Regeneration scheme for former West Belfast Police Station

The site of the demolished Andersonstown Police Station on the Falls Road is to be transformed into a landmark mixed use development.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced that the Carvill Group has been selected as the preferred developer for the site at the junction of the Falls and Glen Roads in west Belfast.

The development, which will include an extensive area for community use on the ground floor, will be a mix of commercial and residential uses. The development will include retail units on the ground floor with pedestrian linkages to connect the Falls and Glen Roads and residential apartments over five floors with basement car parking.

The Minister said: “This development will contribute greatly to the regeneration of the Falls Road and the Upper Falls area. It is a great opportunity to create a significant landmark building on what is considered to be a ‘Gateway’ site to greater west Belfast.

“DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office will work closely with the developer and local community interests to ensure that the local community benefits from this development.

“The Department has stipulated that the developer demonstrate community benefit. The submission made by the Carvill Group was selected due to the quality of the development, suitability to the area and long-term benefit to the community. It will also help meet the considerable demand for residential development in the west Belfast area.”

Group Managing Director Christopher Carvill said; “I am absolutely delighted that Carvill’s has been selected as the Department for Social Development’s preferred developer for this key site in west Belfast. I understand the significance of this site and its history and I am committed to working closely with the Belfast Regeneration Office and the local community to ensure that it is redeveloped in the right way. My team will shortly be in contact with key interests in the area to ensure this development goes some way to addressing local need.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The DSD Belfast Regeneration Office assessed the proposals with professional advisers including planners and valuers to select a preferred developer. The site will remain in the Department’s ownership until the developer completes the work to the required standard.
2. Subject to planning permission and other statutory approvals, it is hoped that work will begin in September 2008.
3. Media inquiries can be directed to the 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.