First phase of Conway mill completed

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today attended the opening of the First Phase of Conway Mill’s Refurbishment Project.

The historic building at the gateway to West Belfast is being sympathetically refurbished into a hub of enterprise for new and existing businesses in the area. It will create new employment and encourage economic growth in an area that has been otherwise blighted by under investment.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome the opening of the first phase of this important project for the people of West Belfast. It will act as a flagship for regeneration in the Greater Falls area with the creation of over 100 jobs within 4 years of the refurbishment being completed. This project will provide an enhanced facility that will foster and encourage social and economic opportunities for many people in the community and I commend my departments efforts in supporting this worthwhile project through the neighbourhood renewal fund.

“I want to commend the Chairperson, Jim Neeson and members of Conway Mill Preservation Trust Ltd for their vision and determination which has helped enable the creation of this marvellous facility.”

Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland said: “The International Fund for Ireland, through one of its programmes which aims to support and regenerate disadvantaged areas, made a very significant investment (£970,000) in the Conway Mill Regeneration Project. I have no doubt that when this very substantial regeneration project is complete, Conway Mill will be instrumental in delivering lasting economic and social advance in the surrounding area.”

Paul Carr, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment said: "I am delighted that DETI has been able to provide financial assistance towards the renovation of Conway Mill through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Investment in this historical building, with the assistance of Peace II funding, will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills acquisition. In so doing, it will contribute towards increased investment and employment opportunities for local people."

Jim Neeson, Chairperson for Conway Mill Preservation Trust Ltd said: “The completion of this first phase is an important milestone in the refurbishment of Conway Mill. There are now 14 new enterprise and business units, 5 of which are occupied by some of our long term tenants. These tenants represent the diversity of social enterprise, community business and creative industries which have sustained Conway Mill throughout the past 30 years. When the project is completed in September 2010 Conway Mill will offer much needed updated facilities and attractive opportunities for new and existing businesses both locally and throughout the wider Belfast area.”

The Arts Council’s Chairman Rosemary Kelly OBE, said: “The completion of the first phase of Conway Mill's refurbishment project marks a very important milestone, not only for our talented artists and the local community but also for Northern Ireland’s overall arts infrastructure. The Arts Council is funding the arts floor which will house artists’ studios, a workshop and gallery space, expanding the facilities where people can participate in art. I look forward to seeing the completed venue which will undoubtedly continue to support the economic and social development within West Belfast.”

Barbara Wright from The Architectural Heritage Fund also commented saying; "The Architectural Heritage Fund is very pleased to support this important project.”

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund NI, Paul Mullan commented: "The regeneration of Conway Mill will bring wide ranging social and economic

benefits to the local community and will highlight the positive impact that our heritage can have on our future. We are delighted to be involved in this project to conserve this historic building for future generations.”

The Department for Social Development has provided Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £1,779,004 for the refurbishment together £730,000 from the Integrated Development Fund out of a total of £5,420,571 for the overall cost of the Project.

Notes to editors:

1. The total cost of the refurbishment of Conway Mill is estimated at £5,420,571. The Department for Social Development is providing Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £1,779,004 together with funding from Integrated Development Fund £730,000. Other funders are the International Fund for Ireland (£970,849); Heritage Lottery Fund (£950,000); Arts Council (£329,843); Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (£476,040) and Conway Mill Preservation Trust (£184,835).
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