Northern Ireland

The 'most desirable postcode' in the north

Approaching a roundabout in Craigavon from Drumgor Road. Picture from Google Maps
Approaching a roundabout in Craigavon from Drumgor Road. Picture from Google Maps Approaching a roundabout in Craigavon from Drumgor Road. Picture from Google Maps

CRAIGAVON has emerged the unexpected winner in a list of the north's most desirable places to live.

A study by Royal Mail highlighted the postcodes in Northern Ireland and Britain with the best work/life balance.

Although researchers did not visit any of the areas listed or ask residents for their opinions, they did consider factors including schools, affordable housing, access to green spaces, employment prospects, working hours and average commuting times.

The top postcode in the north was BT65, which covers Craigavon, Enniskeen, Drumgor and Tullygally.

Craigavon, named after Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister, was built in the mid-1960s as a planned 'new town', with grants offered to encourage people to relocate from Belfast.

Known for its modernist architecture, it has also been the butt of jokes for its layout including its many roundabouts.

However, it is also the headquarters of many businesses including one of the north's most successful firms, pharmaceutical firm Almac.

Researchers from the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) carried out the survey on behalf of the Royal Mail.

Dundonald (BT16), outside east Belfast, and BT64, adjacent to Craigavon and incorporating parts of Lurgan, were second and third place respectively in the survey.

Lurgan (BT66) came in fourth while Finaghy (BT10) in south Belfast was fifth.