Delivering continued development through Neighbourhood Renewal in South Belfast

There are to be a number of exciting developments in South Belfast, which should come to fruition over the next few years.

That’s what the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie was told during a visit today to South Belfast. The projects, which with the help of Neighbourhood Renewal funding, will help with regenerating this part of the city.

The visit, which was hosted by the South Belfast Partnership Board included a walking tour of Lower Crescent, Botanic and Bradbury Place.

The Minister was given an overview and description of some of the work undertaken by South Belfast Partnership Board in relation to regeneration and economic development work.

Emphasising the need for a joined up approach to regeneration activities Margaret Ritchie said:“What I have been told here today is another excellent example of how different Government Departments, Agencies, the private sector and local communities can come together to provide worthwhile projects that will enhance the lives of people in their area.

“Neighbourhood Renewal is working and working well in South Belfast. My Department, through the Belfast Regeneration Office, has supported many vital jobs and projects in this area. This has helped improve the lives and opened up opportunities which did not exist for many people who live in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area’s of South Belfast.”

The Minister encouraged all those involved in regeneration to focus on improving the lives of people who live in areas of multiple deprivations and not be distracted by the frustrations associated with processes and systems.

Meeting with Minister Richie was the Chair of the South Belfast Partnership Board Cllr Ruth Patterson. She said: “It’s wonderful to have the Minister here in South Belfast and to have the opportunity to speak directly to her about some of the issues that affect local people. My Board has been working hard with the Ministers Department to deliver many benefits to people in the less well off areas of South Belfast through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. The support of the Minister's Department is essential in ensuring effective development and renewal across the whole of South Belfast”

Notes to Editors:

1. DSD through its Belfast Regeneration Office provides core funding for the South Belfast Partnership Board as one of the five Belfast Area Partnerships charged with supporting Government at a strategic level in the regeneration of Belfast. Core funding has been provided since 1996 and has recently been renewed until April 2009; the South Belfast Partnership will receive approximately £215,000 per year.
2. The SBPB was established through an open consultation exercise in late 1996 and since then has been developing its own ideas and structure, through extensive consultation, as well as its strategy for regeneration of the area. Membership of the Board is composed of representatives from the political, community and private sectors as well as Government Departments/Agencies who attend in observer capacity.
3. The Board’s aim is to deliver a successful strategy, widely accepted in the broader community, which improves the quality of life for South Belfast residents and which also contributes positively to the development of the city as a whole.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07818 035258. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.