Regeneration of ex-Mackies site begins

Ian Pearson, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has announced the beginning of work on the former Mackies complex in west Belfast.

Announcing the start of site clearance work, in advance of a £26 million investment to provide a new mixed use business park, Mr Pearson said: “The new park will provide modern infrastructure, a high quality working environment and almost a quarter of a million square feet of business and industrial space. This offers the capacity to attract up to 770 new jobs.

“Invest NI is taking the lead in the provision of the infrastructure framework and the two workspace progression units and the regeneration scheme will be supported by a £2 million funding contribution drawn from the EU Peace II – Economic Re-vitalisation Programme. It is also the intention of Invest NI to engage with the private sector in the provision of premises at the park."

West Belfast MP, Gerry Adams also welcomed the commencement of work on the project. He said: "The development of a Business Park at the Mackies site, at a cost of £26 million, is a significant investment in these communities. The decision gives practical expression to the recent West Belfast Taskforce recommendations to grow small and medium sized businesses in the area."

Mr Adams confirmed he would be meeting the Enterprise Minister tomorrow to push for the full implementation of the Taskforce recommendations.

(MB)