Council Responds To Market Yard Clean-Up In Coleraine

Following recent social media discussion about the clean-up of the Market Yard area in Coleraine, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed that work is underway to address several issues at the site.

A council spokesperson said:
“Council is currently addressing some issues within the site located at Market Square. Council hopes to look at options in the near future for this space as it offers excellent town centre potential for a range of uses.”

When asked whether any Christmas events were planned for the Market Yard this year, the spokesperson repeated that the site’s future use remains under consideration, adding that the space “offers excellent town centre potential for a range of uses.”

The Market Yard, once home to seasonal events and community markets, has drawn local attention in recent weeks as residents voiced hopes that it could once again become a vibrant part of Coleraine’s town centre.

In recent years, Coleraine Business Improvement District (BID) has also expressed interest in utilising the Market Yard for town centre events and activities. However, despite pressure from Coleraine BID to bring the space into community use, no formal plans materialised with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

There were also discussions last year involving council officials about the possibility of hosting a funfair at the Market Yard, but the proposal did not progress.

Earlier this year, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council unveiled plans to create a “magical Christmas experience” in Coleraine.

At January’s Leisure and Development Committee meeting, DUP councillor Philip Anderson proposed that the council carry out a scoping exercise to create an event similar to Yulefest in Kilkenny and the Enchanted Winter Garden in Antrim. The plans would involve utilising the Market Yard 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 behind this, and also that we utilise the buildings in the town and make use of the Market Yard.”

Councillor Tanya Elder seconded the proposal and said the event would bring “joy and cheer to our community” while boosting the local economy.

Councillor Elder 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. Additionally, creating a wonderland with festive decorations, entertainment, and family-friendly activities 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”, describing the Market Yard as “a space that should and could be utilised”.

Director of Leisure and Development, Pat Mulvenna, said the council’s Treasury Regulation Team would carry out a scoping exercise on the possible expansion of Coleraine’s Christmas activity schedule, which would include a “similar scale of programming infrastructure and event activity to Kilkenny and Antrim”.

However, Ms Mulvenna warned that the event could not be achieved within the council’s “existing programme and cost resources”, and officers would therefore need to investigate potential funding through the Coleraine Future Town Board.

Back in January, Ms Mulvenna concluded: “The first meeting of the board is scheduled for 30 January 2025, 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.”