25 November 2002
DES BROWNE PRAISES LAGANSIDE CORPORATION
Laganside Corporation’s track record in regenerating the River Lagan and its water frontage was today praised by Des Browne, MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to Laganside Corporation’s offices at Clarendon Road in Belfast.
He said: "A job creation figure in excess of 10,000 permanent positions and the provision of some 150,000 m² of office space along with some 500 housing units are impressive in themselves. However, when it is recognised that the private sector has contributed to these and other impressive achievements at a leverage rate of over £5 to every £1 of Laganside investment, the success of the Corporation’s efforts is there for all to see.
"Developments at Donegall Quay, Cathedral Quarter, Custom House Square and the development of the east bank of the river are all impressive on-going demonstrations of the confidence which exists in Northern Ireland today. Laganside Corporation can feel justly proud of its contribution to this confidence. It is vital that we all recognise that the challenge now is to complete the job so ably begun and to build the linkages to the local communities and to the city as a whole."
Kyle Alexander, Laganside’s Chief Executive, affirmed: "It is the high quality of Laganside’s infrastructure-led approach that has paved the way for the impressive level of private sector investment in the area to date."
The Laganside Chairman, Tony Hopkins, CBE, welcomed Mr. Browne’s comments and thanked him for his interest in the Corporation’s achievements as well as its plans for the incoming years.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Laganside Corporation is a non-departmental executive body of the Department for Social Development. It was formed under the Laganside Development (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.
The Corporation’s remit is to regenerate the River Lagan and a designated area of adjacent lands and properties.
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