Ritchie approves £3million environmental improvement scheme for Colin

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, today announced grant funding of over £3.1million for an environmental improvement scheme on the Stewartstown Road.

The purpose of the planned environmental improvement scheme is to enhance the physical character of this area and will include changes to the road, street lighting, footpaths, and street furniture.

Margaret Ritchie said “This environmental improvement scheme is significant for the Colin area and will help bring social and economic benefits to the local community. I believe this programme of works can help people living in the area to change their outlook on life and raise their esteem.

“For many years this part of Lisburn has suffered from a lack of investment and regeneration. This environmental improvement project is helping to change that.”

The Colin Gateway Environmental Improvement Scheme will focus on the Stewartstown Road, from the Teeling Roundabout to the Cutts roundabout. It is the primary route for travel into the Colin Neighbourhood as well as a main route for travel into both Belfast and Lisburn.

The Stewartstown Road in its current form presents a number of challenges due to the amount of traffic, the topography and the lack of building frontages.

The prominent position of this road is reflected poorly in terms of overall layout, ad-hoc development, untapped economic potential, presentation of commercial premises, and attractiveness for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chair of Lisburn City Councils Economic Development Committee adds: “The Council is delighted with the Ministers announcement today, which is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of all of the partners involved in driving this project forward, and securing the necessary funding to make it happen.

"The Council will play a key role in the management and administration of this funding, and in ensuring that this scheme will promote the Stewartstown Road as an attractive location to live, and for new business investment, as well as helping to restore local community pride and confidence in the area.”

Note to editors:

1. DSD, through its Belfast Regeneration Office, is contributing Integrated Development Funding of £3,109,425 towards the environmental improvement scheme known as The Colin Gateway.
2. The Colin Gateway commands a very high profile location at the Stewartstown Road arterial route lying within the Colin Neighbourhood area of Lisburn City located on the periphery of West Belfast, within the boundary of Lisburn City. The Colin Neighbourhood comprises the four areas of Twinbrook, Poleglass, Lagmore and Kilwee/Upper Dunmurry Lane.
3. The project is located within the Colin Neighbourhood Renewal Area which is one of the top 10% most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.
4. 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
5. The £3.1million environmental scheme will take 6 months to design and develop with work due to commence Spring 2010.
6. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.