Minister Ritchie launches new plan for north city centre

Margaret Ritchie MLA, Minister for Social Development today launched a draft regeneration framework for the Northside of Belfast City Centre.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “This framework has the potential to deliver clear benefits, including over 800 residential units, 20% of which will be affordable and social housing, and 1,700 jobs in the office, retail, leisure, restaurant and education sectors."

"The Northside has been neglected for too long. I want to change that and to create an environment where people can raise families and work in an area close to their roots.”

Including the neighbourhoods of Browns Square, Carrick Hill and Press/Library Quarters, the North West Quarter Part Two area is important in regeneration terms as it connects the communities of Northwest Belfast to the city centre.

The Minister went on to say: “In taking forward the regeneration of this area we propose to promote it as the ‘Belfast Northside Urban Village’. We believe that this conveys our vision to build on the historic character and rich community life of the area. The creation of a distinctive urban village holds the potential to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the Northside.

“This framework marks towards the revitalisation of Belfast City Centre as a leading European regional capital city.

“This framework sets out a brighter future for the Northside of Belfast City Centre. Throughout the long years of the Troubles, Belfast suffered from depressed expectations and low aspirations. Now we have a growing economy with minimal unemployment; and, a society that people want to come to – not get out of.

"Our goal must be to work together towards a Shared Future where everyone can feel comfortable and safe living and working together. This Regeneration Framework aims to help build the conditions for that shared future for the Northside by creating an inclusive urban village offering a better future to all who live there."

In implementing the framework the Department for Social Development will aim to select, through open competition, a preferred developer partner or a consortium of developers with the right experience to deliver the new urban village.

The Department will take a positive lead to attract private investment by considering using its statutory comprehensive development powers to support proposals which are justifiable, viable within a relevant timescale, in the public interest and which obtain planning permission.

Minister Ritchie concluded: “The key to making the regeneration happen is to attract private investment into the area. This framework provides a comprehensive route map and guide for investors. In addition I intend to create an investment fund for the area to help lever private investment and will commit an initial £5.5million of public money to this fund.”

Notes to Editors:

1. In order to gain DSD support the Department proposes that prospective development proposals should meet the following key principles:

• improve connections from the city centre to the adjoining neighbourhoods in order to address blight and secure neutral space for all sections of the community in which to live, work and enjoy leisure time;
• maximise the physical, social and sustainable economic regeneration of the area;
  · respect the historic character of the Northside by reflecting the old street grid and the Victorian architecture;
• tackle social exclusion through physical development by addressing problems associated with disadvantage such as housing need, unemployment, ill-health, benefit dependency and educational under-achievement; and;
• give regard to environmental sustainability in the design of buildings and use of materials for construction.

2. DSD proposes to regenerate the Northside by identifying land use best suited for particular development themes:

• the Library/Press Quarter is proposed as a location for urban living combined with an evening economy that will attract creative industries, social economy enterprises, tourism, cultural and arts development;
• ’City edge’ living is proposed for Browns Square and Carrick Hill. Their close proximity to the city centre means that these areas can be considered to be part of a wider ‘walkable neighbourhood’;
• Millfield to the north of Castle Street, including the current Belfast Metropolitan College campus, is recognised as a location for education and employment.

3. The framework has the potential to deliver clear benefits, including an estimated:

• 827 residential units with 20% of these designated for affordable including social housing;
• 23,100 sq m of new office space;
• 8,100 sq m for retail, leisure and restaurant use;
• 2,750 sq m for educational use; and,
• 1,700 jobs.

4. The Department aims to deliver through the framework at least 165 new affordable homes, including social housing, to be located throughout the Northside.

5. The consultation period on the Draft Regeneration Framework will run until Monday 30 June 2008.

6. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.