Markethill is undergoing a significant transformation as the final phase of a £2 million environmental improvement scheme officially gets underway. The project, which aims to revitalize the heart of the rural town, is set to continue in a phased development until the spring of 2027.
The ambitious regeneration initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key government bodies, including the Department for Communities, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. It represents a major component of the wider Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, an investment strategy designed to boost the infrastructure and aesthetic appeal of rural communities across the region.
Contractors Northstone have now established a presence in the town, with initial works commencing near the Dolphin Takeaway. The project is scheduled to move progressively along Main Street, ensuring that disruption is managed through a phased approach. The scope of the work is comprehensive, covering essential upgrades to the town’s physical fabric, including the replacement of aged paving, the repair of damaged kerbing, and the installation of modern street furniture. These improvements are intended not only to enhance the visual appeal of the town centre but also to improve its long-term functionality and safety for pedestrians.
Alderman Paul Berry, who has been a vocal supporter of the initiative since its inception at the council level several years ago, welcomed the start of the final phase.
“I was delighted to attend the launch of the final phase of a £2 million Environmental Improvement Scheme for the rural town of Markethill,” Alderman Berry stated. “Markethill is a busy, thriving town, punching well above its weight, and it is vital that it receives support from all the relevant agencies going forward.”
The Markethill project serves as the culmination of the wider regional programme. Similar improvement works have already been successfully completed in the towns of Rathfriland and Gilford. By selecting these specific locations for investment, the relevant government departments have aimed to stimulate local economies and provide sustainable benefits to residents, local business owners, and visitors.
As the works progress over the next two years, the emphasis will remain on balancing the necessary construction activities with the daily needs of a functioning town centre. For a community that serves as a vital hub within the borough, officials believe that this investment will ensure the town remains a vibrant and attractive destination for years to come.
While the presence of heavy machinery and construction activity will be a fixture in Markethill until 2027, the long-term objective remains the delivery of a refreshed, high-quality public realm that reflects the status of the town as a key contributor to the rural economy. Stakeholders anticipate that once the final paving is laid and the new street furniture is installed, the environmental uplift will provide a lasting boost to the town’s identity and commercial viability.
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