25/06/2009

Belfast 'Village' Boosts Economy

The newly-built Social Economy Village in west Belfast can help to stimulate economic growth in the local area.

That was the message from NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, as she welcomed the official opening of the new 13,200 square foot development in west Belfast, today.

The Social Economy Village was developed by Work West at a total cost of £1,385,876. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) provided support to the project with EU Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) assistance of £496,959. Significant funding of £493,959 was also secured from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

The Minister said: "The creation of six new workspace units at the Social Economy Village has the potential to create up to 36 jobs.

"It can also help encourage local entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth in the local area," she said, noting this social enterprise development and its associated job creation opportunities are a welcome and encouraging boost.

The workspace development, off the Glen Road in west Belfast, is one of over 40 projects across Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)

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