Other News In Brief

Catalyst Appoints New Head Of Estates And Development

Science and technology Hub Catalyst has appointed a new Head of Estates and Development.

Craig Stewart will maximise the potential of its physical property estate for both existing buildings and future developments.

Craig joins a 50-person strong Catalyst team based at Titanic Quarter, leading the estates department. Working closely with both community and facilities colleagues, Craig will focus on creating a positive experience for existing tenants as well as attracting new tenants into the estate.

Catalyst is an independent, not-for-profit organisation focused on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting transformative businesses and developing Northern Ireland’s tech industry.

Craig joins Catalyst with a wealth of experience in the property investment and development industry. Having graduated from Ulster University he went on to work at a number of well-known commercial property companies in Northern Ireland, managing a mixed portfolio of assets across the UK including office, retail, leisure and industrial industries. Craig became a qualified member of the RICS in 2010.

Mervyn Watley Director of Property and Community of Catalyst said: "Craig is joining us with key experience that will be invaluable in the future growth of Catalyst. He has shown real passion for the development of our innovative industries and thrives working with key city stakeholders. We are extremely delighted to have Craig join the team and are already seeing the benefits of his enthusiasm and experience."

Craig said: "At Catalyst we want to make it as easy as possible for our member companies to innovate and grow and so my job from a property point of view is to make that happen.

"I am looking forward to making a positive contribution not only within the Catalyst business but also the projects in Belfast and the North-West that I am working on. Growing the estate, delivering new buildings and creating jobs and investment into the economy is something that I will take great pride in being a part of. I’ve studied how the redevelopment of the waterfront was contributing to the urban regeneration of Belfast in the early 2000's. For my day job to now be part of that regeneration of this special part of Belfast is amazing."

Alliance Supports Muslim Community After Nazi Flags Erected On Lampposts

Alliance Diversity and Migration spokesperson Kate Nicholl MLA has offered her support to the local Muslim community after reports that Nazi flags have been erected on lampposts outside the Iqraa Mosque and School in Dunmurry.

She said: "This is a hate crime and must be treated accordingly.

"While I have no doubt these flags represent a minority view, we all have a responsibility to robustly and unequivocally challenge these actions and those that hold such dangerous views. This act of intimidation does not represent the local community, or the city of Belfast, which is largely a friendly, inclusive, diverse and welcoming city.

"Sadly however we are seeing a growing trend of islamophobia in Northern Ireland, with the Belfast Multicultural Centre being victim to arson attacks twice in the last few years. My office is also seeing an increase in casework related to discrimination, intimidation and hate crimes, and we will continue to support victims in seeking answers.

"To be intimidated, harassed, or attacked simply because of who you are, where you come from, or what you believe in is a fundamental wrong.

"I have reached out personally to the Iqraa Mosque to express my disgust and offer my support, and I understand that the PSNI's investigations are ongoing."

Improvement Work To Start At WwPS In Carrickfergus

NI Water is to start improvement work to upgrade Lower Woodburn Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS), located off the Belfast Road in Carrickfergus.

The £1.8 million project will see a complete overhaul of the existing underground pumping station with additional stormwater storage and screening facilities installed to provide environmental protection and reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding. The significant NI Water investment, which is being carried out as part of the Living With Water in Belfast Plan, will modernise the facility, support future development and help enhance the water quality in Belfast Lough.

NI Water project manager, David McClean, said: "Most of the work will take place within the confines of the pumping station site, where the existing underground tank will be increased in size, new valve chamber constructed and new screen installed. The existing building will be refurbished to house new mechanical and electrical equipment with other ancillary works undertaken to fully modernise the facility.

"There is limited space on site to locate the required machinery and carry out the construction work, while keeping the existing pumping station operational. For health and safety reasons, and in agreement with the local council, our contractor, Murphy Dawson WAM JV will close the adjacent beach access lane to cars and pedestrians while the main construction works are ongoing.

"Deliveries of materials will be required on a regular basis as there are no means of stockpiling materials at the site. A banksman will be on site to direct lorries coming into the site off the Belfast Road. As far as possible, deliveries will be planned outside of peak hours. Work is expected to get underway at the end of August 2023 and be completed in May 2024. Signage will be in place and a letter drop has been carried out to residents and businesses in the vicinity of the site. The beach access road will be reopened as soon as practicably possible.

"NI Water and our project team from TetraTech and Murphy Dawson WAM would like to acknowledge the valued support of the local council and thank the public in advance for their patience and cooperation as we prepare to undertake this essential upgrade. The team will strive to minimise the impact of these works on the local community and deliver these improvements in a safe, efficient, and timely manner."