Love Strabane - Building Strabanes Future

Building Strabane’s Future Together
Findings from recent business meetings reveal a clear path forward:
collective action, strategic partnerships, and shared commitment to economic growth.

KEY FINDING
The Call for Unity
Collaborative Approach
Every individual and business must work together to
drive Strabane’s sustainable growth and prosperity.
Shared Vision
Collective effort is the only way to achieve our shared
goals, objectives, and community aspirations.
Stronger Together
Unity across all sectors creates the foundation for
meaningful, lasting economic transformation.
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Engaging All Businesses
Our Commitment
Love Strabane’s Business Improvement District stands
ready to work collaboratively with every sector,
from retail and hospitality to professional services
and manufacturing. We’re calling on all businesses
to actively engage with our initiatives to maximise
available support.
Full Participation Essential
Business engagement maximises impact
and resources
Strategic Alignment
Working at a strategic level with all Business
Improvement Districts across Northern Ireland
Business Support
Encourage participation in business
support initiatives
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A Time-Bound
Development Plan
for Strabane
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Clear Timelines
Establishing defined deadlines and milestones for
measurable progress
Strategic Alignment
Coordinating with the Strategic Growth Partnership’s
vision and local growth plans
Actionable Framework
Creating a roadmap with specific deliverables and
accountability measures
Community Buy-In
Ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the
planning and delivery phases
Urgent action is needed to develop and implement
a comprehensive, time-bound plan that delivers
tangible results for our community
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Shaping the Future
of Love Strabane
Renewal Ballot: 16 October 2026
Over the coming months we’ll be working with
businesses across Strabane to shape the next fiveyear
Business Plan. This isn’t just about renewing Love
Strabane, it’s about agreeing together what we want it to
focus on from 2026–2031.
Below is how the process will work:
1. Listening First – March to June
Your priorities will shape the new plan
What we’ll do
Launch “Love Strabane, Shape It’s Future” consultation (March)
1-to-1 conversations (March–April)
AGM & Engagement Event (April-May)
Share a “You Said – We’re Proposing”
update (May/June)
Our aim:
That every sector and type of business has
had the opportunity to contribute.
What this means for you
A short, straightforward way to tell us what matters most to your
business
A chance to speak directly and raise local issues
An open session to discuss emerging priorities and future focus
You’ll see clearly how your feedback is influencing the draft plan
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2. Designing the Next 5 Years –
March to Early August
A focused, realistic plan
What we’ll do
Analyse consultation feedback and town centre data
(March-May)
Identify 3–4 clear priority areas (May-June)
Test draft priorities with businesses (May–June)
Complete the new Business Plan (early August)
Our aim:
A Business Plan that is ambitious but achievable
and reflects what businesses have told us.
What this means for you
Decisions based on evidence, not assumptions
A business improvement district that is focused and effective
A chance to sense-check what’s proposed
A clear document setting out what Love Strabane will deliver
from 2026–2031
3. Strengthening the Business Voice
Making sure Strabane businesses are heard
What we’ll do
Clearly explain what Love Strabane can and cannot influence
(from March)
Prioritise issues such capital works, town centre vitality etc
Engage with relevant partners and decision-makers
(spring–summer)
Our aim:
To advocate collectively and ensure the voices
of Strabane businesses are heard
What this means for you
Transparency about our role
Focus on the matters raised by members
Ensuring businesses have a collective voice
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4. Preparing for the Renewal
Ballot – June to October
What we’ll do
Share consultation outcomes and draft priorities (June)
Publish the completed Business Plan (early August)
Provide plain-English summaries and ballot guidance
(September)
Ballot Day – 16 October 2026
Our aim:
That every business feels informed, consulted,
and confident in their decision.
What this means for you
Clear visibility of direction before the final plan
Full detail on what you’re being asked to vote on
An informed, confident vote
Your opportunity to decide the next chapter
5. Love Strabane, A Business Improvement District Shaped by Businesses
This renewal process is an opportunity to:
• Strengthen engagement
• Focus on the issues that matter most
• Ensure value for money
• Build a strong, collective voice for Strabane
Recent conversations across the town have shown that businesses want strong representation and practical action.
Love Strabane exists to provide that — and it works best when businesses actively shape it.
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B.I.D.’s Commitment
to Stakeholders
Open Dialogue with Council
Regular engagement ensures alignment on priorities, resources,
and strategic initiatives that benefit the entire community.
Business Partnership
Working directly with retailers, service providers, and
entrepreneurs to understand challenges and co-create solutions.
Community Inclusion
Collaborating with voluntary groups, and community
organisations to ensure voices are heard in decision-making.
Economic Prosperity Focus
Every engagement is designed to foster sustainable economic
growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.
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Addressing
Negativity on
Social Media
The Challenge
Excessive criticism and negativity on social platforms
undermines progress, damages community spirit, and
creates barriers to collaboration.
The Solution
Positive, constructive dialogue is vital for maintaining
momentum, building morale, and creating an
environment where businesses and residents want to
invest in Strabane’s future.
Let’s channel our energy into solutions, not
complaints. Together, we can transform the
narrative surrounding our town.
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RECOGNITION
Recognising the Council’s
Proactive Role
£140M
Capital Investment Secured
Already committed for Strabane’s
redevelopment and regeneration
100%
Council Support
Active backing for regeneration and
economic development initiatives
The council has been instrumental in securing £140 million of capital expenditure for Strabane’s
redevelopment—an achievement that demonstrates genuine commitment to our town’s future.
This investment will attract further commercial interest and create new opportunities.
Far too much criticism has been directed at the council when they are, in fact, proactive partners
in supporting Strabane’s transformation. Our partnership with the council is key to unlocking the
town’s full potential.
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Overcoming
Challenges Together
Replace Criticism
Move beyond negative commentary towards
solution-focused discussions
Embrace Collaboration
Build partnerships across sectors and commit
to shared responsibility
Accelerate Delivery
United action speeds up regeneration projects
and economic initiatives
When stakeholders work in harmony rather than opposition, we
create momentum that transforms plans into reality. The £140 million
investment is just the beginning - collective action will multiply
its impact exponentially.
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The Vision Ahead:
Collective Success
Economic Vitality
Vibrant businesses, increased
footfall, and sustainable growth
Community Pride
Residents confident in their
town’s future and opportunities
Enhanced
Infrastructure
World-class facilities attracting
investment and talent
Strabane’s future depends on all stakeholders working in harmony.
Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and
create lasting prosperity for generations to come.
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Let’s Work Together
For Strabane’s Growth
Join Us
Become an active participant in shaping our
town’s future direction
Engage with Partners
Connect with council, businesses, and
community organisations
Commit to Action
Your involvement today secures a stronger,
more prosperous economy tomorrow
The findings are clear: collective commitment, strategic
partnerships, and positive action are the foundations of Strabane’s
success. Let’s build that future together.
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Your Voice Matters
Strabane’s town centre continues to face real challenges,
from rising costs to changing consumer habits and
economic uncertainty. More than ever, it is important
that businesses work together to shape how we respond
and adapt. As we look ahead to the next five years of
Love Strabane, your voice is vital.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the
consultation and share your views.
Your feedback will help shape the priorities,
initiatives and actions that will support businesses
and strengthen Strabane for the future.
We are Stronger Together
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Image by Gareth Wray Photography

www.lovestrabane.com