Two new "urban village" projects have been announced for Belfast and Londonderry.

Part of the 'Together: Building a United Community Strategy', first announced in 2013, the Markets, Sandy Row and Donegall Pass areas of Belfast are to be transformed along with the Bogside and Fountain area of Derry.

Introducing the new projects, Junior Minister Jonathan Bell said: "The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to continue to improve good relations throughout Northern Ireland and the 'Together: Building a United Community' Strategy makes real and tangible commitments to build a united, shared and reconciled society.

"The Urban Village project is designed to tackle dereliction and decay within our urban communities, tackling the low social capital that can create instability and disengagement, improving community confidence and securing the necessary foundations to foster better community relations within and between communities. Through this targeted physical regeneration we can improve the life experiences of communities, created happier, healthier and more peaceful future."

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Junior Minister Jennifer McCann also added: "This announcement is a key milestone in our vision for what urban villages can achieve. It brings our total number of planned urban villages for the North to four as originally envisaged, with one additional Urban Village being expected to be also announced in the near future. By creating these urban villages the Executive is offering a real opportunity for residents to shape and influence their areas, building social cohesion and improving local amenities, based on what they see as the local priorities.

"Through local input and involvement, we will help bring the local community together to work on enhancing their areas to deliver for all residents. I look forward to seeing the transformation of these areas take shape."

A project team will be set up for each of the new Urban Village areas. The project teams will engage and work within the community in the areas to assess needs and develop priorities for each of the urban village areas.

(MH/IT)