A scheme to redevelop the historic Grove area in the heart of Downpatrick has become a catalyst for a wider community led project that will be delivered over the next two years.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working alongside the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group delivering the Living High Streets Framework in the town which is also being supported by the Department for Communities.
The historic Grove in the shadow of Down Cathedral was identified as a priority site in Downpatrick and benefited from financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Building on the investment, a community clean-up was the spur for an application for a wider community-led project which is being supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
A new Downpatrick Growing Together initiative entitled Growing Relationships Over Vibrant Environments (GROVE) aims to build stronger, more connected communities through the development of shared, inclusive spaces and activities that encourage mutual understanding and cross-community collaboration.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “it’s exciting to see the GROVE project take a significant step forward.
“This fantastic initiative funded by PEACEPLUS will bring our community closer together through shared spaces, workshops, creative sessions, biodiversity days and much more. Over the next two years we will work together to foster pride, strengthen cross-community relationships and create a more vibrant and inclusive Downpatrick.”
The Downpatrick Growing Together initiative is designed to engage with a wide range of community groups, schools and colleges and the GROVE project will feature workshops, clean-up events and planting, an urban forest school programme, creative sessions, biodiversity and bioblitz days, recording flora and fauna.
It also aims to strengthen cross-community relationships and reduce social divisions, develop and enhance the Grove area as a shared, civic space, fostering pride.
Other key elements of the initiative include empowering local changemakers, fostering lasting peace-building and nurturing a culture of respect and creating pride amongst Downpatrick’s diverse population.
At a meeting of the Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee on January 19, it was agreed to approve acceptance of a Letter of Offer from PEACEPLUS 1.2 Empowering Communities for the Downpatrick project.
Committee chairperson, Councillor David Lee-Surginor said, “the Growing Together initiative is welcome and I am delighted it is being supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
“Any scheme which aims to build stronger, more connected communities through the development of shared, inclusive spaces, is something we can all support and fully get behind.”
The Committee’s decision has to be ratified at the full Council meeting on February 2.
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