Coleraine Future Town Fund Moves Forward After Successful Co-Design Phase

The Coleraine Future Town Fund (CFTF) Board has marked a significant milestone in the development of the town's future investment programme, with the completion of its extensive community co-design process and the transition into the next phase of project development and prioritisation.

Over the past year, the Board has worked closely with community and voluntary organisations, businesses, residents and stakeholders to identify priorities and shape emerging proposals for investment across Coleraine.

The Board has also successfully drawn down the first £500,000 of funding from the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

It is important to note that none of this £500,000 funding has yet been allocated to projects or spent. Funding decisions will be made following the Board's prioritisation and assessment processes to ensure investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for local communities in Coleraine.

As part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement, the Board will host four online public information sessions on 12 October 2026 (1pm and 7pm) and 19 October (12 noon and 7pm).

The sessions will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear directly from the Board, learn more about the emerging proposals, and gain an understanding of the process for sifting, prioritising, assessing and scoring projects. 

Sign up via the link : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002996511485?aff=oddtdtcreator

Following registration, a Teams link will be emailed to attendees

A range of themes have emerged through engagement and evidence gathering, including community regeneration, youth and community services, heritage-led regeneration, development of the River Bann, blueway and greenway networks, improved sports facilities, town centre activation initiatives and the creation of flexible multi-purpose community spaces.

Chair of the Coleraine Future Town Fund Board, Professor Gerry McKenna, said:

"The completion of our co-design phase is an important milestone for the Coleraine Future Town Fund and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas, expertise and feedback throughout the process.

“We have seen significant ambition and creativity from communities across Coleraine, resulting in a wide range of emerging proposals that have the potential to deliver lasting benefits for local people.

“We are now moving into the next stage, where projects will be prioritised and assessed through a robust and transparent process. While the Board has successfully secured the first £500,000 of Pride in Place funding, no funding has yet been allocated to projects. We are committed to ensuring investment decisions are evidence-based and focused on achieving the greatest impact for Coleraine and its communities.

“I would encourage anyone interested in the programme to join one of our public information sessions on 12 October or 19 October, to learn more about progress to date and the steps ahead."

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, added:

“Coleraine Future Town Fund represents an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Coleraine, and it is encouraging to see such a strong response from local communities during the co-design phase.

"The ideas and feedback gathered through this process demonstrate the ambition that exists across the town and the commitment of local people to making Coleraine an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.

"As we move forward, it is important that we continue to work collaboratively with our communities and partners to ensure that the programme reflects local priorities and delivers meaningful, long-term benefits."

The Board recently agreed an updated timeline which will see the Board undertaking prioritisation of proposals during November 2026, followed by further feasibility studies and project development work through to February 2027. 

The final assessment and scoring of these projects will take place in February, with the Coleraine Future Town Fund Investment Plan and final approved projects and programmes currently scheduled to be announced in March 2027. 

The publication of the Investment Plan will mark the transition from planning and co-design to co-delivery, providing a roadmap for investment and regeneration in Coleraine over the coming years. Approved projects and programmes will be delivered through a range of funding programmes and initiatives, creating opportunities for local community organisations, businesses and other partners to access funding and deliver projects on the ground. 

• Online public information sessions will take place on 12th October 2026 and 19^th October.
• Project proposals will be prioritised by the CFTF Board during November 2026.
• Further feasibility studies and project development work will continue through to February 2027.
• The Board will undertake detailed assessment and scoring of projects in February 2027.
• The final CFTF Investment Plan and approved projects are expected to be announced and published in March 2027.
• The first £500,000 of Pride in Place funding has been secured from UK Government but has not yet been allocated or spent.