Ritchie delivers major economic boost for Newry

Businesses in Newry will benefit from improved premises as Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA officially opened the refurbished WIN Business Centre.

The £273,000 project, financed through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, involved the provision of a new roof across the original WIN Building, upgrading and refurbishing the conference facilities and the improvement of the training rooms. This will ensure the long term sustainability of 20 units.

Speaking at the opening of WIN, Margaret Ritchie said: “The WIN Business centre is an excellent example of how local people and businesses can come together to address the problems associated with economic downturn. Founded in the early 1970’s when the rate of unemployment in Newry was the highest in Europe, the centre has made a massive contribution towards the regeneration of Newry providing accommodation for 70 businesses employing around 400 people.”

The Minister explained that the work was necessary as the condition of the building had deteriorated and business units were no longer considered fit for modern purposes.

Margaret Ritchie continued: “The provision of a new roof on the original WIN building will ensure that small indigenous businesses have modern suitable premises from which to trade, develop and flourish. The work is part of a major programme of projects which have been funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund over the last four years representing an overall investment of over £5million in the area. I welcome this programme of works to enable the continued economic development in Newry”

Welcoming news of the investment the Chairman of the Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, John McMahon said: “The WIN Business Centre is a classic example of how a local community can mobilise to triumph over adversity. The Agency now provides a range of facilities from premises to business advice for small businesses in the area. This project is a clear demonstration of the Minister’s support for our activities and we thank her for her assistance.”

Margaret Ritchie concluded by paying tribute to the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for their support. She said: “This project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through the voluntary and community sector working in partnership with government and local authorities. The funding will help create employment opportunities within the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area, and will make a significant contribution to the economic regeneration of this area.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives.
   • Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
   • Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
   • Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
   • Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
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