News
NI Executive Supporting Local Communities - Wilson
13 May 2010
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today highlighted the continued support of the NI Executive to local community projects.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to the Conway Mill Refurbishment Project in West Belfast to assess the progress of Phase 2 of the project. The project, awarded to H&J Martin Limited, is well underway and will be completed towards the end of 2010.
Minister Wilson said: “The refurbishment of Conway Mill is providing a base for a number of creative industries, artists, community groups and businesses, and will soon also provide additional space for a number of enterprise units, workshop spaces and artist studios.
“It is an example of the work of this Executive in supporting business activities within local communities. The investment at this site, part of the £1.7 billion estimated gross capital investment achieved in 2009/10, will provide employment opportunities for people within their own community.”
Following his tour, the Minister highlighted the importance of investing in activities that will benefit local communities.
Mr Wilson continued: “Whilst we can be justifiably proud of the record level of spend we are investing in capital projects across Northern Ireland, as Finance Minister I want to ensure this money is being spent in such a way as to best support economic growth.
“As we enter a more constrained financial position, we need to ensure we get maximum value from every pound we spend, and target it in such a way as to improve the standard of living for local people.
“That is what the Conway Mill project is delivering. Not only are we supporting the local construction industry at a very difficult time; we are also providing the local community with an economic and social hub that can help drive economic growth in the surrounding area.”
The Conway Mill Refurbishment Project has secured project funding in excess of £5.4million from a variety of sources, including central and local government. The Department for Social Development is the lead grant funder. Funding has also been provided by the International Fund for Ireland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council NI, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Conway Mill Community Enterprises, Conway Mill Trust USA, and the Special European Programmes for Peace and Reconciliation, managed by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
Pictured (l-r): James Neeson, Chairman of Conway Mill Preservation Trust, Minister Sammy Wilson, MP, MLA and Billy Martin MBE, Chairman of H&J Martin