The Neighbourhood Renewal funding has been allocated to Brownlow Limited to add to Bluestone’s fifteen existing fully occupied business units.
The project will facilitate the revitalisation of the Brownlow area of Craigavon by creating long term jobs in small businesses owned and managed by local people. Tenants of the new units will also benefit from on site enteroprise support services including business counselling, Drop In mentoring, training, conference and meeting facilities.
Margaret Ritchie said, “I am pleased to announce this further development of an already successful project and provide more opportunities for both fledgling and established business in the area.”
The Minister concluded “The development and growth of the small business / social economy sector is one of the main contributors to an economically prosperous and socially stable future. This expansion will help secure Brownlow Ltd’s long term viability and benefit for the community. I would like to congratulate all involved in this project, particularly the Brownlow Neighbourhood Partnership.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:
- Community Renewal - to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
- Economic Renewal - to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
- Social Renewal - to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
- Physical Renewal - to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
3. Brownlow Ltd is a community development company based at Bluestone Business Park. The Business Park was recently extensively refurbished with fifteen new workspace units provided through funding from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry (DETI), International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and Craigavon Borough Council. All the units are occupied and Brownlow Ltd has established a waiting list of interested parties for the new units.
4. The total funding for the project is as follows;
- DSD £816,144
- Craigavon Borough Council £5,750
- Brownlow Limited £3,900
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
