A delegation of central and local government officials from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland visited Scotland this week to explore successful strategies and best practice in town centre regeneration. 

Organised by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership organisation and led by Co-operation Ireland as part of the charity’s All-Island Local Authority Forum, the aim of the visit is to gain valuable insights from Scottish town centres that have undergone successful regeneration projects, and to learn from the experiences of local government officials and stakeholders involved in these projects.    

The visit included meetings with representatives from the Scottish Government, Local Government, and a range of agencies on diverse topics from regeneration and towns strategy policy to Business Improvement Districts and specific implementation of work by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in Edinburgh and Stirling. 

The Study visit is part of the wider work undertaken by the All-Island Local Authority Forum on town center recovery and regeneration and by learning from successful projects in Scotland, the delegation hopes to develop strategies that can be adapted to the unique needs and challenges in Ireland, North and South. 

Speaking ahead of this visit, Roger Wilson, Chief Executive of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and Co-Chair of the All-Ireland Local Authority Forum said: “The All Island Local Authority Forum provides a valuable opportunity for Councils across the island to work collaboratively, share knowledge and learn together.  

“The successful regeneration of our cities, towns and urban spaces, in light of the current economic and political landscape has never been more important.”

“Taking part in this study visit will provide valuable insights into work that is going on in other areas and to learn how successful they have been in helping regenerate our local town centres.  It also provides an opportunity to strengthen our partnership network.”

Tommy Ryan, Chief Executive of Cavan County Council and Co-Chair of the All-Island Local Authority Forum said: “This visit will inform one of the Forum’s strategic aims which is to support the creation of town centres that function as viable, vibrant, and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural, and recreational hub for the local community. We look forward to learning from our Scottish colleagues. 

The delegation will spend two days in Scotland and a full report on the study visit will be shared with local and central government upon return.