Ritchie opens Bluestone Business Park extension at Brownlow

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today officially opened a major extension to Bluestone Business Park in Brownlow, Craigavon.

Brownlow Ltd, a community regeneration group, has completed a major expansion which has provided nine new business units.

This will cultivate entrepreneurship and encourage development of small businesses within the disadvantaged area of Brownlow, which has significant levels of community polarisation and deprivation.

Margaret Ritchie said: "The development and growth of the small business and social economy sector is one of the main contributors to an economically prosperous and socially stable future. I welcome this further development of an already successful business park which will provide more opportunities for both fledgling and established business in the area and help secure Brownlow Ltd’s long term viability. I would like to congratulate all involved in this project, particularly the Brownlow Neighbourhood Partnership."

This £829,000 extension is part of a major programme of projects which has been funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund over the last three years representing an overall investment of over £3million in the area and will enable the continued economic development of Brownlow.

Margaret Ritchie also paid tribute to the Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for their support saying: "This project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through the voluntary and community sector working in partnership with government and local authorities. This funding will help create employment opportunities within the Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal Area and will make a significant contribution to the economic regeneration of this area."

Welcoming news of this investment, the Chair of Brownlow Ltd, Dian Heaney, said: “Brownlow Ltd is a classic example of how a local community can gather together to triumph over hardship. The Business Park now provides a range of facilities from premises to business advice for small businesses in the area. This project is a clear demonstration of the Minister’s support for our activities and we thank her for her assistance."

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. 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.

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