West Belfast regeneration project is primed for business

The £1.6 million ‘Top of the Rock’ community and economic regeneration project in West Belfast has been hailed as a “prime example of what can be achieved” when government and local communities work in partnership.

Speaking at the official opening of the ‘Top of the Rock’ development, Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow described how the project illustrated his Department’s commitment to urban regeneration in action.

He said: "This fine building embodies the key concepts of sustainable community regeneration. It is a durable and tangible symbol of what can be successfully achieved when funders, community and government work together seeking to address the problems of social disadvantage."

The European Commission Director-General for Regional Policy Guy Crauser was also present at the official opening of the building, which comprises retail units, a café, a creche facility, a jobs education and training centre, an IT training suite and office/business space.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Crauser said: "The Upper Springfield Development Trust ‘Top of the Rock’ Project is exactly the type of project that European Funds are delighted to support. The projected commercial and community facilities will create jobs and at the same time enable people of the area to work and live together in harmony which will make a practical and important contribution to the peace process."

Denis Power, Chairman of the Upper Springfield Development Trust, paid tribute to all those who had brought a dream into reality. He said that the flagship development built on wasteland was a major boost for the community. (SP)