Coleraine Future Town Fund: £20m 10-Year Vision and Regeneration Plan Approved by UK Government

The Coleraine Future Town Fund Board (CFTF) has received official approval from the UK Government Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government, for the Coleraine 10‑Year Vision and Regeneration Plan - submitted before Christmas 2025.

The approval of the plan and its funding allocation of approximately £20m has been communicated to the CFTF Board and this provides welcome clarity on the next steps in delivering long-term regeneration across Coleraine.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government has also issued correspondence to the local MP, Gregory Campbell, officially confirming that the CFTF Vision and Regeneration Plan has been approved.

Chair of the CFTF Board, Professor Gerry McKenna says: “On behalf of the CFTF Board, I warmly welcome this announcement from the UK Government. Confirmation of the approval of our 10‑year regeneration plan marks a significant milestone for our communities, our partners, and the town of Coleraine, turning our shared ideas into real, on‑the‑ground change.

"We thank everyone who contributed with such enthusiasm during our community engagement, and we are delighted to now move into the next stage of the programme - delivery. This decision gives us the clarity and confidence to move forward with the development of projects that will be funded from the £20m funding allocation and which will bring lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits across the town. The Board looks forward to working closely with local stakeholders as we turn this shared vision into reality.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan adds: “I welcome this fantastic news which provides a real boost to the area. Local people have played a central role in shaping the regeneration priorities, and the Government’s approval reflects the strength of that community voice.

"The plan focuses on those areas that residents, businesses, and organisations consistently told us matter most, and which will have the most impact. This investment will help us reimagine and regenerate our town over the next decade creating a Coleraine that is vibrant, connected, safe, and full of opportunity.”

The priorities for funding reflect hundreds of conversations with residents, community groups, schools, voluntary organisations, and local businesses who shared what mattered most to them:

• Housing & Community Infrastructure – strengthening the foundations that help communities thrive.
• Town Centre Regeneration & Placemaking – creating more vibrant, welcoming, people‑focused town centres.
• Tourism, Heritage & Visitor Experience – celebrating our landscape, heritage, and stories.
• Sustainable Transport & Connectivity – making it easier for everyone to get around safely and affordably.
• Business, Innovation & Skills – supporting local jobs, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and celebrating and making the most of our excellent University and local college.
• Blue‑Green Infrastructure and the local environment – protecting the environment and enhancing our natural assets such as the River Bann.

The CFTF Board is currently reaching out to the community again as well as other key partners for help in turning the community feedback into viable and deliverable projects as part of a co-design process.

This co-design work includes workshop discussions, project scoping, technical appraisal, and partnership development to help shape projects and develop grant schemes ahead of formal assessment milestones throughout 2026.

The CFTF Board envisages that the final 10‑Year Regeneration Plan, including details of the first 4 year investment plan, will be published in summer 2026.

The Board thanked all local communities, organisations, and businesses for their strong participation in the engagement programme, which continues this month.

Upcoming Community Ambition Co-Design Workshops

22^nd April - CRUN, 1 Brook street, Coleraine 5.30pm - 7.30pm

28^th April - Arts, Culture & Heritage Workshop, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine 5.30pm - 7.30pm

28^th April - Sports & Physical activity and wellbeing workshop, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine 5.30pm - 7.30pm

All Coleraine based community, business, arts and heritage and sports organisations are welcome to attend, please register your attendance via Eventbrite.

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