The Inner East Neighbourhood Renewal Area will benefit from the completion of this ambitious scheme.
At an event to launch the Newtownards Road 2012 Action Plan at Parliament Buildings, Minister Ritchie said: “I am pleased to approve the funding for this scheme on the Newtownards Road. This project will improve the social conditions and physical environment for local residents.
By funding this project my department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in this area. This environmental improvement scheme is fully in line with my department’s commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal.”
Improvements to the footpaths and roadways, removal and rationalisation of street furniture, installation of new lighting columns and the planting of an avenue of trees, will help create an attractive environment for residents, local businesses and passing commuters.
It is hoped that work will get underway early in the new year and will take up to 16 months to complete. It will also complement other projects already carried out or planned in this part of Belfast City.
Notes to Editors:
1. Newtownards Road is one of the City’s main arterial routes linking East Belfast to Belfast City Centre.
2. Newtownards Road is located within the Inner East Neighbourhood Renewal Area and also within the Ballymacarrett electoral ward which is recognised as being within the top 10% of most deprived wards in Northern Ireland.
3. 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.
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.
