28 June 2005
EAST BELFAST INTERFACE TO GET £1MILLION IMPROVEMENTS
A £1million plan to improve an interface area in East Belfast was announced today by Social Development Minister David Hanson MP.
The developments will include the demolition of derelict houses, road improvements and landscaping in the Thistle Court and Madrid Street area which has suffered from community disruption in recent years
The Minister said: "These plans which have been drawn up by the Housing Executive after several years of research will transform the homes and living conditions for people in the area. Our aim is to bring about the sustainable regeneration of this area.
"Both communities have been fully consulted and have agreed with the proposals. When work has been completed the benefits will be evident to everyone. I believe this will be the first step in a new era for residents and the surrounding area."
Work on individual homes is expected to take almost a year to complete. Residents will have to move out of their homes on a temporary basis while this is underway. The Housing Executive’s District Office will liaise with residents at all stages of the process to ensure that they are able to return to their newly refurbished homes as quickly as possible.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Thistle Court consists of two-storey houses and flats built in the mid 1980s; while the traditional Victorian terraced houses in Madrid Street are more than 100 years old.
- Historically, community relations in the area were good but, after a number of high profile incidents in 2002, Madrid Street was closed to through traffic.
- Proposals include:
- Demolition of 12 vacant properties in Thistle Court and Madrid Street;
- Realignment of the existing roads and the provision of lay-by parking for the majority of residents;
- Major environmental works between Madrid Street and Clandeboye Gardens; this will act as a buffer zone and will also make the area much more aesthetically pleasing for both communities.
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