Donegall Road Targeted For Urban Regeneration

A new £1.26million regeneration centre was today declared officially open at Belfast's Donegall Road.

The NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie was joined by the Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Denis Rooney and the Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, Cllr Michael Browne in launching the Richview Regeneration Centre.

The newly constructed three-storey building is being managed by the Greater Village Regeneration Trust.

Minister Ritchie's own Department for Social Development Regeneration Office has committed £500,000 through its Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to assemble the site and provide an Urban Development Grant towards its construction.

"The Richview Centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a number of bodies working together in partnership.

"This centre will help nurture community activity and enterprise, by providing affordable facilities for use by local businesses and groups," she said.

"My Department is committed to the development of community empowerment in this part of the city. I am determined that through continued collective efforts we can, and will, make sure that Neighbourhood Renewal has a significant impact on the lives of the people in the area."

Denis Rooney, in his capacity as Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: "The redevelopment of this site to create affordable office units and space for community activities is a fabulous achievement.

"The fact that the Centre is already occupied by Sure Start Village Children's Centre is testament to the need for business space in the area.

"Community regeneration is about transformation. It is about making places more competitive, more attractive, empowering communities and restoring pride.

"The Greater Village Regeneration Trust has a vision to make its area in south Belfast a place to be proud of," he continued.

Belfast City Council, with support from the European Regional Development Fund under the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme, also contributed £300,000 to the project.

Councillor Michael Browne said: "The development of key infrastructure sites across Belfast is a strategic priority for Belfast City Council. Richview can make a substantial contribution to the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities as well as impacting on the regeneration of one of our most deprived neighbourhoods."

(BMcC/JM)