Menu
24/05/2010
Housing Passes To Attwood In Bass Visit
The SDLP's Alex Attwood has taken control of housing matters in NI - an occasion marked by a visit today to the newly regenerated Bass Brewery site in west Belfast.
Mr Attwood took over from Margaret Ritchie today as the new minister for Social Development at Stormont, following a post-election reshuffle by the nationalist party.
One of his first tasks was to view 'work-in-progress' at the former Bass Brewery site in west Belfast.
He saw a £25m investment underway which will see the site transformed with 166 new homes and office and retail accommodation being built.
The new Minister also revealed that Clanmil Housing Association, who are constructing the site, will build these homes to 'Code IV standard', making this site the largest energy efficiency social housing site in Northern Ireland.
In kick-starting the regeneration, the new Minister said: "The Bass Brewery was here for around one hundred years creating much needed employment in the area. It was very disappointing to see the brewery close.
"But now we need to move on, with regeneration and put back something special for the people of west Belfast.
"I welcome the opportunity to invest in much needed new top quality homes, plus offices and shops. And I am pleased that these homes will include an even higher degree of energy efficiency, 44% more than before.
"This will make the Bass Brewery site the largest most sustainable and energy efficient social housing scheme under construction," he said, noting his thanks to his predecessor Margaret Ritchie "for her foresight in ensuring that this multi million pound transformation could happen".
"I now take up the baton, not only for this site, but for the many other exciting initiatives in the New Housing Agenda," he said.
The new Assembly Executive Minister also thanked the NI Housing Executive and Clanmil Housing Association for their roles in bringing the scheme forward.
Welcoming Minister Attwood in his new role, outgoing Minister - and now Westminster MP - Margaret Ritchie said: "I wish Alex every success as he takes over his new ministerial role. He is a very able successor.
"A lot has been done in housing and regeneration, but there is much more to do. This new site at the Bass Brewery will be a tremendous boost for the area, not just in the houses and shops, but also in the jobs in the construction industry to make it happen. "
The Bass Brewery site on the Glen Road in West Belfast, was completed in 1897 but closed its brewing facility in 2004.
(BMcC/GK)
Mr Attwood took over from Margaret Ritchie today as the new minister for Social Development at Stormont, following a post-election reshuffle by the nationalist party.
One of his first tasks was to view 'work-in-progress' at the former Bass Brewery site in west Belfast.
He saw a £25m investment underway which will see the site transformed with 166 new homes and office and retail accommodation being built.
The new Minister also revealed that Clanmil Housing Association, who are constructing the site, will build these homes to 'Code IV standard', making this site the largest energy efficiency social housing site in Northern Ireland.
In kick-starting the regeneration, the new Minister said: "The Bass Brewery was here for around one hundred years creating much needed employment in the area. It was very disappointing to see the brewery close.
"But now we need to move on, with regeneration and put back something special for the people of west Belfast.
"I welcome the opportunity to invest in much needed new top quality homes, plus offices and shops. And I am pleased that these homes will include an even higher degree of energy efficiency, 44% more than before.
"This will make the Bass Brewery site the largest most sustainable and energy efficient social housing scheme under construction," he said, noting his thanks to his predecessor Margaret Ritchie "for her foresight in ensuring that this multi million pound transformation could happen".
"I now take up the baton, not only for this site, but for the many other exciting initiatives in the New Housing Agenda," he said.
The new Assembly Executive Minister also thanked the NI Housing Executive and Clanmil Housing Association for their roles in bringing the scheme forward.
Welcoming Minister Attwood in his new role, outgoing Minister - and now Westminster MP - Margaret Ritchie said: "I wish Alex every success as he takes over his new ministerial role. He is a very able successor.
"A lot has been done in housing and regeneration, but there is much more to do. This new site at the Bass Brewery will be a tremendous boost for the area, not just in the houses and shops, but also in the jobs in the construction industry to make it happen. "
The Bass Brewery site on the Glen Road in West Belfast, was completed in 1897 but closed its brewing facility in 2004.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
