13 January 2003
BROWNE ADOPTS VICTORIA SQUARE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Des Browne MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, today announced that the Government has adopted the Victoria Square Development Scheme. The Development Scheme sets out a land use framework for the area and the Government’s decision is a major move towards revitalisation of this part of the City Centre.
The Minister, who has responsibility for the Department for Social Development, made the announcement during a visit to the Belfast Welcome Centre. He said:
"Today’s announcement follows careful and detailed consideration of all the evidence surrounding Victoria Square. I am satisfied that the decision, which the Secretary of State and I have taken, is the right one.
"Adoption of the Development Scheme represents an important step on the road to transforming Victoria Square into a thriving city centre location, adding to the attractiveness and economic vitality of Belfast.
"Linkages to Laganside will expand the city centre, while the mix of high quality retail developments, recreational and leisure facilities, as well as new city centre accommodation will create a truly 24 hour city.
"The Development Scheme for Victoria Square offers regeneration on a scale never seen before in the city centre and this is demonstrated by the broad political support, the support of Belfast City Council, the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Belfast Civic Trust and many others.
"The potential economic rewards are considerable; an investment of £250m creating 3,000 permanent jobs and 3,000 jobs during construction, as well as an annual rates income of £5.5m.
"Today’s announcement represents an important step on the road to securing these rewards. However, there is a long way to go yet. A number of significant issues remain to be resolved and the focus now shifts to the intending developer to put together a suitable package of proposals which address the financial, planning and other issues on which Government will need to be satisfied."
Mr Browne also announced that his Department would be undertaking a review of its regeneration policy for the City Centre retail area. He said:
"I am aware also of the need to look further ahead to see what scope there is for other Belfast City Centre locations to benefit from retail led regeneration. Therefore, in the next few weeks my Department will be launching a review of its regeneration policy framework for the City Centre retail area so that Belfast can benefit from coherent and sustainable regeneration in future years."
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