Statement from the First and Deputy First Minister regarding the future of the Maze/Long Kesh masterplan

The First Minister and deputy First Minister today announced that the MLK Masterplan will not proceed in its original proposed form and that the current procurement process has now ended.

In a joint statement the First Minister and deputy First Minister said: “The 360 acre site, which remains in public ownership, is a site of regional significance. We fully recognise the economic development potential of this site and we are committed to exploiting this potential to the full, particularly given the economic climate we now find ourselves in.

"In order to do so, we will establish a Development Corporation which will take this project forward and will build on the work previously undertaken by OFMDFM and the All-Party Maze/Long Kesh Consultation Panel and which will have regard to all the elements of the site including any listed buildings.

"As we seek to maximise the economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site we will continue to work with all those bodies interested in contributing to the development of the site.

"Throughout this process we have been grateful to the GAA, the IFA and the Ulster Branch of the IRFU for their work and commitment. As the multi-sports stadium element of the project will not be taken forward, the three sporting bodies have been asked to submit their preferred options to DCAL. The Executive looks forward to receiving a report on the outcome of that process and we remain committed to meeting the strategic stadium needs of the three sporting bodies.”

Notes to Editors:

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