9 October 2003
MINISTERS LAUNCH NEW COMPANY TO REGENERATE THE NORTH WEST
ILEX Urban Regeneration Company Ltd, the new company which will stimulate investment and regeneration in the Derry City Council area, was officially launched today by John Spellar MP, Minister with responsibility for Social Development and Regional Development, and Ian Pearson MP, Minister with responsibility for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Ilex is taking the lead in driving forward the wider economic, social and physical regeneration of the Derry City Council Area.
Welcoming the launch of Ilex Mr Spellar said: "As a local organisation, Ilex, in partnership with government, the city council and the private sector is uniquely placed to drive forward the regeneration of this city. Potentially 80 acres of land could be available for development around the riverside alone, not to mention the development opportunities available at strategic sites elsewhere in the city.
"The Fort George site is one of the key sites which must be developed within the regeneration framework for the city, and there has been a strong view that the site is best developed under Ilex. I am pleased to announce that the Department for Social Development and the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commission have reached agreement in principle on the purchase and I have now sent this important case for urgent economic appraisal.
"This investment, if confirmed, will be a call on the Integrated Development Fund. Critically it will enable the site to be developed strategically to the benefit of the city in tandem with Ebrington. It will also enable the Commission to proceed with a much needed investment programme.
"This is evidence of the major role which government is willing to play. The challenge for Ilex however is to harness local energy and capability, set clear goals to transform the city and secure the necessary complementary investment from the private sector to make this happen."
Recognising the need for a modern and efficient infrastructure Mr Spellar said: "Government is fully committed to tackling the infrastructure deficit throughout Northern Ireland and the North West in particular. In a context of decades of under investment and financial constraints getting the balance right between investment priorities is a challenge for all of us.
"Real progress is being made but more needs to be done and I believe Ilex can play a major role in achieving that. Facing up to hard choices on priorities and working in partnership across all sectors will be critical to success."
Setting out the priorities for the new regeneration company Mr Pearson said:
"The Company’s immediate priority is to work with the Ministry of Defence to ensure a smooth handover of the Ebrington site. I can confirm today that the planned date of handover is 12 December.
"The production by Ilex of a master plan for the city will form the framework for the company’s future work. Developed in consultation with the Civic Regeneration Forum and other key interests, it will provide a clear view of the strategic priorities for the city.
"In recent years substantial progress has been made in regenerating this historic city. Building on this progress will take time, however I am confident that Ilex will be a beacon of the government’s Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, not only for Londonderry and the northwest, but also for all of Northern Ireland.
In a clear message that government is supportive of the social, physical and economic regeneration in the Derry area, Mr Pearson confirmed that he will shortly consider an initial bid from Ilex as part of the Integrated Development Fund pending the fully developed comprehensive master plan that Ilex is developing in partnership with all the key stakeholders and interests.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information, please contact Paddy Cullen, tel 07850 187134, or Colm Shannon, tel 07887 682272.
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