Sports Ground And Resource Centre To Transform Sandy Row And Greater Village

14 February 2006
SPORTS GROUND AND RESOURCE CENTRE TO TRANSFORM SANDY ROW AND GREATER VILLAGE
A new multi-purpose sports ground and resource centre are at the heart of plans to transform the Sandy Row and Greater Village areas.
During a visit to the Donegall Road today, the Social Development Minister, David Hanson said that real progress is being made in the regeneration of the two areas.
David Hanson unveiled a package of measures designed to bring new life into the two areas including new housing in Sandy Row and the development of housing and new business units on a derelict site on the Donegall Road.
The Minister began his visit to the area by officially opening the Tree Project on the Donegall Road. This social economy project which is housed on a site provided by Belfast Regeneration Office will provide a timber recycling facility and create much needed employment and training opportunities for local people.
He also revealed that two thirds of the actions highlighted in the Sandy Row and Greater Village Reports published last year have been completed or are underway.
Emphasising that he was honouring a commitment he had made to return to the area, Mr Hanson said: "These two Reports lay a solid foundation to deliver real improvement and change. Over 200 of the 300 recommendations identified in them have now been completed or are underway. Only by having this clear plan of action and by working together with local residents will we be successful in making life better for those who live in these areas."
The Minister announced that H&J Martin had been selected to develop the former Disabled Care site, a key derelict site on the Donegall Road which had been acquired and marketed by Belfast Regeneration Office. In a Ł2.5m investment, the company will work with Belfast Improved Housing and the Greater Village Regeneration Trust, to build a mix of social housing as well as small industrial units on the site which will bring new life and business opportunities to the area.
Mr Hanson also said that a new Community Resource Centre would be built on Sandy Row by Ravella Properties Limited involving a partnership between Belfast South Community Resources and the private and statutory sectors.
In addition Department for Social Development (DSD's) Belfast Regeneration Office has approved funding for a new Ł650,000 multi purpose sports ground on a site beside the Charter Youth Club with support from Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and Belfast City Council. The housing stock also receives a boost with the announcement that over 230 new homes are being built or in the pipeline building on the Ł8million already invested by DSD in improving housing since 2000.
The South West Belfast Neighbourhood Partnership, which includes representatives from both areas, is making progress with an agreed framework document and work on action plans already in place. DSD is also investing in people to take forward regeneration in the area with Belfast Regeneration Office providing Ł500,000 to pay for 24 workers who are helping to improve conditions for people living there.
David Hanson said tackling deprivation is a challenge for everyone. He said:
"We have made a good start but there is still much to be done which will require the active engagement and involvement of local residents. This exciting package of initiatives will take time to complete but will ultimately bring real and lasting change to people in Sandy Row and Greater Village".
The Minister concluded: "The Sandy Row and Greater Village reports were never meant to be the solution to all the problems of these areas - but they are a solid foundation that will allow us to deliver improvements over the coming months and years."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
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