA have demonstrated that at upper floors and public waterside access businesses located near a marina can retained along the shoreline. realise up to 13 times as much income as the marina itself and generate an average of 0.3 jobs per berth. Establishing a new tidal marina with physical and visual connections to the town centre would contribute significantly to the local economy. In Holywood these benefits would include increased trade for local shops and businesses, job creation and further animation of the town’s coastline. Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD HOLYWOOD

41 DRAFT HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

HOLYWOOD PIER 21 EXTEND THE CONSERVATION AREA 22 PLACE MARKETING STRATEGY 23 As one of the longer term projects In May 2004, the Department of the Place Marketing is an integral part of within the plan, a pier is proposed along Environment designated part of the regeneration agenda and could be Holywood’s coastline. Seaside piers can Holywood as a Conservation Area. utilised to align and position Holywood act as a reminder of a Victorian era and Supplementary design guidance has within the wider strategic context of local the achievements of Victorian engineers. been published and should be taken into economic development, tourism and account as a material consideration in inward investment strategies. Dovetailing A lightweight floating structure in this determining planning applications which with marketing strategies for other location would allow currents and tides are within, or affect the setting of the neighbouring towns, a Place Marketing to flow unhindered. As a new destination area. Strategy could be a vital strategic tool along the coastal path between Belfast in realising the Masterplan Vision for the and Bangor, the proposed pier would A key priority that emerged following town centre whilst delivering specific complement the vision for the future the analysis process and consultation regeneration aims and objectives. coastline and add to Holywood’s overall period was the extension of the existing tourism offer. Conservation Area. Extending the Place Marketing sets out the Strategy Conservation Area south along High for stakeholder engagement in order Complementing additional initiatives Street up to My Lady’s Mile would afford to launch and develop a strong brand proposed along the coast, the pier would greater control over new development proposition which is collaborative, yet provide a distinctive landmark feature within the town. A larger Conservation ambitious in its approach. It will also have and an attractive stop-off point for visitors Area within the town centre would ensure a crucial role in galvanising civic pride, and residents to avail of panoramic a consistent approach to design. ownership and passion for the place. coastal views. MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES MASTERPLAN

42 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

43 Visioning Workshop HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

08 ACTION PLAN

The Action Plan prioritises all 23 initiatives It is important to ensure that any available The Action Plan should be viewed as a contained within the Masterplan. The priority funding streams are targeted so that ‘live’ document to ensure that progress assigned to each initiative is based on the Town Centre achieves the maximum is monitored regularly and updated demand and the likely impact that it will have physical, economic, environmental and social accordingly. As new initiatives and on Holywood. benefit from those initiatives contained within opportunities arise in future, these should the Action Plan. be assessed against the four overarching Indicative timeframes are also included aims and Shared Vision and added to the within the Action Plan. Short-term projects The Action Plan, therefore, includes a range Action Plan where appropriate. refer to those initiatives that the people of of potential funding sources which are Holywood have prioritised to be progressed considered relevant to each of the listed within one to five calendar years while a initiatives. While lead delivery agents who medium-term timeframe refers to those would champion individual initiatives are initiatives which could be taken forward also included, each project will require and realised within five to ten years. It is the collaborative input from a number of envisaged that those initiatives alloted long- organisations and individuals from the public, term timeframes would be delivered over the private and community sectors in order to be next ten to twenty years. fully realised. ACTION PLAN ACTION

44 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

45 Twisel Bridge HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

Lead Delivery Masterplan Initiatives Timeframe for Delivery Stakeholders / Potential Funders Agents

01. PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS S DSD/Council DOE, NIEA, DRD, Priv 02. FUTURE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS S/M Council DOE, NIEA, DRD, Priv 03. MEANWHILE USES S Council DOE, NIEA, Priv, Comm 04. SHOP FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS S Council Priv, NIEA 05. TOWN CENTRE LIVING S/M Council NIHE, Priv, DOE, NIEA 06. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY S DRD Council, Comm, Priv, Trans, Sus, Schs 07. HIGH STREET CIVIC SPACES M Council DOE, NIEA, DRD, Priv 08. ENHANCED ARRIVAL POINTS S/M Council DRD, DCAL, Comm, ACNI, NITB 09. TOWN CENTRE APPROACHES S/M Council/DRD DCAL, Comm, ACNI 10. LANEWAYS M Council Priv, NIEA, DRD, NIHE 11. YOUTH HUB S/M Council DCAL, Comm, HLF, PSNI, Priv 12. HERITAGE CENTRE M Council Comm, NIEA, DOE, DCAL, HLF 13. IMPROVED COASTAL CONNECTIONS S/M Council/NIR DOE, NIEA, DRD, Priv, PSNI 14. DESIGN BRIEFS FOR KEY SITES S Council Comm, DOE, NIEA, INI, DRD, NIHE, Priv 15. SHARED SPORTS CAMPUS S/M Council Comm, DCAL, SNI, DRD, DSD, HLF, NIEA, Priv, SNI 16. ENLARGED STATION PARK & RIDE M DRD Council, DOE, NIEA, Priv, Trans, Sus 17. TOWN GREENWAY M Council NIEA, DOE, Sus, Schs, Priv, HTH, RA, TCV 18. REDBURN SQUARE S/M Council/DRD NIEA, DOE, Trans, Sus, Priv 19. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT M/L Council/Priv NIEA, DOE, DRD, Trans, Sus, Priv 20. TIDAL MARINA M/L Council/Priv DOE, DCAL, DRD, NITB, INI 21. HOLYWOOD PIER M/L Council DOE, DCAL, DRD, NITB 22. EXTEND THE CONSERVATION AREA S/M NIEA Council, DOE 23. BRANDING & PLACE MARKETING STRATEGY S Council NITB, Priv, Comm

Timeframe: Delivery Agents, Funders and Stakeholders:

PLAN ACTION S= Short (1- 5 yrs) ACNI Arts Council of Northern Ireland DSD Department for Social Development NITB Northern Ireland Tourist Board Schs Schools (PS/SS) M = Medium (5 - 10 yrs) Comm Community Organisations HLF Heritage Lottery Fund Priv Private Sector SNI Sport Northern Ireland L = Long (10 - 20 yrs) Council Council HTH Highway to Health PS Planning Service Sus Sustrans 46 DCAL Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency PSNI Police Service of Northern Ireland TCV The Conservation Volunteers DRD Department for Regional Development NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive RA Rivers Agency Trans Translink HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan Town Centre Masterplan Centre Town HOLYWOOD

47 HOLYWOOD Town Centre Masterplan

09 CONCLUSION

The Holywood Town Centre Masterplan has Good practice consultation techniques, as Those that have been involved in the been developed by the people of Holywood demonstrated by the use of the Tardis on development of the plan are committed to for those that live, work and visit the town. Mayday, were encouraged by North Down its delivery and the sustained growth of the Through a collaborative process, a shared Borough Council and DSD from the outset town. However in order to be successful, vision has been agreed; an ambitious vision of the project as an innovative and engaging its prolonged delivery will require the that seeks to put people first while building way to reach out to Holywood’s younger collective input from the new Council, on the existing qualities of the place population and seek their views on the statutory agencies, local community groups including its communities, businesses, type of place they would like Holywood to and private sector to ensure it reaches its heritage and strong identity. This vision become. full potential. With the transfer of planning sets in place a solid framework to guide the powers to the new Council, and the The Holywood Town Centre Masterplan future growth of the town and provide the increasing emphasis placed on Community contains a total of 23 initiatives, a number of context to help guide those with interests in Planning, the Masterplan will play a pivotal which could be delivered in the immediate the development of the town. role as a mechanism for investment and to short term, while other more aspirational engagement within the town. initiatives would be realised in the medium The production of this Masterplan has also to longer term. The collective realisation While limited funding is presently available included a comprehensive and innovative of these initiatives will make a discernible for these initiatives, by having a Masterplan consultation process, a process which difference to the functioning of Holywood as which addresses the needs and aspirations ensured that public drop-in sessions were well as the economic competitiveness and of the residential, community and business held at a number of locations throughout the social attractiveness of the town. sectors, Holywood now has a clear vision CONCLUSION Masterplan area. and action plan in place for pursuit by the 48 new Council and interested parties.