Ritchie opens conference on shared space

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today said that we have no choice but to tackle our segregated community if we are to thrive socially and economically.

The Minister made her comments as she opened the Community Relations Council’s conference on shared space in Belfast. The event entitled ‘From Jargon to Action’, provided attendees with the opportunity to hear how shared spaces might be made practical in Belfast over the next 5 to ten years.

Three leading thinkers on modern city planning addressed the audience from private, public, community and academic life as well as people with a practical knowledge of life in Belfast.

Margaret Ritchie said: "A Shared Future is something I believe in passionately. But it has to be built. If we had less geographical segregation in our cities, people would feel more able to move around freely without fear or intimidation. Shared space is key."

The Minister continued: "I welcome these practical discussions and the breadth of views and opinions represented. I also welcome the fact that this issue is rising up the political agenda. I can promise you that as Minister for Social Development, I will be championing work that makes our cities and towns accessible and welcoming to all."

Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council said: "For too long, issues around sharing the future have been seen as an add-on to mainstream political debate. The issue of how we best use our resources for everyone, of how we ensure safety for all and how we design people in rather than wall people out are central political and economic questions. Today’s event is about rethinking shared space so that it is seen as an opportunity and not a threat."

Notes to editors:

1. Conference speakers include:

• Joost Beunderman who joined the think tank Demos in 2005 and works on projects that address the interplay between the built environment and social change.
• Dr Ralf Brand, a lecturer at the Manchester Architecture Research Centre in the School of Environment and Development. He is an experienced consultant (primarily for the Sustainability Performance Group) and helped communities develop and implement a local sustainability strategy, called Local Agenda 21.
• Professor Peter Jones is a transport and sustainable development specialist. Before joining UCL in 2005, Peter was director of the Transport Studies Group at the University of Westminster where he carried out numerous research projects. He recently completed a study on Connectivity for Belfast City Council, looking at how transport could change how the city works.

2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.