Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has unveiled plans to create a “magical Christmas experience” in Coleraine.
At this month’s Leisure and Development Committee meeting, DUP Councillor Philip Anderson proposed the council carry out a scoping exercise, in order to create an event similar to the Yulefest in Kilkenny and Enchanted Winter Garden in Antrim.
Plans would involve utilising the Market Yard in the town and accessing the Coleraine Town Fund to “deliver a Christmas experience for the community”.
Councillor Anderson said: “We think we can deliver a good Christmas event for the home tourist market [and] local residents, and we’re looking to engage families in the borough.
“Antrim give a reduced rate to the residents in the borough, so that’s the thinking is behind this, and also that we utilize the buildings in the town and make use of the Market Yard.”
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Deputy Mayor, DUP Councillor Tanya Stirling seconded the proposal and said the event would bring “joy and cheer to our community” while boosting the local economy.
Councillor Stirling said: “A Christmas market would provide a platform for local artisans and businesses to showcase their products, attracting visitors from surrounding areas.”
“The influx of foot traffic would benefit the vendors in Coleraine [and] expand our town centre experience.
Councillor Philip Anderson
“Additionally, creating a wonderland with festive decorations, entertainment, and family-friendly activities which would enhance the appeal of our town.
“I believe that thoughtful planning and collaboration could make this vision a reality, and I look forward to discussing this further and exploring how we could make this work.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Niamh Archibald praised the proposal as a “brilliant idea”, as the Market Yard was “a space that should and could be utilised”.
Director of Leisure and Development, Pat Mulvenna, said council’s Treasury Regulation Team would carry out a scoping exercise on the possible expansion of the Coleraine Christmas activity schedule, which would include a “similar scale of programming infrastructure and event activity to Kilkenny and Antrim”.
However, Ms Mulvenna warned the event could not be achieved within the council’s “existing programme and cost resources” so officers will need to investigate potential funding through the Coleraine Future Town Board.
She concluded: “The first meeting of [the board] is scheduled for January 30 and following that there will be an extensive community consultation process to identify a wide range of capital and revenue projects, so officers will ensure that this proposal is considered as a potential project.”
News Catch Up – Wednesday 22 January