Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has revealed ambitious plans for the regeneration of the Girdwood Park former military base. Minister McCausland said: "I am delighted to announce, with my fellow political representatives, an ambitious renewal agenda for North Belfast with my Department's concept plan for the regeneration of Girdwood at the heart of this.

"The neighbourhoods of North Belfast are close to Belfast city centre and yet have not benefitted from the investment achieved in other parts of the city. It is time to change that by accelerating regeneration in this area. The Girdwood concept plan aims to build investor confidence in North Belfast and to give families in the area a brighter future.

-- Advertisement --

"They said that this area was too divided to ever come together around an agreed plan for shared development at Girdwood. Today I'm glad to say that the political representatives in this area have united around a common purpose to bring regeneration to this area. We're sending a powerful message that positive change is coming to North Belfast."

The DSD concept plan for Girdwood provides for the regeneration of the site to deliver a range of shared development opportunities to support social, sports, economic and residential development. The site will provide: a multi-use pitch for football, gaelic and rugby; an indoor sports arena; a commercial building to house a range of business and social economy enterprises; and, residential development.

At the heart of the site is a community hub with the potential to provide a wide range of facilities including: community and leisure; educational outreach; jobs and training; community policing; health facilities; shared space programme; a social economy café and public realm with community garden; and, a wireless internet hub.

(MM)