Economy Minister Dr has announced a £3.75m
investment which will see three buildings in North Belfast
transformed to provide community-based facilities including
expanded workspace for new and growing businesses.
The Department for the Economy has worked extensively with the
North City Business Centre to secure the £3.75m investment from
the UK Government's Local Growth Fund for 25/26 to enable the
purchase of three significant sites.
The buildings will add to the portfolio of premises that make up
the North City Business Centre and help stimulate
entrepreneurship, create new jobs, and expand community‑focused
facilities in one of Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged areas.
The Minister said: “This investment represents a powerful
commitment to the people of North Belfast. By securing these
three sites, we are laying the foundations for long‑term economic
renewal, job creation, and enhanced community
infrastructure. North Belfast has enormous potential, and
this acquisition ensures that local people and local businesses
will be at the centre of future growth. I look forward to
seeing these buildings become vibrant assets that support
opportunity, innovation and community wellbeing.”
The three buildings in North Belfast will provide expanded
workspace for new and growing businesses, with a focus on social
economy and community wealth building and will provide dedicated
space for community use. Working closely with North City
Business Centre the Department aims to ensure the investment
delivers sustainable and inclusive economic benefits.
David Williamson, Chair of North City Business Centre said: “I am
delighted to announce the acquisition of three new sites in North
Belfast, bringing North City Business Centre's total footprint
close to 200,000 sq.ft. With Government funding of £3.75m
and NCBC's own capital expenditure, this will amount to a
significant investment in the area over a number of
years. It is our intention to extensively refurbish and
restructure two of the sites to meet the specific needs of local
businesses, which will allow us to attract many new and growing
businesses and new local jobs to this highly disadvantaged
area. The development will also allow us to extend our wider
work in the area, in partnership with other community based,
public and private organisations to ensure the greatest local
benefit from this investment.”
Notes to editors:
1. Three properties have been purchased as part of this project:
- 220-256 York Street, Belfast
- Northgate Business Park, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast
- Units A and B Duncairn Business Park, 2 Edlingham Street,
Belfast.
2. The £3.75m allocated to the North City Business project forms
part the NI allocation for Pride in Place which will be delivered
through the Local Growth Fund.
3. Total project costs are expected to be in the region of £8m.
North City Business Centre will finance refurbishment of
buildings as well as part-funding the purchase of the sites.
4. North City Business Centre (NCBC) is a registered charity
governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and was established in
1991 to provide advice, support and accommodation for local small
businesses and a neutral venue in a heavily divided area. NCBC
exists to address enterprise creation and development, support
skills for employment and act as a catalyst for economic
regeneration. More information on NCBC is available at
https://www.north-city.co.uk/
5. NCBC has consistently been fully occupied and had ongoing
demand for enterprise space that they have been unable to meet.
The new development will address this need.
