The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) has expressed concern that the Department of Social Development has withdrawn £110 million of funding for Belfast City Centre's Royal Exchange as a result of budget cuts.

Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said: "As an organisation whose members champion town centre regeneration we are disappointed that funding for such a vital project as the Royal Exchange is being shelved.

-- Advertisement --

"While we fully understand the difficult financial situation Minister Alex Attwood is in, we would urge the Executive to support him by ensuring that town centre regeneration projects continue to receive funding from his department."

He continued: "Our town centres are under massive threat from over a dozen major out of town developments and so funding for projects that will create new jobs and attract more footfall for existing retailers is absolutely vital for the future of our town and city centres.

"Strong and vibrant town centres create new jobs and private sector investment which is essential if we are to move toward a sustainable recovery."

Up to 3000 construction and retail jobs were earmarked for creation as a result of the Royal Exchange project.

(NS/BMcC)