Minister pledges action on village regeneration

The Village area of south Belfast has a pressing case for a major regeneration initiative, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA said today.

The Minister was speaking as she made her first visit to the Village to see conditions at first hand. She walked around the area and met local politicians and community representatives.

The Minister said: “This visit has been high on my agenda since I came into office, just one month ago. I wanted to visit the area, meet local people and see housing conditions for myself.

“I have no doubt that some of these houses are unfit for habitation. I accept this and my Department accepts this and we are carefully examining the Housing Executive’s proposals for renewal work. I am committed to ensuring that the housing problems are addressed as quickly as possible.

“We must also ensure that a balance is struck between the wholesale demolition of housing, some of which is still perfectly acceptable, and the retention of the essential character of the Village.”

Commenting on the need for a balanced and comprehensive regeneration of the area, the Minister added:

“There is more to reviving a community than simply providing new houses. It is important that we are able to put together a regeneration strategy that includes action to revitalise the entire area, its economy and facilities. To move this forward, the Belfast Regeneration Office, part of my Department, has invested almost £2 million in community development and physical regeneration projects in the Village area since 2004.

“The regeneration strategy has the potential to bring real social benefits to the area. We also want it to attract significant private sector investment including commercial and retail opportunities. Senior officials from my Department are working with the South West Belfast Neighbourhood Partnership, community representatives and the Housing Executive to ensure the best mix of development and regeneration for the benefit of the Village as a whole”

“The Village community has my commitment as we take this important work forward.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497.