Banbridge Place Plan
We saw a unique opportunity to apply our creative engagement methods to the development of the Banbridge Place Plan, in collaboration with our long-term partners at Studio idir. Tasked with creating a community-led plan, we aimed to celebrate Banbridge’s strong story of innovation through 56 tangible actions.
Cover of the Banbridge Place Plan.
Adopting a holistic, partnership-driven approach, we focused on valuing what is already great about Banbridge while identifying actions to enhance the town further. Our programme was designed to be highly inclusive, making it easy for community members to participate. We worked alongside Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and a board of community and statutory representatives to ensure that partnership was at the heart of the plan.
We used traditional engagement methods to collect ideas through online surveys and workshops, ensuring accessibility for all. We also integrated creative events and activities to engage the community including:
Pop-up Place Lab
Set up on the main street, this cosy drop-in space featured Lego, books, and a growing display of insights, encouraging spontaneous participation.
Pop up at Southern Regional College, Banbridge.
Map-Making
Groups and individuals engaged in map-making exercises to explore the importance of place.
Banbridge map making workshop with community members.
Interactive Walks
Walking tours facilitated on-the-ground discussions about Banbridge, allowing participants to share their thoughts in situ.
Every idea was meticulously recorded and translated into measurable actions, ensuring that the final plan reflected the community’s diverse perspectives and ambitions. Studio idir visualised a future Banbridge within a series of illustrations that accompanied each theme within the plan.
Our rigorous approach included thorough desktop research and analysis of local policies, alongside statistical reporting and survey responses. This comprehensive data collection helped us develop a robust statistical profile of Banbridge and conduct a health check to identify potential improvements.
Workshop with public sector representatives, Banbridge Leisure Centre.
Group ideas session.
Workshop with local businesses, The Old Town Hall.
The Banbridge Place Plan has been well received, with partners praising its vision and commitment to cross-community and intergenerational relationships. Key commendations include:
NI Water: Applauded the plan's ‘great vision’.
NI Housing Executive (NIHE): Welcomed the emphasis on cross-community and intergenerational relationships.
Historic Environment Division (HED): Highlighted the clear commitment to heritage-led regeneration, noting that the plan places Banbridge’s rich cultural ‘heritage at the heart’.
This positive feedback underscores the plan’s potential to drive meaningful change and foster a stronger, more vibrant Banbridge.
Engagement overview.
You can view the plan here
Client: Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Team: Dr Aising Rusk, Amberlea Neely, Peter McKinney, Liam Walshe
Photos: Amberlea Neely