Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy are seeking to appoint a 'preferred developer' for a major development site at Smithfield in Lisburn City centre.

The development site consists of the existing surface car park and was identified as part of the Lisburn City masterplan, published in September 2010.

Minister McCausland said: "This development site offers a unique opportunity to regenerate this part of Lisburn and to help complete a retail circuit at Lisburn Square,

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encouraging more shoppers to this part of the city centre. The masterplan proposes redevelopment of the existing pay and display car park with the intention of introducing an anchor store."

Minister Kennedy said: "This is an exciting project which will facilitate much needed private sector investment and economic activity in Lisburn, as well as the creation of jobs in the construction and retail sectors. It is an excellent example of how collaborative working, between two government departments, can produce real benefits for the community."

The process to appoint a developer to acquire the site and deliver the scheme, as laid out in the development proposal, will commence shortly. Interested developers will be

asked to submit bids to purchase and develop the site before a ‘Preferred Developer’ is selected. It is envisaged the successful developer will be appointed by summer 2012.

(CD)