Facelift continues for Donegall Pass

A derelict site on Belfast’s Donegall Pass has been transformed by a physical regeneration project funded in partnership by the public and private sectors.

With the help from the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) Urban Development Grant Scheme, Lee Foods Limited has constructed a modern three-storey building on a former ‘eyesore’ site from which they will operate their wholesale food distribution business and supermarket.

The project is an excellent example of public and private enterprise. An Urban Development grant of £260,000 was awarded by DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office and this was more than matched by the private sector for a combined investment of £950,000.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA visited the building today and met the developer, Mr Koon Hay Lee. The Minister said:

“Donegall Pass is an area which has seen my Department successfully working with the private sector on a number of significant physical regeneration projects. The redevelopment of this derelict site for commercial use greatly improves the streetscape and creates the opportunity for up to 10 new jobs.”

The new building provides 1,635m2 of commercial floorspace and improves the physical infrastructure of the area. By creating retail and warehousing space this development will encourage more sustainable development and increase job prospects in the deprived Shaftesbury Ward.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Urban Development Grant Scheme (UDG) is part of Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. It is available for projects such as, commercial, retail, light industrial and inner city housing. Since April 2000 £12.4 million of UDG money in Belfast has levered in Private Sector investment of £52.6 million (i.e. every £1 public sector funding attracted £4.24 private sector funding) from 104 projects.
2. In the Donegall Pass area, the Urban Development Grant Scheme has supported several projects with £1.3 million of grant levering in private sector investment of £4 million.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829468.