The projects, which were assisted by her Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, are aimed at providing employment opportunities in Brownlow and North West Portadown by facilitating small business enterprises in those areas.
Minister Ritchie today officially reopened the Mayfair Business Centre, which was upgraded at a cost of £267,000. The Minister said: “I am delighted to have been involved in this project in a part of Portadown which does not get its fair share of good news. The investment not only creates employment opportunities in the local area, but also generates an income which will support community initiatives in this area.”
The Minister also announced funding of almost £900,000 for a major expansion of Bluestone Business Park, which will provide an additional nine starter units for small business ventures. During a visit to the park today, Minister Ritchie said: “I fully recognise the hard work which those members of Brownlow Ltd have put into this project. This funding will help this venture to expand and will provide opportunities for more potential entrepreneurs wishing to establish their own businesses.”
Emphasising her desire to ensure that DSD funding is used in a way which brings long term benefits to local communities, the Minister said: “The projects which I visited today clearly demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership and the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. The funding which has been made available will help create employment and generate income will help these hard pressed communities for many years to come.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing 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.
2. The Mayfair Business Centre was upgraded at a cost of £267,000 of which £160,000 was provided by DSD.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
