We can unlock the potential of west Belfast: Margaret Ritchie

The time is right to unlock the potential of west Belfast and better connect it with the rest of the city.

That was the key message from Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today when she outlined some of the exciting options emerging from her Andersonstown Gateway Feasibility Study.

One of the most innovative ideas is to revitalise the Kennedy Way industrial estate through a new road connection to the Boucher Road retail centre; opening up West Belfast to the rest of the city. Other proposals include:

• a landmark public building on the site of the former Andersonstown Police Station;
• major refurbishment for Kennedy Way, Falls Road and Glen Road;
• upgrading the frontage of Gransha shops; and
• appointment of a master plan team.

The Minister commissioned the feasibility study a year ago to look at the possibility of creating an economic hub in the area known as the Andersonstown Gateway.

Margaret Ritchie said: “For too long west Belfast has been seen as some form of separate entity from the rest of the city. The Andersonstown Gateway can help unite the city. It also has great potential in redressing the economic deficit that has been allowed to develop in west Belfast over the past decades. It can unlock economic and social potential locally and create a focus for sustainable economic development in the Andersonstown area.”

“I have already announced my intention to connect West Belfast better with the city centre through the Master Plan for the South West Shopping Quarter. This new feasibility study for the Andersonstown Gateway shows the potential that exists to link into the transport system and plug into the economic vibrancy of south Belfast. I am convinced that, with targeted investment, west Belfast will be able to play its part in the development of the wider economy set out in the Executive’s Programme for Government.”

For the much debated former site of the Andersonstown Police Station, the feasibility study proposes the creation of a landmark regeneration expo-centre where locals and visitors can see and hear more about regeneration plans and achievements in the west of the city.

Speaking about the future of the Andersonstown Gateway area, the Minister said: “The proposals range from immediate intervention such as environmental improvements and shop facelifts to far-reaching and transformational work. Some developments will require my Department’s legal powers as well as the full commitment of my Executive colleagues. My message is this: west Belfast is ready for change and I am ready to be its champion.”

The Minister said she would be seeking the Executive’s agreement to establish a master plan team to bring the potential of the Andersonstown Gateway into reality. A master plan would be the first of a number of steps required to secure approval of the necessary changes to land use, bring about new development and provide new infrastructure.

Focusing on the need for continuing community engagement Margaret Ritchie said: “Whatever the route I agree with the Executive, I want to ensure that we hear the views of the people who live, work and trade in the area. I want to listen to their views on the ideas in the Feasibility Study and on how they wish to participate in and influence the process of regeneration.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Copies of the Feasibility Study can be found on the DSD web, the Andersonstown Gateway Site, the WBPB site and the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council.
2. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.