Jobs plan with city regeneration

The plan involves the Carrick Hill area of Belfast

A plan to regenerate an area near Belfast city centre has been unveiled by the social development minister.

Margaret Ritchie said the north-side framework had the potential to create more than 800 homes - 20% of which will be social housing - and 1,700 jobs.

Lying north-west of Royal Avenue, it includes the Browns Square, Carrick Hill and Library Quarters areas.

Ms Ritchie said she would commit an initial £5.5m of public money to an investment fund for the area.

The area connects the communities of north-west Belfast to the city centre.

"In taking forward the regeneration of this area we propose to promote it as the 'Belfast Northside Urban Village," she said.

"This framework marks towards the revitalisation of Belfast City Centre as a leading European regional capital city.

"This framework sets out a brighter future for the Northside of Belfast City Centre.

"Throughout the long years of the Troubles, Belfast suffered from depressed expectations and low aspirations. Now we have a growing economy with minimal unemployment; and, a society that people want to come to - not get out of."

She said the department would be seeking a developer or group of developers and hoped to attract private investment.

A consultation period runs until 30 June.

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Laura Lyon reports