Congress presents local opportunity for property developers

Delegates to the International Development Research Council's (IDRC) World Congress have been shown that the partnership approach of Northern Ireland's central and local government can offer an unrivalled business opportunity for property developers and investors.

This is according to Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who was speaking at the conference, held in Belfast on Monday 12 November.

Welcoming the IDRC conference organisers and delegates to Belfast, Sir Reg said: "My Department, IDB and local authorities recognise that the ready availability of serviced land and adaptable buildings are essential requirements for successful economic development.

"In Belfast, the City Council has been at the forefront of exciting regeneration projects such as Laganside and the Gasworks which have helped to leverage substantial private sector property investment.

"As a direct result of this partnership thrust, the skyline of Belfast has been transformed in recent years and continues to develop as new high-specification office developments are erected to create space for companies in sectors such as financial services, software, network services, customer care centres and other e-businesses.”

The Minister said that the planned new Northern Ireland Science Park at Titanic Quarter and the proposed redevelopment of the former Mackie Engineering site adjacent to the University of Ulster's Springvale Campus would also offer investment opportunities.

Also present was Dr Alan Gillespie, Industrial Development Board Chairman. Dr Gillespie, in a welcoming address to Congress delegates on Sunday, said: "To exploit business opportunities in today's highly volatile markets, companies need to move swiftly – and that means finding or building suitable properties at the right price and in time. This is why our approach is based on partnership with private sector developers in the provision of suitable facilities for existing and potential industrial investors.

"IDB actively encourages the greater involvement of the private sector in the provision of buildings and serviced sites for manufacturing and international traded services projects.

"A key driver in this strategy has been a close working relationship with the Planning Service and local authorities such as Belfast City Council to ensure that land proposed for industrial zoning is strategically located, accessible and likely to be attractive to a private sector developer. (MB)