06/11/2012
Maze Transformation Could Create 5,000 Jobs
Martin McGuinness has told the Assembly the transformation of the Maze prison site could create 5,000 jobs.
The deputy First Minister has predicted £300m could be invested.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has confirmed it will be locating to the site, Mr McGuinness said.
"The development corporation's key aim will be to maximise the economic, historic and reconciliation potential of the site and we are pleased to report that this is already under way through the confirmed relocation of the RUAS to the site in time for its 2013 agricultural show," he said.
"The 20 million euros EU-funded peace building and conflict resolution centre will also be constructed by 2015 and early indications suggest that the development of the 347 acre site could deliver an estimated £300m in investment with approximately 5,000 jobs created on and through the site."
He told the Assembly DUP man Terence Brannigan, who is also chairman of Glentoran Football Club, would be heading the group that will be managing the transformation of the site.
The Maze prison was a high security jail in which paramilitary prisoners were incarcerated during the Troubles. It was open from 1971 until 2000 and notably saw the deaths of ten men during political hunger strikes in 1981.
Mr Brannigan has promised a Conflict Transformation Centre on the site would not be a shrine to terrorists, following concerns from some politicians in Stormont.
It is intended to be an educational exhibit, where opinions on the Troubles and other conflicts can be exchanged and Northern Ireland's history revisited.
(IT/GK)
The deputy First Minister has predicted £300m could be invested.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has confirmed it will be locating to the site, Mr McGuinness said.
"The development corporation's key aim will be to maximise the economic, historic and reconciliation potential of the site and we are pleased to report that this is already under way through the confirmed relocation of the RUAS to the site in time for its 2013 agricultural show," he said.
"The 20 million euros EU-funded peace building and conflict resolution centre will also be constructed by 2015 and early indications suggest that the development of the 347 acre site could deliver an estimated £300m in investment with approximately 5,000 jobs created on and through the site."
He told the Assembly DUP man Terence Brannigan, who is also chairman of Glentoran Football Club, would be heading the group that will be managing the transformation of the site.
The Maze prison was a high security jail in which paramilitary prisoners were incarcerated during the Troubles. It was open from 1971 until 2000 and notably saw the deaths of ten men during political hunger strikes in 1981.
Mr Brannigan has promised a Conflict Transformation Centre on the site would not be a shrine to terrorists, following concerns from some politicians in Stormont.
It is intended to be an educational exhibit, where opinions on the Troubles and other conflicts can be exchanged and Northern Ireland's history revisited.
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2013
Orange Order Oppose Proposed Centre At The Maze Prison
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has welcomed the decision by the Orange Order to oppose the proposed Conflict Transformation Centre at the Maze Prison. Mr Elliott said: "The Ulster Unionist Party warmly welcomes this decision by the Orange Order.
Orange Order Oppose Proposed Centre At The Maze Prison
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has welcomed the decision by the Orange Order to oppose the proposed Conflict Transformation Centre at the Maze Prison. Mr Elliott said: "The Ulster Unionist Party warmly welcomes this decision by the Orange Order.
15 March 2013
Design Plans Unveiled For Maze Site Redevelopment
Alliance Lagan Valley Trevor Lunn MLA has welcomed the unveiling of the design plans for the redevelopment of the Maze site and the announcement that the DUP are giving their full support to it. Mr Lunn MLA said: "I welcome the news that the redevelopment of the Maze site has moved a step closer.
Design Plans Unveiled For Maze Site Redevelopment
Alliance Lagan Valley Trevor Lunn MLA has welcomed the unveiling of the design plans for the redevelopment of the Maze site and the announcement that the DUP are giving their full support to it. Mr Lunn MLA said: "I welcome the news that the redevelopment of the Maze site has moved a step closer.
03 February 2012
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
08 February 2010
Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
A controversial former Co Antrim prison facility is to be further protected. The Maze Prison buildings are to keep listed status, NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots has announced. Last year, Mr Poots' predecessor Sammy Wilson asked officials for permission to revoke the listed status given to the Maze hospital and part of the H-Blocks.
Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
A controversial former Co Antrim prison facility is to be further protected. The Maze Prison buildings are to keep listed status, NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots has announced. Last year, Mr Poots' predecessor Sammy Wilson asked officials for permission to revoke the listed status given to the Maze hospital and part of the H-Blocks.
19 April 2013
Robinson And McGuinness Welcome Maze Development
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have welcomed news that the peace centre planned for the former Maze prison site has been given the go-ahead. First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The regeneration of the 350 acres at the Maze site represents one of the biggest development opportunities anywhere in Northern Ireland.
Robinson And McGuinness Welcome Maze Development
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have welcomed news that the peace centre planned for the former Maze prison site has been given the go-ahead. First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The regeneration of the 350 acres at the Maze site represents one of the biggest development opportunities anywhere in Northern Ireland.