New £1.4million Workspace Development can create 36 Jobs

The newly-built Social Economy Village in west Belfast can help to stimulate economic growth in the local area.

That was the message from Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, as she welcomed the official opening of the new 13,200 square foot development in west Belfast, today.

The Social Economy Village was developed by Work West at a total cost of £1,385,876. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) provided support to the project with EU Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) assistance of £496,959. Significant funding of £493,959 was also secured from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

The Minister said: “The creation of six new workspace units at the Social Economy Village has the potential to create up to 36 jobs. It can also help encourage local entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth in the local area.

“The development will provide much needed regeneration within the local community, helping to address the social and economic disadvantages experienced in west Belfast in recent years.”

Arlene Foster believes the continued growth and success of social economy enterprises must be encouraged, particularly during the current economic downturn.

She said: “The effects of the global economic downturn are being felt across Northern Ireland and I am committed to doing whatever I can to support economic recovery and stimulate renewed growth and employment, in preparation for the upturn. This social enterprise development and its associated job creation opportunities are a welcome and encouraging boost.”

The workspace development, off the Glen Road in west Belfast, is one of over 40 projects across Northern Ireland, set up to create new jobs in deprived areas by providing flexible workspace units for new and expanding businesses.

Notes to Editors

1. The breakdown of funding is as follows:

Peace II (DETI) £496,959

International Fund for Ireland £493,959

Promoter (Work West) £394,958

Total £1,385,876

2. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.