Belfast Development To Create 2,000 Jobs

The North East Quarter of Belfast City Centre is to be the next area for major retail-led regeneration in the City, which will provide 1,000 jobs during construction and 2,000 jobs in retail and leisure when completed.

The announcement was made by Social Development Minister David Hanson. He said: “Following careful consideration of the proposals for the North East Quarter and the North West Quarter I have selected the North East Quarter as the next area for major retail-led regeneration in the City Centre based on proposals submitted by William Ewart Properties Ltd. Ewarts and their development partners are therefore preferred developer for the scheme which has the working title ‘Royal Exchange’.”

Ewart's envisage the scheme opening by 2011 subject to obtaining planning permission and meeting all other statutory requirements.

Mr Hanson said: “The North East Quarter from Royal Avenue to Donegall Street has been characterised by blight and abandonment with historic buildings crumbling from neglect. An area that once contributed to the life of the City Centre has deteriorated in physical, social and economic terms.

“Ewart’s development proposal for this area envisages a new beginning and a bright future with new shopping, city centre living, office space to attract creative industries and transformation of the Northern Bank at Four Corners as an arts venue. It's time to awaken the potential of these streets and buildings.

“Government has a straightforward role in all this: we have set the framework and context to encourage private investment. That is what we have done in Laganside and at Victoria Square and that is what we now propose to do at the heart of the City Centre.” (CD)