€36m investment in west Belfast

A £26m (€36m) overhaul of a former engineering complex in west Belfast could create more than 700 jobs, it was claimed today.

British Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson made the prediction as he announced the creation of a new business park at the old Mackies engineering site on the Springfield Road.

Mr Pearson said the project, which was being spearheaded by Invest NI, fulfilled key recommendations made by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill task forces.

“The new park will provide modern infrastructure, a high quality working environment and almost a quarter of a million square feet of business and industrial space.

“This offers the capacity to attract up to 770 new jobs,” he added.

The regeneration scheme is being supported by the EU Peace Two programme.

The site will accommodate around 220,000 square feet of business and industrial space designed to be suitable for local and foreign investment.

Mr Pearson praised the dedication of west Belfast community representatives, who he said were the driving force behind getting the project off the ground.

“We recognise that there is still much work to be done and we are still closely engaged with the local communities on some outstanding issues.

“However I am confident that today’s announcement, together with the recent establishment of the new Employment Services Board, will play a key part in improving the economic prospects of the people of west Belfast,” he added.

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams called on Invest NI to act on the recommendation of the task force reports to ensure that the investment created as many jobs as possible for the people of the area.

“At present north and west Belfast are two of the most deprived constituencies in the six counties, with high levels of unemployment and a growing youth population.

“I believe we need to realise the potential of this investment,” he added.