22 March 2005
SPELLAR ANNOUNCES NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL PLAN FOR BELFAST
The need for comprehensive and integrated regeneration initiatives to tackle concentrations of multiple deprivation and social exclusion in our society has never been greater, Social Development Minister, John Spellar MP said today, following the publication of the final Implementation Plan for Neighbourhood Renewal in Belfast.
He said: "The development of this final Implementation Plan involved extensive consultation and debate. The views and opinions expressed by key stakeholders, including the voluntary and community bodies and political parties, have played an important part in shaping this document which sets out the vision for Belfast.
"The document provides the necessary spatial framework to help co-ordinate and connect the policies of a range of agencies that share a common concern for local development and regeneration.
"It highlights the need for Neighbourhood Action Plans to be developed and delivered within local areas, targeting those communities experiencing the most serious economic and social deprivation."
The final Plan has 13 Neighbourhood Renewal areas in Belfast - in Inner East Belfast, South West Belfast, Greater Shankill, Lower Falls/Clonard, Upper Springfield/Whiterock, Crumlin/ Ardoyne, Inner North Belfast, Inner South Belfast, Tullycarnet, Rathcoole, Lenadoon, Colin and Upper Ardoyne/Ligoniel.
Early work has already commenced to establish Neighbourhood Partnership Boards in each of these areas and this will be done with the assistance of the Belfast Area Partnership Boards who have a significant role to play in this process.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Department for Social Development published People and Place, the Government's Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, in June 2003. Its aim is to close the gap between the quality of life for those living in deprived neighbourhoods and the quality of life enjoyed by the rest of society.
- The Strategy sets out the principles that will guide the Department for Social Development's approach to tackling deprivation over the next 10 years. The draft Implementation Plan for Belfast was published in January 2004.
- The Plan for Belfast is one of three plans being finalised. The other two plans cover Londonderry and Regional Towns and Cities outside of Belfast and Londonderry.
- Belfast Regeneration Office's (BRO) proposals for the implementation of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in Belfast have been subject to extensive consultation. The views and opinions expressed during that process have informed the preparation of the final Implementation Plan. The consultation process for the Implementation Plan consisted of written responses and seven area-based workshops.
- The Implementation Plan can be accessed on the DSD website at www.dsdni.gov.uk. Hard copies will be available in the coming weeks and can be obtained by contacting the Belfast Regeneration Office at Brookmount Buildings, 42 Fountain Street, Belfast, BT1 5EE (tel: 028 9025 1989).
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