Hanwood Jobs Boost On Way

Jobs are set to flow from an east Belfast business development.

The £2.7 million extension to Hanwood Business Park in east Belfast has the capacity to create scores of new jobs, its backers said.

Phase two of the Hanwood project in Tullycarnet has seen 25 units added, providing affordable workspace for community businesses, social enterprise and the relocation of existing businesses.

The business park is already employing 33 part-time and 41 full-time staff, nearly half of whom live within a five-mile radius of the facility.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his trade counterpart Arlene Foster were among the guests at the official opening and heard how Castlereagh Borough Council provided £961,120 of funding, with £871,035 coming from the International Fund for Ireland, £800,000 from the Department for Social Development and £317,971 from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The land, worth £2 million, was donated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The first phase of the Hanwood Project was finished in 2005, providing a community resource centre comprising of office space, meeting rooms and an IT suite.

Phase three will develop a state-of-the-art synthetic sports pitch, changing facilities and gymnasium while a further scheme will consist of a filling station, mini market and four retail units.

The overall cost of the development will be in the region of £12 million.

"Our Council motto is to 'Create and Conserve' and by supporting this project we have helped create business, jobs and local services as well as help conserve a prosperous future for the people who will avail of these facilities," Castlereagh Mayor Lawrence Walker said.

NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the fact that all 25 units at Hanwood were let in the economic climate demonstrated the demand for high-quality and versatile business space.

(BMcC/KMcA)