Ritchie commends Laganside's final year

Laganside's job is complete and its statutory remit has been achieved, according to the Corporation’s annual report for 2006/2007, which has now been laid at the Assembly.

The report is published against the backdrop of a transformed river and waterfront and a more confident and forward-looking Belfast.

Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie said: “This report marks the end of an important chapter in the regeneration of Belfast.

“Laganside has shown how a partnership approach, bringing together Government, the private sector and the local community, can generate real results for everyone’s benefit. I congratulate the Laganside Board on its achievements.

“Laganside Corporation has successfully completed its task and has also contributed to the broader regeneration of Belfast city centre and the renewal of the Cathedral Quarter. The Corporation’s comprehensive, infrastructure-led approach has established it as a best practice model for riverfront regeneration.

“There is a wider task now at hand; the push to regenerate the whole city. There will be no complacency in building upon the Laganside legacy. The evidence is my Department’s involvement with the Victoria Square development; the roll-out of the Belfast: Streets Ahead project to transform Belfast’s streetscape; and the exciting plans for the north east quarter of the city centre.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Laganside Corporation was wound-up with effect from 1 April 2007 having completed its regeneration remit for the Riverfront and Cathedral Quarter. With effect from 1st April 2007, the Corporation’s assets, land holdings, development agreements and statutory responsibilities transferred to the Department for Social Development and are managed by its Belfast City Centre Regeneration Directorate. The Corporation was dissolved as a statutory body on 1st July 2007.

2. As at 31 March 2007, the following outputs had been achieved by the Corporation:

• over £1,000 million invested in the area;
• 15,075 jobs created;
• 231,000m sq of office space; and
• 803 residential units.

3. For media enquiries please contact the 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.