TOOMEV I L L A G E MASTERPLAN

TOOME VILLAGE MASTERPLAN

April 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT 2.1 purpose of the masterplan 2.2 masterplan team 2.3 masterplan process 2.4 demographics

3. HISTORY

4. ANALYSIS 4.1 strategic analysis 4.2 potential markets 4.3 local analysis

5. SHARED VISION

6. CONCEPT PLAN

7. MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES 7.1 village centre 7.1.1 marina development 7.1.2 redeveloped O’Neill Arms hotel &village square 7.1.3 village park & pedestrian thoroughfare 7.1.4 employment sector 7.1.5 development opportunities 7.2 community facilities sector 7.2.1 permeable pedestrian routes 7.2.2 erin’s own GAC, cargin 7.2.3 residential opportunities 7.3 waterfront & parkland setting 7.3.1 urban water frontage 7.3.2 improved waterside activites 7.3.3 extension of canal walk 7.4 complementary strategies 7.4.1 frontage improvements 7.4.2 interpretation 7.4.3 pathway network 7.4.4 public realm enhancement 7.4.5 joint village/town partnership events

8. DELIVERING THE VILLAGE MASTERPLAN

9. CONCLUSION

10. APPENDICES

1. INTRODUCTION

Toome, positioned at the confluence of the River Bann and Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, is located approximately twelve miles west of Antrim town with a population of 722 (2001 Census).

The village derives its name from the Irish Tuaim, a ‘tumulus’ or mound of earth or stones raised over a grave, which can literally be translated as ‘burial mound’ or ‘pagan burial place.’ Well documented in Irish language sources due to its strategic importance at the mouth of the Bann, one early reference of the village is made in the 7th century monk Tírechán’s account of St Patrick’s journey through Ireland who travelled through the area.

“There must have been formerly at this place both a sandbank ford across the river and a sepulchral mound near it, for in the Tripartite Life it is called Fearsat Tuama, the farset or ford of the tumulus; but in the annals it is generally called Tuaim.”

Archbishop Uilliam Seóighe (Joyce)

© OSNI

Excavation work immediately east of the Toome Canal has unearthed the remains of the late 17th century Toome Castle, one of many defensive castles constructed around the shores of Lough Neagh during the 1600’s. Recent excavation work carried out in advance of the A6 Toome Bypass in 2003, revealed evidence of the earliest phase of Irish prehistory settlement on Lough Neagh including Mesolithic hut sites and longboats dating between 5500 and 5200BC. ‘Riverlines’ an eight metre high stainless steel and neon column, commissioned by TIDAL (Toome Industrial Development, Amenities and Leisure Ltd) and designed by Ballintoy based artist Chris Wilson, was inspired by the rich imagery and heritage of the Toome area and takes pride of place alongside the new Bypass, rapidly becoming an iconic and widely recognisable piece of public art at this gateway location.

Like many towns in Northern Ireland, Toome and its people experienced challenging times through the 30 year Troubles. More recently however the village has witnessed a form of renaissance and renewed sense of civic pride, widely due to the strong sense of community spirit evident within the village and the proactive work carried out by the focussed community groups present.

This village masterplan for Toome seeks to build on these strong community values through the incorporation of a vision and initiatives that celebrate the villages strong historical connections, rediscovers its abundant natural asset base and contributes to the quality of life for its residents, workers and visitors.

Intro

duc

tion

© Chris Wilson

© OSNI

2. CONTEXT

This masterplan has been commissioned by Antrim Borough Council supported by GROW South Antrim. It has been part funded by the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), as a core part of the EU Rural Development Programme under the Village Renewal Measure.

The Masterplan is one of three plans that have been developed simultaneously for the villages of Toome, Doagh and Whitehead and seeks to identify a range of initiatives by which to improve the village over the next 5 to 15 years.

The masterplan study area is loosely based on the development limits as defined by the Department of the Environment (below). This area extends southwards to include the grounds of Erin’s Own Cargin GAA Club, the Meadows residential estate of Village Green along the Moneynick Road to the east, Roguery Road to the north, and Creagh Road across the River Bann to the west.

While the masterplan is largely confined to the area defined in the plan below, a holistic approach has been taken and as a result several of the strategies listed within Section 7 of this report look beyond these boundaries ensuring that initiatives respond to the wider hinterland.

© OSNI

2.1 Purpose of the Masterplan

A successful masterplan involves the generation of ideas and the preparation of realistic design concepts based on thorough research, analysis and consultation. While non-statutory in nature, a masterplan is an effective tool that provides direction for both physical and non-physical interventions that help shape open space, buildings and landscape in response to growing economic, technological, demographic and social changes. A masterplan should provide flexibility by identifying key principles as opposed to finite blueprint solutions. It includes a strategic vision and concept for how a place might develop and should include sufficient detail at key locations so that the vision can be tested for economic and functional viability.

By studying and thinking about the village holistically, it is intended that individual projects can be coordinated to maximise their contribution to making Toome a better place in which to live, work, play, invest and visit. This plan will not replace statutory planning policy for the area, but will help key organisations from the public, private and community sectors to plan for and target their investment wisely.

The purpose of the Masterplan is to provide a strategic vision for the comprehensive and sustainable development of Toome village over the next 5 to 15 years.

2.2 Masterplan Team

The Village Masterplan process was overseen by a Steering Group comprising officers, officials and elected representatives of Antrim Borough Council, the local community and several community associations.

The masterplan was prepared by the multidisciplinary consultant team The Paul Hogarth Company (Urban Designers and Landscape Architects) with specialised costing services provided by Nolan Ryan Tweeds.

Con

text

MASTERPLAN PROCESS

Information Gathering (Document Review, Site Appraisal Stakeholder Consultation

Analysis

Client Review

Concept Proposals

Client Review

Draft Masterplan

Client Review

Public Exhibition Draft Documents

Client Review

Final Masterplan and Action Plan

Launch

2.3 Masterplan Process

The steps taken throughout the course of the Masterplan process are outlined within the graphic below. During the initial ‘Information Gathering’ stage, numerous site visits and surveys were conducted each supported by detailed photographic records, while desktop research involving the review of existing plans and initiatives was also undertaken. Comprehensive stakeholder consultation also formed a key component of the information gathering stage and included an open public consultation event in addition to meetings with numerous statutory agencies. The analysis stage involved the examination of land and building uses in the context of the historic growth of the village as well as gaining an understanding from the feedback gained from earlier consultation meetings.

Guided by the Steering Group, a strong concept and vision statement with accompanying aims and objectives were then formulated which set the scene for the key physical, social and economic initiatives that ultimately formed the village Masterplan. Following on from the success of the earlier public consultation event, a public exhibition was held at Toome House enabling residents of Toome to review the draft Masterplan and submit their comments. A copy of the Consultation Report is included within the Appendices. From the outset of this project, the Steering Group emphasised the importance of gaining input from a large cross section of village residents in order to help shape the Masterplan.

Hist

ory

2.4 Demographics

Toome is classified as a small village, hamlet and open countryside and this settlement has the following profile recorded in the 2001 Census.

Band H relates to areas labelled ‘Small Village, Hamlet and Open Countryside’. This definition includes settlements with a population of less than 1,000, the majority of which are outside the Belfast Metropolitan and Derry Urban Areas. Information is provided for settlements in this band with a population of more than 500 people.

The population of Toome on Census day (29th April 2001) was 722 people with a total of 224 households. The demographic characteristics of the people living in Toome, in comparison with the overall Northern Ireland picture, is presented in the table below.

A census of population is normally taken every ten years and is carried out by the Census Office, part of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). A full return for the 2011 Census, which was carried out in Northern Ireland on Sunday 27 March 2011, will provide an accurate picture of Northern Ireland’s population.

Percentage Comparisons (%)

SETTLEMENT CLASSIFICATION BAND N.IRELANDToome small village, hamlet

and open countrysideNI

Under 16 years of age 27.2 24.3 23.6Over 60 years of age 10.9 17.0 17.6Male 48.8 51.1 48.7Female 51.3 48.9 51.3Catholic (Community Background) 96.3 47.5 43.8Protestant and other Christian 2.9 50.7 53.1Born outside NI 4.7 7.6 9.0Ethnic group other than white 0.0 0.4 0.8Persons with limiting long-term illness 23.0 18.2 20.4Providing unpaid care 8.6 10.7 11.0Owner-occupied households 49.1 82.4 69.6Detached houses/bungalows 32.6 72.4 36.5Access to a car or van 66.8 87.9 73.7Degree level education or higher 8.4 14.5 15.8No qualifications 55.4 43.2 41.6Persons in employment (femaile) 42.2 41.3 45.0persons in employment (male) 57.8 58.7 55.0Unemployed 6.2 3.3 4.1

2001 CENSUS - NORTHERN IRELAND STATISTICS & RESEARCH AGENCY (NISRA)

“Rody McCorley belonged not merely to Duneane or Toome but to Ireland, and he gave his life for the sacred cause of Irish nationhood. It was patriotism and love of country that brought them there that day. It was their duty as Irishmen to work and strive for the freedom of Ireland, and in doing that they would not be infringing on the rights of others. They were not Imperialistic in their aims. They did not want to possess even a foot of foreign soil. But they did want their own soil for their own people.”

Rev. J. Canon Byrne, 1954

3. HISTORY

Artefacts recovered during the Bann Drainage Schemes have identified Toome and surrounding areas as human settlements that were populated well before the arrival of Christianity to Ireland in the sixth century. In 1792, when Lord O’Neill constructed the bridge across the Bann, the village became officially known as Toomebridge and later shortened to Toome, the title most frequently used by residents today.

Toome railway station was opened on 10 November 1856 with the line running from Toome through Castledawson and on to Magherafelt, from which a branch line carried traffic through to Moneymore and Cookstown. Little evidence of this railway line remains within the village today other than some upright structures of the old railway bridge and the residential estate of ‘Station Park’ off Main Street.

Historical records show that Toome was a thriving market town at the turn of the century. By 1910, despite a population of only 210 persons, popular weekly markets were held for the sale of agricultural produce while every month well attended cattle fairs took centre stage. The arrival of modern buses saw the gradual demise of the railways with the Toome line closing to passenger traffic on 28 August 1950 and finally closing completely on 1 October 1959.

One of the village’s most famous historical figures was that of Rody McCorley, born in the townland of Duneane a few miles outside Toome. A leader of the United Irishmen, McCorley led his men at the Battle of Antrim and successfully seized Randalstown before being captured, court martialled and sentenced to death at Ballymena. From Ballymena he was marched to Toome to be executed on the Bridge of Toome on Good Friday 1799.

A monument was erected during the months of September and October 1954 with the unveiling ceremony conducted by the Very Rev J. Canon Byrne on 1st November in the presence of representatives of Irish Ireland organisations.

The eight sided Fountain of Liberty, erected by John Carey at the junction of the Gloverstown Road and Main Street although decommissioned, is complete with its water pump and mounted dedication plate announcing that the water is free to all. Little is known about the early life of John Carey until 1800 when at the age of 22 he was accepted into the Old College at Belfast where young men trained to become Presbyterian Ministers.

In addition to its historical significance, the village of Toome is renowned for its relationship with the River Bann with its main industry, the Eels Fishery, located along its western shores. This establishment supplies the continental market and continues a tradition that has thrived since people first settled in the area.

Toome also boasts an array of celebrities such as the motorcycle road racing Laverty brothers Michael, John and Eugene and is the birthplace of the world famous rugby player Willie John McBride, who could boast an impressive 63 caps playing for Ireland. Actor Richard Todd who appeared in over forty films, most notably the Dam Busters in 1955, also had strong family connections with Toome as does the acclaimed author Deirdre Madden while more recently champion jockey A P McCoy, a native of Toome, has been voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, an accolade which arrives on the back of a magnificent Grand National victory earlier in the year.

It is against this backdrop of a rich and vibrant history that it is possible to focus on the modern day village of Toome and to consider its future development.

Hist

ory

“Toomebridge is in the parish of Duneane, Barony of Upper Toome a little over 36 miles by rail north west of Belfast and a population of less than 150 people. It is situated on the Derry Central Railway Line which connects with the main Belfast to Derry line at Cookstown Junction outside Antrim.”

George Henry Bassett, 1888

4. ANALYSIS

The Consultant Team carried out a thorough analysis of Toome comprising desktop studies, site visits and surveys and public consultation. As the analysis process revealed, Toome is a village with many qualities, including its strategic location and proximity to the River Bann and Lough Neagh. Key to the future of the village will be finding a way to successfully capitalise upon these and other assets, while also addressing the challenges it faces.

4.1 Strategic Analysis

From a strategic analysis, Toome plays a pivotal role on many levels in its multi-layered relationships with its immediate and wider surroundings.

Firstly, the definition of Toome as a community • transcends the village boundaries to include areas such as Marion Hill and Ballydugennan Villas immediately northeast and south east of the village respectively.

Secondly, Toome has close connections with • Lough Beg based around fishing activities on the River Bann, Lough Beg synonymous with pike fishing while Toome renowned for perch and roach and of course the famous eels fishery.

Thirdly, Toome is strategically located in • relation to Lough Neagh and the role it can play as a key leisure and visitor destination along its northern shore; this is also linked to the fourth layer, namely the importance of the village as the meeting place of the Lough and the River Bann.

Finally, a wider relationship was noted along • the extent of Bann hinterland in relation to the earliest phase of Irish prehistory settlements and the Mesolithic connections with such places as the town of Coleraine.

4.2 Potential Markets

While the village masterplan will work hard to ensure that the village of Toome functions independently for the benefit of its residents, workers and visitors, analysis shows that opportunities also exist to ‘team up’ with neighbouring towns and villages in the pursuit of wider strategies, particularly in relation to the future tourism offer.

One potential local market, identified during the analysis stage, includes the forging of the relationship between Toome and Lough Neagh and Lough Beg. The potential for this market would mainly appear to lie in the water based activities on offer at both locations and the strategic position of Toome between these two water bodies.

A further local market that was identified lies in the wealth of historical and cultural context that is associated with the village and the wider hinterland. Stories ranging from the villages Mesolithic connections and highly lucrative diatomite mining industry to the epic journey of the eels from the Sargasso Sea in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean to Lough Neagh; all have a part to play in raising the profile of Toome and placing the village firmly on the map.

Ana

lysis

These local based markets would be underpinned by Toome’s strategic location between the cities of Belfast and Derry and the top class infrastructure already in place.

Through the potential realisation of the Ulster Canal, a new waterside entrance to Toome could be formalised by way of the village’s strategic positioning along an ‘All Ireland Waterways Network’, with the potential to strengthen water connections with Scotland, Wales and England and capitalising on the popularity of cruising holidays throughout continental Europe.

4.3 Local Analysis

Analysis work was also carried out in relation to the functioning of the village which is illustrated on the plan opposite.

While Toome is perceived to be suffering somewhat from the lack of an identifiable centre, village life appears to concentrate around the limited commercial offer at the junctions of Main Street, Roguery Road and Market Square. However the centre of gravity seems to have drifted southwards over the past few years following the establishment of several retail outlets along the west side of Main Street immediately north of Toome House. A concentration of community facilities have been established on the southern side of the village centre; these comprise Toome House, St Oliver Plunkett Church and Toome Primary School which are easily accessible by the residential communities of Trea Gardens and The Meadows, both located along the southern peripheral edge of Toome.

The hidden jewel that is ‘Canal Walk’ at Toome Canal provides a secluded haven along the eastern banks of the Bann, however access to this asset is limited and its potential to connect laterally into the village has not been utilised.

While an element of commercial development does contribute to the vitality of village life, large pockets of prime land within the centre of the village, notably at Market Square, have been fenced off for uses which may be more appropriately located elsewhere, such as the TIDAL light industrial estate. The freeing up of these large prime sites could present numerous opportunities for the village enabling residents to reclaim its centre while embracing the waterfront setting presented by the Bann.

The main analysis findings, which form the basis upon which the vision and concept plan have been formulated, can be summarised as follows;

Toome has an enviable position at the • meeting place of Bann Valley and Lough Neagh Basin

These natural assets currently do not play a • key role in the functioning of the village

Strategic position between Belfast and Derry •

Impressive infrastructure with additional plans • afoot

Proactive and successful community – scope • for wider inclusion of all residents

Toome village serves a wider ‘parish’ • settlement – Marion Hill & Ballydugennan Villas

Ana

lysis

Pipeline housing growth – need to be mindful • of the impact of growth on village character

Underutilised historic and cultural assets - • historical events and local iconic figures

Substantial amount of derelict buildings and • poor levels of environmental quality

Opportunities and threats posed by • development sites – strategic approach required

Scope to improve external perceptions • of Toome – linked to local morale and aspirations

Large scale industrial and employment base – • scope to strengthen relationship with village

5. SHARED VISION

Following extensive consultation with the village community, a visioning exercise was carried out by the local Steering Group based on the analysis work carried out to date with support from the consultant team.

During this exercise, members of the Steering Group were broken into teams in order to determine what type of place they would like Toome to become, which challenged each team to identify future qualities that would complement the villages existing distinctive features. The visioning exercise required the participants to select key adjectives that best describe Toome of the future and culminated in clear patterns emerging between the results of the various discussion groups. Following an open process of discussion, debate and refinement, a shared vision was conceived which reflects the views and aspirations that the residents of Toome have for their village.

This vision statement now forms the basis upon which all masterplan initiatives must be tested against and contribute to.

SHARED VISION STATEMENT

“As a key location along the All Ireland Waterways Network, Toome will reinvent its relationship with the River Bann and Lough Neagh to become a vibrant and attractive tourist destination which capitalises on its strategic waterfront setting and historic Irish pioneer origins. Well connected and safe residential communities set within a wider wetlands environment, coupled with a strong local based mixed economy, will ensure that Toome becomes a welcoming and affordable place in which to live, visit, work and play.”

Consolidate the Village HeartOne of the main findings during the analysis stage is the lack of an identifiable centre within Toome. Once a thriving market town, the centre of Toome which historically revolved around Main Street and Market Square, has seen a level of decline in more recent years as witnessed by the vacancy levels within retail units along the western side of Main Street. As previously mentioned, large plots of land within the village centre have also been sterilised by uses which may be more appropriately located elsewhere. The masterplan should therefore aim to consolidate the village heart by promoting an appropriate mix of landuses and improved environmental quality.

Connected and Vibrant CommunitiesFrom the analysis plan, the residential communities can be seen along the peripheral edges of the village. While those residential estates along the southern edge are in close proximity to the community facilities along Main Street, connections between these estates and those services within the village centre rely heavily on the existing footpaths along busy roads. Lateral connections across the village link these residential estates to each other and to public open spaces.

Realising Historic and Cultural AssetsThe village of Toome and its surroundings boast a wealth of historic and cultural assets ranging from the overgrown site of Toome Castle and remains of the Temple of Liberty to the memorials in hour of Rody McCorley and John Carey. Further afield are some hidden jewels including the Old Mass Rock at Ballynamullan and the picturesque site of the Holy Well and harbour at Cranfield. Despite these assets being on the doorstep of the village, Toome has yet to realise their full potential by way of heritage trails, wayfinding signs or dedicated walking routes and the promotion of the village as a base from which this array of attractions can be visited.

Strengthening a Local Based EconomyAs a result of an economic appraisal carried out by TIDAL (Toomebridge Industrial Development Amenities and Regeneration Group) into the need for industrial development within the village, the successful TIDAL industrial Estate, covering an area of approximately 16 acres, was established along the Roguery Road. Located in close proximity to the centre of the village, with easy access onto the Toome Bypass, this estate has gone from strength to strength with further expansion plans in progress. The masterplan aims to build on the ongoing success of this development by encouraging additional employment based uses in appropriate locations along the fringe of the village thereby reinforcing Toome as an ideal place in which to invest.

Embrace the River Bann and Lough NeaghIn a similar fashion to the range of historical and cultural assets on offer, Toome is also blessed with a significant natural asset base centred around the River Bann and Lough Neagh. Despite these two water bodies, waterside activities within the village are surprisingly limited. TIDAL’s plans for a marina along the northern edge of the village seek to reverse this trend and the masterplan will work hard to enable village activities to be extended along the Bann with improved connectivity to Lough Neagh.

Shar

ed V

ision

6. CONCEPT PLAN

Applying aims and objectives to the physical village leads us to the Concept Plan, which sets in place some of the key strategic measures that will help the contribution to, and realisation of, the shared vision.

This diagrammatic plan identifies the key strategic moves proposed for Toome and forms the basis for the masterplan. Key features include joining together the village’s parks and open spaces to form a network of green spaces to help provide a wonderful resource for residents and visitors alike, helping in turn to make Toome a green and healthy village.

The concept plan also includes a new marina located along the northern edge of the village. This facility, which is being pursued by the local community group TIDAL, would put Toome firmly back onto the nautical map of Ireland and present significant opportunities for increased tourism and leisure through the creation of a new gateway to the village.

Scope has also been identified for mixed use development alongside the marina to provide future space for community facilities, retail and living space. This would be accompanied by improvements to existing building frontages and pavements within the centre of the village.

Pedestian routes along Bann

Wetlands

Marina integrated with villageDefined Village Core

Well connected employment base

Civic Space

Extension of Canal Walk

7. MASTERPLAN INITIATIVES

The Masterplan sets out how the village of Toome may look in 5 to 15 years time and includes improvements to existing buildings and spaces, along with the potential for new development. Most importantly, the masterplan focuses on ensuring that Toome has a vibrant village centre and that it is designed for people first, as opposed to vehicles and seeks to reconnect the village with the river and Lough through a network of green spaces, a new urban waterfront in the village and a marina facility.

The plan also identifies opportunities for new mixed used development, which would strengthen the village centre and create space for enhanced community uses, and in time, once market conditions are favourable, new space for the growth of local businesses, as well as housing.

The following masterplan initiatives are grouped into three distinct zones – namely the village centre, community facilities sector and the waterfront and parkland setting.

Con

cept

Wetlands

Marina

Village Park

Urban Waterfront

Civic Space

Employment uses

Toome House

Green connections through village

Toome Castle remains

Redeveloped Erin’s Own Cargin GAA facilities

7.1 Village Centre

The village centre of Toome is attractive and has greatly benefitted from the construction of the bypass which has resulted in a dramatic decrease in through traffic. Now that heavy traffic for the most part utilises this bypass, scope exists to reexamine the future roles of existing streets within Toome with a view to encouraging pedestrian priority measures within the village centre. In addition to specific initiatives, the village masterplan also proposes complementary strategies to the village centre; these comprise frontage improvements such as new paintwork and signage as well as public realm improvements which includes high quality surfacing to pavements, new street furniture and designated parking bays at strategic locations. These strategies are discussed in further detail within section 7.4 of this report.

Marina

Wetlands

Village Park

Pedestrianthoroughfare

Rody McCorley Memorial

Extended movementnetwork

New link route

Civic Space

Developmentpotential

Employment uses

In addition, the village masterplan identifies a number of opportunities for new development, including the former PSNI station.

Scope also exists to work with other landowners to develop their village centre sites in a way that is attractive and appropriate, potentially involving the merits of relocating wholesale retail operations to more suitable locations elsewhere in the village.

Marina

Wetlands

Village Park

Pedestrianthoroughfare

Rody McCorley Memorial

Extended movementnetwork

New link route

Civic Space

Developmentpotential

Employment uses

7.1.1 Marina Development

The TIDAL community group is investigating the feasibility of developing a marina along the northern edge of the village on the eastern banks of the Bann. Once realised, this ambitious plan will establish a new destination site in the north of the village, create a new waterside entrance to Toome and act as a catalyst for further waterside based activities in this location. Benefitting from direct vehicular access from the bypass via Roguery Road, a new marina at Toome will also unlock the development potential of additional vacant sites along the northern section of Main Street, most notably the former PSNI station close to the bridge.

The masterplan fully embraces this significant proposal and will work to ensure that the proposed marina is fully integrated with the village centre, both physically and socially. To this end, proposals include a potential canal link from the Bann through the marina site, which will not only increase the commercial attractiveness of this area through the increased waterfront setting but will also enable boat repair works to be carried out at the industrial estates along Roguery Road.

Opportunities also exist to establish a purpose built, stand alone community building along the Bann together with the commissioning of public art pieces which demarcate the entrance to the marina and recount the village’s colourful historic past.

7.1.2 Redeveloped O’Neill Arms Hotel & Village SquareThe masterplan proposes a new village space fronting the hotel at Market Square. This civic space extends across both Main Street and Market Square, with new development opportunities enabling animation along its northern and western edges. As the surface treatment of this space extends across Main Street, the redeveloped White River Hotel will provide activity along its eastern edge, enabling the square to be utilised as both a spill out space for the new hotel as well as a purpose built civic space for the residents of the village to hold events and meet socially.

While the masterplan does not advocate the removal of vehicular traffic from this space, the incorporation of ‘pedestrian priority’ measures will ensure safer crossing points for pedestrians at this key junction. It will also provide residents with the opportunity to limit access to the entire space, in consultation with Roads Service, for particular civic events and functions.

7.1.3 Village Park & Pedestrian ThoroughfareThe former PSNI station site along the northern section of Main Street presents an opportunity to provide new mixed use development with active frontages along both Main Street and the River Bann.

The future redevelopment of the adjoining service station site could also enable the establishment of a village park overlooked by new development opportunities along its western and eastern edges. This development must ensure direct visual and physical connectivity with the proposed marina site immediately to the north.

Mas

terp

lan

Initi

ativ

es

7.1.4 Employment SectorIn keeping with one of the main masterplan aims, which is also reflected within the vision statement, proposals are included to provide employment based uses as a natural extension to the successful TIDAL industrial estate along the Roguery Road.

Here, additional lands are proposed within the village development limits for light industrial employment generating uses enabling businesses to remain locally within purpose designed estates with direct vehicular access to the bypass. The establishment of a wetlands area to the north and east of these lands will place emphasis on the design quality of those business units with direct frontage onto this area.

7.1.5 Development OpportunitiesAs can been seen from the brown shaded blocks within the masterplan, a number of development opportunities are proposed within the village centre. Together they represent an aspiration of how the village centre could grow over the long term.

The setting out of a development framework of this nature allows the masterplan to put in place broad strategies, such as key views, pedestrian connections and active frontages that should be taken into account in the assessment of future development within the village centre.

St Oliver PlunkettChurch

EnvironmentalImprovements

Toome PrimarySchool

Residential Development

Permeable pedestrian

routes

Re-developed GAA facilities

7.2 Community Facilities SectorToome has good community facilities, most notably Toome House which performs many important functions. However, it is recognised that the village would benefit from large internal and external spaces for gathering, as well as enhanced sports facilities.

The masterplan therefore includes proposals to work with the GAA to upgrade their facilities at Cargin, as well as finding opportunities for a new community hall in the vicinity of the former PSNI station or the GAA grounds.

Green corridor

Civic space

Toome House

St Oliver PlunkettChurch

EnvironmentalImprovements

Toome PrimarySchool

Residential Development

Permeable pedestrian

routes

Re-developed GAA facilities

Mas

terp

lan

Initi

ativ

es

7.2.1 Permeable Pedestrian RoutesToome benefits from having a large number of its community facilities concentrated in close proximity to each other in and around the southern stretch of Main Street. Toome House, St Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Toome Primary School and Erin’s Own Cargin GAA Club are all within walking distance of each other and are easy accessible by the two residential estates of Trea Gradens and The Meadows at Moneynick Road.

The masterplan aims to strengthen, and where possible, formalise new dedicated pedestrian connections between these areas. One key route is the establishment of an east-west green corridor connecting Canal Walk to the proposed Wetlands area, enabling a safe and dedicated pedestrian route to connect laterally across the village with stop off points to Toome Primary School, Toome House and St Oliver Plunketts Church along its length.

7.2.2 Erin’s Own GAC CarginAs part of the consultation process, the consultant team met with representatives of Erin’s Own GAC, Cargin in order to gain an insight into their plans for the club. These plans include the demolition of the existing club house and its replacement with a larger purpose built structure that will not only improve the sporting facilities available but also offer additional community services in the form of a dedicated crèche and restaurant.

A large surface car park is also included as part of the plans on lands fronting the existing playing field, which are under their ownership. This proposal, which forms an integral part of the masterplan, will ensure that the facility services are more widely available to the adjoining residential estates as well as providing much needed services to the wider community.

7.2.3 Residential OpportunitiesAdditional residential opportunities have been identified to the rear of properties located at the junction of Main Street and Gloverstown Road. Here, potential perimeter blocks are proposed which enable a clear delineation between public and private spaces while providing an element of passive surveillance to the new streets and wetlands area.

7.3 Waterfront and Parkland SettingToome is fortunate to have an exemplar natural setting, including the linear Canal Walk along the River Bann. Through the masterplan it is proposed to expand this network of green spaces, providing a recreational resource for local people and visitors. This would include using the line of the former railway as a greenway and carefully excavating the foundations of Toome Castle next to Toome Lock and providing historical interpretation. An opportunity also exists in time to establish foot and cycle paths to the north and east of the village, in association with the winter-feeding grounds of the popular Whooper Swans.

Public Art

MarinaCanal link

Potential communityuse

Village Park

Mooring facilities

Active frontages

Urban water frontage

Civic Spaces

Partially restored Carlisle Bridge connection

Nature trail / Walking routes

Integration of Canal Walk with Village

New pedestrian link to spurn

Site of Toome Castle

Passive surveillance

Mas

terp

lan

Initi

ativ

es

7.3.1 Urban Water FrontageIn releasing prime land around Market Square, through the possible relocation of existing wholesale retail operations to more suitable locations elsewhere in the village, opportunities exist to extend the village centre westwards to embrace the River Bann and formalise new urban water frontage in this location.

Here, mixed use development is proposed which incorporates active frontages at ground floor level whilst enabling the upper floors to be utilised for residential and office use. Weather permitting, active ground floor uses along the Bann could then spill out onto a new riverside street, taking advantage of the panoramic views on offer whilst animating this busy pedestrian thoroughfare.

7.3.2 Improved WatersideActivitiesIn conjunction with the promotion of an urban water frontage along the Bann, additional waterside activities are proposed, such as new mooring facilities and formalised boating and canoeing launch points along this stretch.

7.3.3 Extension of CanalWalkWhile the popular ‘Canal Walk’ does enable public access along Toome Canal, culminating in a look-out point at its most southerly point, limited access points along its route result in the majority of users having to enter and exit the walk via the main entrance close to Carlisle Bridge.

The masterplan advocates the extension of the linear Canal Walk where possible through the village resulting in a dedicated ‘greenway’ which promotes safe pedestrian routes connecting the various community buildings such as Toome House, St Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Toome Primary School and Erins Own Cargin GAA Club.

The masterplan also proposes sensitive refurbishment work to the site of the remains of Toome Castle, which is located in close proximity to Toome Lock and is completely overgrown. Works could include the management of existing foliage from the site and the erection of historic information boards, new seating and lighting.

Opportunities also exists to extend the Canal Walk northwards towards the village centre connecting seamlessly with the proposed urban water frontage and onwards to the marina site, whilst a new pedestrian link to the existing spurn will allow nature trails and walking routes to be developed within this unique setting.

7.4 Complementary Strategies

7.4.1 Frontage ImprovementsA number of buildings in the village while not requiring redevelopment, would benefit from improvements to their frontages. A condition survey of all building frontages in the village centre should be undertaken to identify how they can be improved. Measures would be likely to include painting, replacement of inappropriate fixtures and fittings and the coordination of signage design. Priority should be given to buildings in the most prominent locations, so that their improvement contributes to the condition of the village as a whole.

7.4.2 InterpretationToome has a wealth of history, much of which could pass unnoticed to the visitor and possibly, to some of its newer residents. It is therefore proposed to implement an Interpretation Strategy across the village, so that its many stories and legends can be shared with local people and visitors alike. Well written and illustrated information panels could be complemented with other interpretative initiatives, including public art and lighting.

7.4.3 Pathway NetworkThe masterplan identifies a major opportunity in Toome to extend its network of pathways. Efforts should be made to establish a series of looped walks around and through the village, varying in length and character. These would be suitable for a wide range of users, including dog walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse riders.

7.4.4 Public Realm EnhancementToome’s streets and spaces would benefit from a co-ordinated strategy to improve the way in which they both look and function, building upon the DSD funded Environmental Improvement works implemented in 2005. It is therefore proposed that a programme of public realm enhancement is initiated. This would involve upgrading of pedestrian areas and the introduction of good quality street furniture and lighting. Such a project should also incorporate improvements to the road network, with scope for traffic calming measures in some areas.

7.4.5 Joint Village/TownPartnership EventsThe masterplan proposes a number of different open spaces within the village that could be used for a range of community events. It is also recommended that Toome seeks to establish an annual flagship event which will attract visitors.

Suggestions so far have included an annual fishing festival which could tie in with similar activities at neighbouring villages of Bellaghy and Ballyronan or a cycling competition which takes advantage of the villages location at the crossing point of two national cycle routes (94 and 96).

Com

plem

enta

ry S

trate

gies

8. DELIVERING THE VILLAGE MASTERPLAN

The successful delivery of the Toome Village Masterplan will require a collaborative approach involving many stakeholders from the public, private and community sectors. This could be overseen by a co-ordinating committee, comprising representatives of the local community, Antrim Borough Council, Government Departments and Agencies, local businesses, clubs and societies.

Regular involvement of local residents in the Masterplan delivery process is to be strongly recommended, so that they are aware of progress and can contribute to shaping its direction. This could include design workshops, newsletters, websites and direct involvement in the delivery of certain projects.

Co-ordination of the masterplan delivery process should be based on the Action Plan for Delivery. This document identifies each of the masterplan proposals, along with an indication of their priority, timeframe, outline cost and the stakeholders whose involvement will be necessary. The table should be treated as a live document, so that progress can be monitored regularly and updated accordingly.

Invariably, new initiatives and opportunities will arise, which should be assessed against the aims and objectives of the masterplan and added to the Action Plan.

At the time of writing, Northern Ireland is on a slow road to recovery from a major recession. This has resulted in spending cutbacks in both the public and private sectors. As funding for future capital projects will therefore be limited, it will be important to identify a wide range of potential funding sources and to carefully match them with projects of the masterplan. All of the masterplan proposals are designed to reap physical, social and economic benefits for Toome. Their implementation should therefore be seen as a key means of strengthening the economic sustainability of the village.

Del

iver

y

De

scri

pti

on

Priority

Timeframe

Cost* (£m)

Po

ten

tia

l Sta

keh

old

ers

A1

To

om

e M

ari

na

Ma

rin

a, a

sso

cia

ted

de

ve

lop

me

nt

an

d c

ar

pa

rkin

g f

aci

litie

sH

M5

.72

**T

IDA

L, T

AC

G, G

RO

W, A

BC

, Pri

v, N

IEA

, DA

RD

, LN

P, P

S

A2

Ma

rin

a C

an

al

Wa

terw

ay

fro

m R

ive

r B

an

n t

o T

IDA

L in

du

stri

al e

sta

teM

L1

.70

**T

IDA

L, T

AC

G, G

RO

W, A

BC

, NIE

A, D

AR

D, P

S

A3

Ma

in S

tre

et

(Cre

ag

h R

d t

o M

on

ey

nic

k R

d)

HS

A4

Ma

rke

t S

qu

are

HS

A5

Ro

gu

ery

Ro

ad

(M

ain

St

to M

ari

na

)H

M

A6

Riv

er

Ba

nn

/Ma

rin

a C

an

al C

ivic

Sp

ace

Wa

terf

ron

t ci

vic

sp

ace

M

M4

.50

AB

C, N

IEA

, DA

RD

, Pri

v

A7

Ma

in S

tre

et

Civ

ic S

pa

ces

Hig

h q

ua

lity

civ

ic s

pa

ces

at

Ma

rke

t S

qu

are

an

d S

tati

on

Pa

rkH

S1

.85

AB

C, R

S, P

S, N

IEA

, DS

D, S

US

, Pri

v

A8

Vill

ag

e P

ark

Po

cke

t P

ark

wit

hin

ma

rin

a s

ett

ing

M

M1

.10

AB

C, P

S, R

S, P

riv

A9

We

tla

nd

sE

sta

blis

hm

en

t o

f w

etl

an

ds

pa

rkla

nd

incl

. wa

lkw

ay

s, li

gh

tin

g a

nd

se

ati

ng

MM

2.9

6**

AB

C, N

IEA

, RS

PB

, RS

, PS

, Pri

v

A1

0M

cCo

rle

y M

em

ori

al a

nd

Pu

blic

Art

Re

po

siti

on

ing

of

me

mo

ria

l an

d n

ew

pu

blic

art

at

ma

rin

aM

M0

.15

**A

BC

, RM

CC

S, N

IEA

, Pri

v, R

S, P

S, D

SD

A1

1E

els

Fis

he

ryP

art

ial r

efu

rbis

hm

en

t in

clu

din

g t

ou

rist

ce

ntr

e f

aci

litie

sM

M1

.00

AB

C, D

AR

D, P

riv

A1

2V

illa

ge

Ce

ntr

e C

ar

Pa

rkin

g O

pp

ort

un

itie

sN

ew

su

rfa

ce c

ar

pa

rks

an

d a

sso

cia

ted

wo

rks

(x3

)M

L1

.28

Pri

v, A

BC

, RS

A1

3Im

pro

ve

d T

ran

spo

rt In

fra

stru

ctu

reN

ew

pe

de

stri

an

an

d v

eh

icu

lar

rou

tes

ML

1.1

5P

riv

, RS

, AB

C, P

S, N

IEA

A1

4F

ron

tag

er

Imp

rov

em

en

tsW

ork

s in

clu

de

re

ren

de

rin

g, r

ep

ain

tin

g, g

lazi

ng

an

d s

ign

ag

eH

S0

.10

AB

C, P

riv

, NIE

A, P

S, R

S

B1

Eri

n's

Ow

n C

arg

in G

AA

Clu

b

Re

de

ve

lop

ed

an

d r

efu

rbis

he

d c

lub

ho

use

an

d c

ar

pa

rkin

g f

aci

litie

sH

S2

.45

GA

A, P

riv

, AB

C, S

NI,

PS

B2

Co

mm

un

ity

Bu

ildin

gS

tan

d a

lon

e c

om

mu

nit

y c

en

tre

wit

hin

riv

ers

ide

se

ttin

gM

M0

.83

AB

C, D

SD

, PS

, Pri

v

B3

Wa

lkin

g R

ou

tes

De

dic

ate

d w

alk

ing

ro

ute

s in

cl. c

on

ne

ctio

n b

etw

ee

n C

an

al W

alk

an

d M

ain

Str

ee

t H

S3

.00

**A

BC

, SU

S, D

SD

, Pri

v

C1

Urb

an

Wa

terf

ron

t (C

an

al W

alk

to

Ma

rin

a)

Hig

h q

ua

lity

pu

blic

re

alm

incl

pa

vin

g, s

tre

et

furn

itu

re a

nd

lig

hti

ng

MM

0.9

0P

riv

, NIE

A, A

BC

, DA

RD

, PS

C2

To

om

e B

rid

ge

Imp

rov

em

en

ts t

o e

xist

ing

pe

de

stri

an

wa

lkw

ay

sM

M1

.00

AB

C, N

IEA

, RS

, SU

S, P

riv

C3

To

om

e C

ast

le

Exc

av

ati

on

, la

nd

sca

pin

g, g

ate

wa

y m

ark

ers

an

d li

gh

tin

gH

S0

.06

**N

IEA

, NIT

B, A

BC

, PS

, Pri

v

C4

To

om

e C

an

al

Civ

ic S

pa

ceM

M1

.00

DA

RD

, NIT

B, N

IEA

, AB

C, P

S

D1

Mix

ed

Use

De

ve

lop

me

nt

Mix

ed

Use

op

po

rtu

nit

ies

wit

hin

vill

ag

e c

ore

HM

28

.80

D2

Re

sid

en

tia

l De

ve

lop

me

nt

Re

sid

en

tia

l op

po

rtu

nit

ies

at

Sta

tio

n P

ark

, Ma

rke

t S

qu

are

an

d G

lov

ers

tow

n R

oa

dM

M5

6.9

7

D3

Lig

ht

Ind

ust

ria

l De

ve

lop

me

nt

Em

plo

ym

en

t o

pp

ort

un

itie

s a

dja

cen

t to

TID

AL

ind

ust

ria

l est

ate

HM

23

.26

S1

Fro

nta

ge

Imp

rov

em

en

ts S

che

me

Co

nd

itio

n s

urv

ey

s a

nd

fro

nta

ge

r im

pro

ve

me

nts

HS

A

BC

, Pri

v, N

IEA

, NIT

B, P

S

S2

Inte

rpre

tati

on

, Ori

en

tati

on

an

d P

ub

lic A

rtC

oo

rdin

ate

d p

rog

ram

me

of

sig

na

ge

an

d in

terp

reta

tiv

e a

rtH

S

AB

C, N

ITB

, NIE

A

S3

Pa

thw

ay

Ne

two

rkP

rom

oti

on

of

a n

etw

ork

of

de

dic

ate

d p

ath

wa

ys

wit

hin

an

d a

rou

nd

vill

ag

eH

S

AB

C, P

riv

, NIE

A, D

SD

, SU

S, P

S

S4

Pu

blic

Re

alm

En

ha

nce

me

nt

Sch

em

eR

oll

ing

ou

t o

f p

ub

lic r

ea

lm im

pro

ve

me

nts

th

rou

gh

ou

t v

illa

ge

HS

A

BC

, Pri

v, R

S, P

S, N

IEA

, DS

D,S

US

S5

Join

t V

illa

ge

/To

wn

Pa

rtn

ers

hip

Sch

em

eId

en

tifi

cati

on

of

a r

an

ge

of

com

mu

nit

y e

ve

nts

an

d t

ou

rism

init

iati

ve

sH

S

AB

C, N

ITB

, MD

C, B

BC

, CD

C, L

NP

, Pri

v

Imm

ed

iate

Pri

v, A

BC

, NIE

A, T

IDA

L, T

AC

G, N

IHE

, RS

, PS

AB

C, P

riv

, RS

, PS

, NIE

A, D

SD

, SU

S

Wa

terf

ron

t

an

d P

ark

lan

d

Se

ttin

g

Re

ge

ne

rati

on

Init

iati

ve

Vill

ag

e C

en

tre

4.1

3

Ke

y: P

rio

rity

H =

Hig

h, M

= M

ed

ium

, L =

Lo

w.

Tim

efr

am

e S

= S

ho

rt (

1 -

5 y

rs),

M =

Me

diu

m (

5 -

10

yrs

), L

= L

on

g (

10

- 1

5 y

rs).

*All

co

sts

ap

pro

xim

ate

an

d r

ou

nd

ed

to

th

e n

ea

rest

£1

00

0.

**S

ub

ject

to

co

nd

itio

n r

ep

ort

.

Ad

dit

ion

al

Str

ate

gie

s

Vill

ag

e C

en

tre

De

v O

pp

s

Hig

h q

ua

lity

pu

blic

re

alm

incl

pa

vin

g, s

tre

et

furn

itu

re a

nd

lig

hti

ng

an

d

rati

on

alis

ati

on

of

on

-str

ee

t ca

r p

ark

ing

Co

mm

un

ity

Fa

cilit

ies

De

live

ry A

ge

nts

& S

take

ho

lde

rs:

AB

C =

An

trim

Bo

rou

gh

Co

un

cil,

BB

C =

Ba

lly

me

na

Bo

rou

gh

Co

un

cil,

CD

C =

Co

oks

tow

n D

ictr

ict

Co

un

cil,

DA

RD

= D

ep

art

me

nt

of

Ag

ricu

ltu

re a

nd

Ru

ral D

ev

elo

pm

en

t, D

EN

I = D

ep

art

me

nt

of

Ed

uca

tio

n N

ort

he

rn Ir

ela

nd

,

DS

D =

De

pa

rtm

en

t fo

r S

oci

al D

ev

elo

pm

en

t, G

AA

= G

ae

lic A

thle

tic

Ass

oci

ati

on

, GR

OW

= G

en

era

tin

g R

ura

l Op

po

rtu

nit

ies

Wit

hin

So

uth

An

trim

, LN

P =

Lo

ug

h N

ea

gh

Pa

rtn

ers

hip

, MD

C =

Ma

gh

era

felt

Dis

tric

t C

ou

nci

l,

NIE

A =

No

rth

ern

Ire

lan

d E

nv

iro

nm

en

t A

ge

ncy

, NIH

E =

No

rth

ern

Ire

lan

d H

ou

sin

g E

xecu

tiv

e, N

ITB

= N

ort

he

rn Ir

ela

nd

To

uri

st B

oa

rd, P

riv

= P

riv

ate

Se

cto

r, P

S =

Pla

nn

ing

Se

rvic

e, R

A =

Riv

ers

Ag

en

cy, R

S =

Ro

ad

s S

erv

ice

,

RS

PB

= T

he

Ro

ya

l So

cie

ty f

or

the

Pro

tect

ion

of

Bir

ds,

RM

CC

S =

Ro

dd

y M

cCo

rle

y S

oci

ety

, SN

I = S

po

rt N

ort

he

rn Ir

ela

nd

, SU

S =

Su

stra

ns,

TA

CG

= T

oo

me

Ass

oci

ati

on

of

Co

mm

un

ity

Gro

up

s,

TID

AL

= T

oo

me

Ind

ust

ria

l De

ve

lop

me

nt,

Am

en

itie

s a

nd

Le

isu

re G

rou

p

9. CONCLUSIONThis Village Masterplan for Toome sets out a strategic plan for the future, representative of the hopes and aspirations of its people. While some of its projects are significant in scale, others are much smaller but of no lesser importance. By capitalising more fully on the village’s rich natural and built heritage, Toome has significant potential to become a visitor destination while being improved as a place in which to visit, live, work and invest. The future of Toome depends on a range of stakeholders and access to funding but key to the success of this masterplan will be a collaborative approach to its delivery. However, with the continued drive and passion of its residents, Toome can look forward to a long and prosperous future.

Con

clus

ion

10. APPENDICESAs part of the information gathering process, a number of separate consultation meetings were held with key stakeholders during the development of the village masterplan.

These stakeholders, together with those community organisations who were represented within the Steering Group and took part in the Community Consultation Events, are listed below;

Antrim Borough Council;• DRD Roads Service;• Erin’s Own Cargin GAA Club;• Gortgill Community Hall;• Libraries NI;• Lough Neagh Partnership;• Northern Ireland Environment Agency;• Northern Ireland Housing Executive;• Planning Service;• Rodai Mac Corlai Society;• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds;• Toome & District Women’s Group; • Toome Association of Community Groups;• Toome Industrial Development, Amenities and Leisure Group (TIDAL);• Translink.•

A copy of the consultation feedback report is also included as an Appendix. This report summarises the process and findings of the public consultation process conducted in relation to the Draft Toome Village Masterplan between 11 October 2010 and 5 November 2010.