North Belfast Regeneration A 'Journey', Says Minister

Stormont Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has celebrated the success of the Urban II European Funding Programme in North Belfast, describing its success as a 'journey' rather than a 'destination'

The programme has assisted over 200 projects with £12.4m of funding.

It aimed to help regenerate North Belfast and had a number of notable successes including helping 25 projects upgrade and refurbish buildings and equipment.

Funding also assisted the Dockers Amateur Boxing Club construct a new club building and facilitated the development of the Social Economy sector in Inner North Belfast.


Minister Ritchie said: "The Urban II programme helped regenerate North Belfast into a more vibrant, safe and viable urban community for its people, environment and economy.

"Regeneration is a key priority for me, but it is not just about ‘bricks and mortar’. It is about making real and meaningful difference to the lives of people in disadvantaged communities. It is about Government and local communities working together. Urban II is a testament to this."

Ms Ritchie added: "Success is a journey, not a destination. The successful completion of the Programme marks an important step on our journey to create a better, more prosperous future for everyone in North Belfast."

Urban II funding was delivered on behalf of the Department for Social Development (DSD) by the North Belfast Partnership.

(PR)