Physical Regeneration Awards

Economic decline and the legacy of violence in North Belfast have resulted in high levels of derelict land, brownfield sites and blight. Urban II anticipate that regeneration of pivotal areas could lead to local development, synergy and improved infrastructure.

Urban II's Measure 1.2 Providing Physical Opportunity has the following key objectives:

• To remove the worst effects of blight in inner North Belfast
• To use empty and derelict property for positive economic and social uses
• To use/develop the resources of vacant sites in inner North Belfast for the benefit of local people

The measure helps to rehabilitate existing buildings and support the construction of new buildings in the area.

A total of 25 relatively small-scale capital projects have been funded by Urban II to a total spend of circa £800,000. This facilitated a broad geographical investment in the upgrade and refurbishment of buildings and equipment resourcing to initiate or extend current community service provision. All projects are complete.

Three medium-scale projects were also funded. £128,000 was awarded to transform derelict land in North Queen Street into a multi-sports facility. 123 House received £91,000 to refurbish and improve the building, and Star Neighbourhood Centre were awarded £171,743 from Urban II, with match-funding of £101,640 from New Opportunities Fund, to renovate and provide a two-storey extension to the community centre in order to ensure modern, compliant premises from which to consolidate and expand existing service provision.

Community organisations were also invited to submit applications for large-scale projects. From 50 Expressions of Interest, 29 applications were received. Due to the high level of competition, demonstrated by requests in excess of £17m to an available budget of circa £2m, a shortlist of 9 projects were moved to Economic Appraisal and Business Plan. One application withdrew.

Three projects have been approved to date:

• Dockers Amateur Boxing Club - regeneration of a vacant site into a boxing club offering new and improved facilities.
• Lower Oldpark - regeneration of derelict land to provide an additional sports facility for landscaped area for the local community.
• Upper Ardoyne – purchase and redevelopment of derelict building to provide a purpose built facility for youth and community services.

Another award is currently awaiting ratification by the Department of Finance and Personnel.

For further information please contact Ciarán Shannon on 028 9075 2990 or email ciaran.shannon@nthbp.org.