Public To Be Consulted On Development Of Key Prison And Barracks Sites

The North's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has announced a period of public consultation on the development of the former Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Army Barracks.

Launching the public consultation on the draft Masterplan, the Minister said: "Today is another milestone in our plans to redevelop the former Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Army Barracks.

"This is an important site for the future of this part of Belfast and for the regeneration of the city in general.

"It is important that the public, who have shown an interest in the Gaol in recent weeks, are able to have a say in how it is redeveloped in the future."

The Minister said that the consultation will include a number of public meetings to ensure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to make their views known.

"The draft Masterplan shows a range of exciting development possibilities for the site.

"It represents a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed and demonstrates the potential mix of business, tourism, leisure, public space, health, education and housing that could be accommodated."

Emphasising the importance of the consultation process, the Minister said: "The draft Masterplan is intended to stimulate open discussion and debate. I want to hear the views of the widest possible cross-section of people with an interest in the site.

"Exciting times lie ahead for this area. There is no doubt that the redevelopment of this site offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for physical, social and economic regeneration for the benefit of the entire local community and the wider city.

"We will require considerable courage and tenacity to make this vision a reality. If we are successful then this site, at one time, one of the most isolated and uninviting in Northern Ireland, can become one of Belfast's most vibrant and attractive places."