Village needs regenerated - Hanson

Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today confirmed the need for long-term regeneration of the Donegall Road/Village area.

Commenting on concerns expressed by local residents groups recently he said: “My Department has been very active in the Greater Village and Sandy Row areas in the last few years. A range of actions designed to develop and support the local communities has been set in hand. This will be carried forward through our work on Neighbourhood Renewal.

“It is clear, however, that the key to longer term regeneration is tackling the significant housing difficulties in the area. I recognise that, my Department recognises that and the Housing Executive recognises that. The Housing Executive has been working hard with the local communities to identify a way forward.

“Proposals for an Urban Renewal Scheme have been developed and these need serious consideration because of the scale of the scheme and the associated significant costs. I recognise, however, that there are still concerns among the local community about the way ahead and I have asked my officials to meet regularly with representatives of the local community to explore the scope for enhancing the scale of housing redevelopment by maximising, for example, investment from the private sector.

“We need also to see what opportunities arise from the proposals in the Semple Review on Affordable Housing. Through that process I hope that the consensus will be reached as to the scale and nature of regeneration of the area”.

The Minister added: “Securing the public funding is, however a significant issue and will have to be considered within the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review which will determine Government spending over the next three years. This will be decided by the Assembly. I am sure that the needs of the Village area will be recognised. I will ensure that my successor as Social Development Minister is fully briefed on the problems facing the area and the priority attached to it by both the Department and the Housing Executive.”

Notes to Editors

Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/028 9082 9497.