'Glen Ten Development' moves to next phase

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today announced the next phase of work to develop a new neighbourhood at the Glen Road in west Belfast.

Following a tender competition, Minister Attwood has appointed consultants GVA Grimley (in association with Aecom and Berwin Leighton Paisner) to develop detailed proposals for the area and look at options for delivery. The new neighbourhood will include shops and leisure facilities, plus a mix of private, social and affordable housing and could lead to 900 jobs and 1,400 new homes in the Glen Road area.

Speaking about the potential of the area, Alex Attwood said: “Development at the fringe of the Glen Road has so far been uncoordinated and piecemeal; we now have an opportunity to take a holistic approach and create a new neighbourhood in west Belfast, drawing on modern, sustainable design principles. All of the key landowners in the area have engaged in the process being led by my Department, and it is their agreement that will give this project real impetus.”

Welcoming the announcement Geraldine McAteer, Chief Executive of the West Belfast Partnership Board said: “This signals a key milestone in the development of this major site which extends from Monagh By-pass, right through to the Hannahstown Hill.

"Imaginative proposals for the site will result in the construction of a new urban community and new urban space with a proportionate balance of housing, community facilities, business and infrastructure.

"The development framework also provides a unique opportunity to ensure this west Belfast site will be a sustainable development with cutting edge 21st century energy and broadband provision."

Minister Attwood said that he expected the development framework for the Glen Road area to be ready early in the New Year and confirmed that ensuring delivery of the agreed proposals would be a high priority for his Department. The work of the consultants is being part-funded by the Strategic Investment Board.

Notes to editors:

1. The initial report on the development potential of lands at the Glen Road is available on the DSD internet site at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/urcdg-br-publications.htm.
2. Key elements of the preferred development scenario, a sustainable urban extension, include:
   - establishing the Glen Road as a destination with a distinctive neighbourhood identity;
   - approximately 580 private housing units and 846 social/affordable housing units;
   - complementary employment-generating uses including a new area of small business and enterprise space fronting the Monagh Bypass and a retail-led development incorporating a supermarket and associated community, leisure and recreation uses (potentially providing 900 jobs);
   - a new network of high quality green space including a greenway linking recreation opportunities on the Belfast hills and Colin Glen to the west;
   - improved physical connections through the provision of rapid transit and improved vehicular access; and
   - exemplar education facilities linked to a new educational campus with shared facilities.
3. The West Belfast Partnership Board will facilitate the community engagement process for the Glen Ten. http://www.westbelfast-partnership.com
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.