Plans to turn derelict land in east Belfast into a multi million pound business park were unveiled today.
The four acre site on the Ormeau Embankment will be transformed at a cost of £18 Stg million into high grade office space for 650 workers - and create more than 250 jobs during construction.
The scheme named 'Ravenhill Reach Business Park' will total 80,000sq ft, comprise 39 business units and, say the developers, create positive environmental landscape enhancements for the area.A planning application was lodged in January and the developers hope to begin the first phase of the development in early 2009.One of Northern Ireland's leading construction companies, Graham, is behind the project after being appointed by the Department of Social Development to develop the site following an open competition run by the department's Belfast Regeneration Scheme.Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, MLA, said the business park would bring both physical and economic regeneration to the area and bring a large derelict site back into useful use."The employment opportunities created and the investment improvement in the area will greatly benefit the people of east Belfast and I very much welcome the contribution that the scheme will make to the overall development of this part of the city," she said.Michael Graham, executive chairman of the construction company said the investment would provide a major boost for the area and provide the local community with real job opportunities.
PA