Minister Ritchie sets out her stall on the Glen Road Lands

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today outlined her plans for ensuring a co-ordinated approach to potential development in Glen Road in West Belfast.

There are ten sites stretching along the Glen Road, which could be developed.

During a visit to the area the Minister said: “The Glen Road Lands have great potential in helping to regenerate this part of west Belfast and indeed contribute to the inroads we are making in developing the entire city.

"We have the opportunity to create a sustainable community where people will be proud to live, work and play. It is important that Government departments and agencies work together with developers on these lands to ensure that plans are taken forward in co-ordinated way.

"There must be the right balance of housing and public services such as retail, sporting and leisure facilities, as well as access to quality jobs and a good road network.

"I have already met with the Minister for Regional Development and discussed the Glen Road Lands. It is important that the appropriate long-term infrastructure is scheduled alongside our overall plans for the area. I will also be briefing my other Executive colleagues on this issue as it is taken forward."

Outlining how co-ordination of the sites might be achieved Ms Ritchie said: “I have asked my officials to set up a co-ordination group comprising senior officials from all the relevant government departments and agencies to take this work forward. A workshop involving these officials has already been held and existing and future plans are being considered to ensure that they maximise the potential of the Glen Road lands.

Whilst recognising the advantages to be gained from a joined-up approach on the sites, the Minister is also very aware of that existing development plans must be taken account of and that progress on providing much needed housing cannot be impeded.

Addressing the needs of local people the Minister said “I am acutely aware that whatever development takes place must consider the needs of the people who will be living there in the future as well as recognising the possible impacts on current residents living in the vicinity of these lands. Consultation with the local community will be important as we move forward.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Glen 10 comprises a mixture of sites which are currently in use, under development or have development potential for the future. A map of the sites and a key is available at the DSDNI web site.
2. A list of the organisations who attended the statutory workshop on 29 of September 2008 included the Department for Social Development, Belfast City Council, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Invest NI, the Department for Employment & Learning, the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment, the Department of Education, NI Housing Executive, the Department of the Environment the Department for Regional Development and the Strategic Investment Board..
3. Media enquiries to DSD 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.