11 June 2003

BROWNE SIGNALS PROGRESS ON VICTORIA SQUARE DEVELOPMENT

Des Browne, MP, Minister with responsibility for Social Development today gave notice that his Department is minded to make the Vesting Order to acquire properties in Victoria Square. This will make way for one of the biggest retail led generation projects of its type in Europe and the creation of over 3000 new jobs.

A final decision to vest will, however, not be made until further careful consideration is given to representations received by the Department in response to an interim decision statement sent to all interested parties today.

Mr. Browne said: "The importance of the development of Belfast City Centre is reflected in the strong support of Belfast City Council and the business community for the Victoria Square Development.

"I am minded to make the Vesting Order in the interests of the people of Belfast and the whole of Northern Ireland. I am confident that the Department for Social Development will secure a viable and vibrant development scheme in Victoria Square within a reasonable period of time. In the interests of openness, transparency and fairness, I am now inviting further views before making a final decision.

"Before coming to a final decision, I have set aside a 28 day period to allow interested parties to express any views on this interim decision on vesting. These views will be taken into account before a final decision is made. The announcement provides a clear signal that the Department for Social Development is nearing the end of the statutory process. A final decision should be made in the late summer or early autumn once my Department has carefully considered any further representation."

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