Concept plans for Crumlin Road Jail

Five urban regeneration firms have been shortlisted to create concept plans for the former Crumlin Road Jail and Girdwood Army Barracks in North Belfast.

All five will now compete for the job to prepare a master plan for the redevelopment of the site.

Announcing the appointments earlier today, Social Development Minister David Hanson, said: “The Department for Social Development launched an international competition in May to encourage principals of leading urban regeneration consultancies to express their interest in preparing a master plan for the site.

“I am impressed with the response and the quality of the applications submitted. The five companies selected will now use their imagination and experience to prepare concept plans outlining their ideas for a scheme that will truly transform the site. This is an important stage in the master planning process and in identifying how the full regeneration potential of the site can be realised.

“I want to thank Roy Adams and local members of the Advisory Panel for their constructive work to date in helping to advise on these issues.”

Roy Adams, Chair of the local Advisory Panel tasked with taking forward the master planning work, said: “The competition has attracted the interest of leading consultancies with the experience to make the most of this excellent opportunity.

“The five shortlisted companies will be invited to produce concept plans within eight weeks, following which a winning consultant will be appointed to prepare the master plan. The concept plans will form part of a public exhibition to keep local communities informed and to receive their views.”

Eleven consultancies initially expressed an interest and those meeting the eligibility criteria were considered for selection to progress to stage two. The selected consultants are:

Broadway Malyan Ltd, London

Building Design Partnership Ltd, London

EDAW Plc, London

KCAP, Rotterdam

Llewelyn Davies Yeang, London

A final selection process will result in the appointment of the consultant to prepare the master plan.

(EF/KMcA)