Ritchie invites views on regeneration plans for some of Belfast's most deprived areas

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, is asking people for their views on plans for the regeneration of five deprived areas of Belfast.

The Minister has launched the formal consultation period on the regeneration plans for Inner East Belfast, York Road/Shore Road, the Crumlin Road (including Lower Oldpark), the Lower Shankill, and the Lower Falls.

The Plans aim to improve the living environment for local people, creating pedestrian-friendly places that are well connected to the city centre. They also highlight key locations for public or private sector intervention, with a variety of business, housing and community uses.

Margaret Ritchie said: “Each of these areas occupies a key location in Belfast – adjacent to the city centre and home to at least one arterial route – yet they are failing to deliver their economic potential and to fully serve their local communities. By setting out a shared vision for the physical regeneration of these areas, we can take a first step to reversing this trend and drawing private investors back into the areas.”

The Minister said that the Masterplans were conceptual in nature, but emphasized that, once agreed, they could be used to secure the funding needed to deliver the various ‘catalyst’ projects proposed. The private sector will also have a key role to play, and the Minister confirmed that private developers were among those she wished to hear from in the consultation.

She continued saying: “It’s important that we hear the views of everyone who has a stake in these areas: local residents, community groups, local businesses and private developers. What we are trying to arrive at is a shared, positive vision of how each of these areas could develop over the next decade.”

Notes to editors:

1. The formal consultation period on the Physical Regeneration Concept Masterplans will run from 29 October 2009 to 17 February 2010. Copies of the Masterplan documents are available online at www.dsdni.gov.uk or by request to Belfast Regeneration Office. (Belfast Regeneration Office, Department for Social Development, James House, Level 2, Gasworks, Belfast, BT7 2JA; Tel: 028 9081 9651; Fax: 028 9081 9620; Email:linda.rocks@dsdni.gov.uk).
2. A draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on the Masterplans has been prepared and will also be subject to consultation from 29 October 2009 to 17 February 2010. The EQIA is also available online www.dsdni.gov.uk and by request to Belfast Regeneration Office.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.