Housing Minister gives go ahead to homes at Shankill Parade

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA has confirmed his support for new social homes at Shankill Parade.
~ Friday, 3 June 2011

The Minister made a visit to the Shankill area earlier this week, to meet with local community representatives who have been at the forefront in revitalising their community in recent years.

During a meeting with members of the Lower Shankill Community Association, the Minister confirmed that a scheme to deliver 39 new social and affordable homes on the Shankill Parade would be supported to start on-site this year.

Minister McCausland said: "I recognise the pivotal role good housing plays in supporting more sustainable communities and I am fully behind this new housing in the Estate. Work on 12 new apartments fronting the Shankill Road and a replacement for Shankill House have already brought some £6million of new investment into the area and this new scheme on the Shankill Parade will add even further to that."

The Minister was able to see for himself the new housing already underway, as he made his way through the estate to meet with members of the community’s Regeneration Board in the Denmark Street Community Centre.

The Minister heard about the significant work underway within the community to help regenerate their area. Speaking at the end of the visit Minister McCausland said: "The people of the Shankill area have suffered much in recent years, but they have clearly turned the corner and it is heartening to see the real progress they have made in revitalising their community. I have assured them I will do all I can to help them complete their journey and I will be back in the not too distant future to see what more I can do to help them in terms of delivering better housing and more investment through regeneration activities."

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9494 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.

2. View photos of the visit on the http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/sets/72157626743894645/