First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have officially opened the Skainos project on the Newtownards Road, Belfast.

The aim of the Skainos project is the creation of a new shared space 'urban village' in inner East Belfast. The development is located on the Newtownards Road between Dee Street and Templemore Avenue.

Funding for the project has come from a variety of sources including, EU Peace III Programme (£6.1million), Department for Social Development (£5.4million), International Fund for Ireland (£3million), East Belfast Mission (£1.2million) Oaklee Homes Group through DSD Housing Branch (£4.2million) and Skainos £750,000.

Speaking at the official opening the First Minister said: "The work taking place here is an excellent example of how, in many areas, local people can lead the way towards building a more united and shared society. I have no doubt that this project will succeed in bringing together people with very different histories and diverse backgrounds – because Skainos is reaching out and connecting with the spirit of our times.

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"The Executive's Programme for Government commits us to work towards creating a sense of unity across our neighbourhoods and the new Community Relations Strategy will show how we will advance that agenda, with specific commitments and actions."

This village, built round a specially created new street with a village square, will model new approaches to economic activity, training and education, access to services, housing and community interaction which not only includes the traditional communities in Northern Ireland but the new ethnic minority community in East Belfast.

The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "The Skainos project is a great example of effective community relations. Local people tackling local issues in a spirit of partnership and collaboration. Projects like this do not just happen. They require people who have a desire to make a difference and also financial backing to make things a reality. Everyone involved in this project is to be commended.

"The Executive is committed to providing leadership on improving good relations. The Programme for Government underlines this by giving a firm commitment to build a united and shared society. The key building block for achieving this will be a robust and effective good relations strategy."

The Skainos Project involved the demolition of a number of buildings to create a purpose built, flagship development specifically designed to serve the needs of the wider East Belfast community.

(CD)