Lisburn City and Castlereagh District Council Looks to the Future
Elections for the new 11 Super Councils, which will come into being next year, took place in May and 40 new Councillors were elected to the new Lisburn City and Castlereagh District Council.
The new Council, under the management of Chief Executive
Dr Theresa Donaldson will represent an area of 137,000 residents and approximately 56,000 households. Boundary changes mean that the new Council area will be made up of 62 per cent of the former Castlereagh Borough and 79 per cent of the former Lisburn City Council area, with the remaining areas moving within the Belfast boundary.
Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council will both continue to operate until Lisburn City and Castlereagh District Council officially opens its doors for business on 1 April 2015.
The Council’s new Civic Headquarters will be based at Lagan Valley Island in Lisburn. Castlereagh Borough Council’s current headquarters at Bradford Court will also be retained. Lisburn City and Castlereagh District Council will have increased responsibilities, providing exciting opportunities for joined up working. These responsibilities include planning, community planning, urban regeneration and additional economic and tourism powers. It is estimated that, over the next twenty-five years, local government reform could save the public purse up to £400 million.
The new Council has an advantageous position in Northern Ireland, being strategically placed in the Greater Belfast area, as well as being keenly positioned on the A1 North South Corridor with speedy access to all major air and seaports. It is home to a highly skilled workforce, schools and colleges, which are among the best in the country, as well as first class hospitals and health and social care providers.
One of the greatest opportunities and challenges for the new Council will be the regional redevelopment of the Maze Long Kesh Site, consisting of some 360 acres.
The Council will continue to be a leader in leisure provision. Upgrades at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl and the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex will ensure that Lisburn City and Castlereagh District remains at the forefront of leisure and sport in Northern Ireland.
The retail sector in the new Council area boasts local high streets, blending specialist stores and boutiques, alongside regional retail centres such as Forestside, Sprucefield and Sprucefield Park.
Such is the standard of its infrastructure, Lisburn City and Castlereagh District continues to be one of the most popular areas to live in the Province.
While much preparation has already been undertaken by the Council’s Statutory Transition Committee, work can now begin in earnest with the newly Elected Members and the Chief Executive,
Dr Theresa Donaldson. Dr Donaldson began her new post on 1 June 2014.
Lisburn City & Castlereagh District Council Electoral Areas and Elected Members
