Belfast regeneration plans unveiled
The second phase of a multi-million pound facelift for Belfast was launched today.
Lord Mayor Tom Ekin and other councillors announced five new regeneration schemes in the north, south, east and west of the city.
The cross-community Alliance Party Lord Mayor said six areas were benefiting from the £60m (€88m) Renewing the Routes scheme which has been backed by the five area partnerships, the Housing Executive and Belfast Regeneration Office.
“Together with our statutory partners and local representatives, we have agreed the strategic framework for the development of these areas,” Mr Ekin confirmed.
“We are now working to ensure that the wish-list becomes an action list and that the lives of those living in the areas are positively affected by the developments.”
Regeneration schemes have already got under way in:
:: The York Road in north Belfast from North Queen Street to Whitla Street, where the new Well-being Centre will house leisure, health and lifestyle facilities.
:: The Antrim Road from Carlisle Circus to Duncairn Avenue which includes the building of new social housing.
:: The Donegall Road in the south-west of the city from Roden Street to the Broadway roundabout with a number of new social economic units are being planned.
:: The Newtownards Road from the junction of the Bridge End flyover to East Belfast Enterprise Park, with projects including a community business hub.
:: The Falls Road from Dunville Park to Divis Street, where shop fronts are being enhanced.
:: The Shankill Road from Townsend Street to Agnes Street where among the projects are plans for a restructuring of current leisure provision to create a hub for leisure and health facilities in the area.
The five new areas which have been earmarked to receive funds for regeneration projects are:
:: The lower Crumlin Road from Carlisle Circus to Hillview Road.
:: The lower Ormeau Road from Donegall Pass to Stranmillis Embankment.
:: The Albertbridge Road from Cluan Place to the corner of the Newtownards Road.
:: The Upper Springfield Road from Moyard Park to Monagh Road.
:: The Upper Shankill Road from Snugville Street to Woodvale Park.
The chairman of the city council’s development committee, Councillor Ian Crozier urged communities to get involved in the consultation process to extend the programme to their areas.
“The statutory partners are coming together under a single umbrella with a view to implementing targeted, area-based regeneration initiatives in those parts of the city in most need of support,” the Democratic Unionist councillor said.
“This is good news for the communities in these areas and we encourage them to work with us to create a brighter, better Belfast.”
