Clara 'Town Centre First Plan' to move ahead under four themes

THE Clara 'Town Centre First Plan' is expected to take significant steps forward in 2023.

The project team has developed four key themes along with some project ideas.

To date two public consultations have taken place and were both well attended.

The latest happened on December 8 when 25 people attended. In addition a workshop with the local secondary school took place prior to the event. 8 students representing two secondary schools attended.

The four themes being considered by the Project Team include Community, Heritage/Tourism, Natural Infrastructure and Placemaking.

Under the theme of Community, the strong community spirit which abounds in Clara is emphasised as a key asset and one which could provide a ''foundation for the development of the Town Centre First Plan that is centred on engagement with its residents. The participation of Clara's residents and its community is vital in delivering a Town Centre First Plan that is unique to the town, and one that addresses its local challenges while also taking advantage of the local opportunities which exist.''

In the introduction of Placemaking, creating quality places that are attractive to people to live, work, visit, and socialise in, is key. These include the spatial arrangement of buildings, streets and spaces and takes into consideration the built and natural heritage, public realm, open space and areas for recreation for instance.

''The relationships of these matters are important in understanding the urban structure and placemaking characteristics of Clara and, importantly, what opportunities exist in the town to enhance the quality of ‘place’.''

One of the findings is that ''Clara’s existing urban structure and arrangement of streets, spaces and buildings etc may be restricting its success, particularly economically, in terms of why local people are not utilising the town centre in greater numbers in terms of the retail, residential, commercial and other services it provides.''

The Theme of Heritage and Tourism draws attention to Clara's industrial heritage and reminds people that Clara ''has a rich industrial heritage and was well known for being a prosperous industrial town from the mid-18th century until the mid-20th century. The town has a number of significant buildings which are synonymous with its industrial heritage such as Erry Mill, Clashawaun Jute Works and Charlestown Mill. However, while these buildings have since fallen into a state of disrepair and presently lie vacant, they represent potential tourism and economic development opportunities for Clara particularly in terms of their renovation and reuse. The reimagining of these buildings, along with the further promotion of Clara Bog for example, could significantly enhance Clara’s tourism offer.''

The theme of Natural Infrastructure calls attention to the ''significant blue and green assets such as Clara Bog and the River Brosna. These, it states ''provide a high quality natural infrastructure framework for the town. These natural assets could be sensitively developed and promoted in order to attract increased visitors to the town while delivering placemaking benefits for local residents.

The overall aim of the plan is to create a vibrant Town Centre in Clara focusing on:

A blueprint to guide a planned and cohesive approach to Clara’s social and economic development in line with the Town Centre First guidance.

Opportunities to make best use of the range of Government supports to rural Towns in delivering the Plan.

Seeking to incorporate and maximise the existing assets of the Town including the River, its industrial heritage and Town Centre opportunities sites, the natural environment and remote working opportunities.

A legible, connected and accessible Town Centre.

Character areas and core principles around the unique elements and attributes of the Town.

Greater pedestrian and cycle connectivity within and to the Town Centre.

Comments and feedback with respect to the information boards which can be viewed at the Clara library can be made via the following link:https://forms.office.com/e/cVYtTHQx53

The deadline for submission of any comments is  January 13 2023.