Pearson Announces Sale Of Malone Road Barracks And Funding For Regeneration Of Crumlin Road Gaol

5 January 2004
PEARSON ANNOUNCES SALE OF MALONE ROAD BARRACKS AND FUNDING FOR REGENERATION OF CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ian Pearson today announced that proceeds from the sale of the former army barracks at Malone Road would be used for the economic and social regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol.

The Malone Road site was recently sold for around Ł3.8 million on the open market, with the proceeds being identified for the Gaol’s regeneration.

The Minister said: "The purpose of the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative is to provide a new momentum for infrastructure development never before seen in the region. It means that the transferred security and military sites will become a means of economic and social regeneration.

The Minister added: "The site at Crumlin Road Gaol is located in one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. Using the proceeds from one site to regenerate another sends out a positive message that RRI is working and is being used for its intended purpose. No decisions have yet been made about the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol but feasibility work is underway, as are measures to improve site access and to secure the site for development. This work and future projects on the site will be taken forward by the North Belfast Community Action Unit within the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The funds from the sale of the Malone Road site will help greatly in funding the development of the Crumlin Road site."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Information on the RRI can be accessed on the OFMDFM website at – www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/rri
Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office, Tel. 028 9037 8106

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