Council launches plan to shape Omagh’s future.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has officially launched the Omagh Place Shaping Plan 2035 that sets out an ambitious but achievable roadmap to guide future strategies, activities and investment decisions of the Council and key partners over the next 10 to 15 years.

Put simply, place shaping is about people and places. The plan sets out a new long-term vision of how Omagh can move forward confidently with shared purpose, towards a future which is healthy, prosperous, cohesive, safe, clean, and green.

The Omagh Place Shaping Plan seeks to build on the strong foundation of investment such as the Strule Arts Centre, South West College as well as riverside walks, while creating an ambitious yet pragmatic pathway for the town’s future.

The Fermanagh and Omagh Community Planning Partnership, through an appointed Omagh Place Shaping Steering Group that included elected council members, wider community planning representatives, business and community and voluntary sector representation oversaw the Plan’s development.

The Place Shaping Plan’s roadmap is built around six key themes:

A Green Heart – Capitalising on the natural environment, including the town and surrounding countryside.
A Beautiful Place – Re-imagining Omagh town centre as a more attractive and animated place.
Connected People and Place – Improving connectivity and accessibility throughout the town, linking neighbourhoods and communities with the town centre and the wider environment.
An Inclusive Place – Ensuring Omagh is an inclusive place with a prosperous, well-educated, and healthy community.
A Thriving Town – Increasing employment opportunities and ensuring support for existing businesses.
A Vibrant Place – Identifying how to progress the many opportunity sites located in and around the town.
Speaking about the launch, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff commented; “I am delighted that the Omagh Place Shaping Plan is now officially launched.

The plan will inform future decision making to help position Omagh as a more vibrant town for those who live in, who work or study in, or who visit Omagh.

We have a rich history, beautiful scenery, notable attractions and amenities to build upon for future generations to enjoy.

In truth, we have unlimited potential to shape and grow the town.”

Chair of the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Planning Strategic Partnership Board, Councillor Errol Thompson said; “It is critical that Omagh is positioned for change and becomes more resilient and prosperous over the next 10 to 15 years.

While council will lead on the implementation of the plan, the roadmap for delivery will include many business and public sector partners, each of which is deemed essential for its success”.

The Chair of the Steering Group, Councillor Matthew Bell said; “We have ensured that businesses, community and voluntary organisations, children and young people have been included in this plan from the very start.

We all want Omagh to be a place of choice, inspiring people, communities, attracting visitors and investors to locate and thrive in the heart of Tyrone”.

The council would like to thank all those who have contributed to the plan, KPMG Future Analytics for assisting with the development of the plan and the Department of Communities for funding this initiative.

The Omagh Place Shaping Plan is available to view or download on the council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com