Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new strategic plan designed to revitalise and support the growth of the Greater Shankill area in Belfast.

The report, titled Shankill: A Plan to Grow, is the result of extensive collaboration between local residents, community groups, and statutory agencies, including the Department for Communities (DfC), Belfast City Council, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The initiative utilised the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) Living High Streets Craft Kit, a co-design resource that allowed the local community to directly influence the future of the physical environment where they live and work.

The plan builds upon research and advocacy performed by the BUILD group (Better Understanding in Local Development), which consists of experienced community leaders dedicated to addressing physical dereliction and securing sites for new housing and community facilities. Implementation of the plan will now be driven by the Local Action Group, a body led by BUILD members. Minister Lyons stated: "I am pleased my department has supported the delivery of the Shankill: A Plan to Grow. This is a genuine community-led approach to placemaking, ensuring that local people are at the heart of shaping change in their area. With strong community leadership, committed partners, and a clear vision for the future, the Greater Shankill is well positioned to build a more sustainable, resilient and thriving community."

Billy Drummond from the Shankill Local Action Group highlighted the significance of the document, noting: “The Shankill Plan Grow report is a key milestone for BUILD Shankill in lobbying for physical regeneration and investment in the Greater Shankill. Through the DfC CraftKit process we have consulted extensively across all our neighbourhoods to inform this community led Plan. The essential part of any plan is delivery, and we look forward to our continued work with statutory partners to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that this plan sets out.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly and Housing Executive Chief Executive Grainia Long also expressed their support for the project, praising the level of community leadership and partnership involved. The plan sets out a comprehensive framework for transformation, aiming to foster community pride and encourage long-term investment in the area.

Shankill: A Plan to Grow can be found here.