Attwood Hears the Views of Westside Traders

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, today visited local traders in the Castle Street / King Street area of Belfast City Centre to hear their views on its future regeneration.

The Folk Town Community Interest Community presented their plans to further build on the success of the DSD funded reStore Castle Street Programme that was piloted in the area last year.

Minister Attwood said: “I am grateful to traders in the area for this opportunity to hear their views on how we can work together to make this historic part of our city centre a vibrant and thriving area. I would commend Joby Fox and other traders in the area for having the vision and energy to put a proposal together on how to achieve this goal through an innovative, community based approach.

"The improvements made through the reStore programme are clear to see and show that even a modest amount of funding can make a significant difference to an area when used imaginatively and effectively. It is important that this momentum is not now lost. That is another reason why the Budget negotiations 2011-2015 must recognise how urban regeneration on a pound for pound basis must be a critical element in going forward.

"It is particularly important in these difficult economic times that we maximise any opportunity to encourage economic growth and the Folk Town Community Interest Company is a fresh approach to this challenge for the Westside of the City Centre. I wish Joby and the other members of the Community Interest Company every success with their efforts and look forward to witnessing the positive regeneration impacts that it will bring to the area in the coming years.

"Investment in urban regeneration is vital to help bring us out of the recession. I will continue to make this case to my Executive Colleagues.”

Speaking after the meeting with the Minister, the Director of the Community Interest Company, Joby Fox said: "I am encouraged by the minister's visit to this historical and unique part of Belfast and hope that this may mark the beginning of real support for Folk Town. We have a comprehensive action plan for the area which, following consultation with the City Council, will roll out its first of many events this winter, among others a folk festival and a proposed weekly market for Bank Square."

Notes to editors:

1. The Department for Social Development published a Masterplan for the Westside area in September 2009.
2. The reStore Castle Street initiative was piloted in the Castle Street Area during 2009. DSD provided funding of approx £165,000 through the pilot to improve the trading conditions for the independent retailers in the area through grants to refurbish shopfronts.
3. Community Interest Companies (CIC) are a new type of limited company designed specifically for those wishing to operate for the benefit of the community rather than for the benefit of the owners of the company. This means that a CIC cannot be formed or used solely for the personal gain of a particular person, or group of people.
4. Media enquiries to 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.