Ulster Unionist Culture Arts & Leisure spokesperson Michael McGimpsey has welcomed today’s announcement that Planning Permission has been granted for the redevelopment on Windsor Park, Northern Ireland’s National Stadium and expressed his hope that it acts as an economic driver for regeneration in the surrounding area of Donegall Road and the Village.
The South Belfast MLA said;
“The granting of planning permission for the redevelopment of Windsor Park is as welcome as it is overdue.
A new National Stadium for Northern Ireland’s national game will at last deliver state of the art facilities for supporters of the National team and ensure that we meet UEFA and FIFA standards.
In addition to providing a shot in the arm for football, we must do all we can to capitalise on the boost which large stadiums can bring to their surrounding areas. We must seize this opportunity to use the new stadium as an economic driver for the Village and Donegall Road areas which constitute some of the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.
I look forward to work commencing on the Stadium as soon as possible and to my seat to cheer on the Northern Ireland side once building work is completed.”