DSD To Urgently Review Regeneration Proposals Following North Street Arcade Fire

20 April 2004
DSD TO URGENTLY REVIEW REGENERATION PROPOSALS FOLLOWING NORTH STREET ARCADE FIRE
The Department for Social Development will urgently review the regeneration proposals for Royal Avenue/Cathedral Way area in Belfast City Centre’s North East Quarter, Social Development Minister, John Spellar, MP, said today.

Following the serious fire at North Street Arcade on Saturday night, the Minister said: "I have asked my officials to arrange an urgent meeting with the Planning Service in DOE and the developer, as soon as the full extent of the damage is known, to discuss the implications for their regeneration plans for the area.
"This is a tragedy for the traders and property holders in the area and I was very sorry indeed to learn of the distress, disappointment and hardship caused by this unfortunate fire.

"The Regeneration Policy Statement for Belfast City Centre, which I published just two weeks ago, identifies the North East Quarter of the City Centre, including the North Street/ Donegall Street area, as being in need of urgent regeneration."

Stressing his commitment to proceed without delay, with a retail-led development, the Minister said: "The North East Quarter is already one of Belfast’s most blighted areas and in the short term the results of the fire can only add to this. However, I want to reassure all those concerned, and in particular those who have lost their businesses or have had their property damaged, that I am determined to change the face of this area and to bring new life to this important and historic part of Belfast.
"As stated in the Regeneration Statement, my Department will urgently begin the appraisal process for this area, to be completed by the end of June."

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