South Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey has welcomed Ministerial confirmation that work on the redevelopment of Windsor Park and the neighbouring Olympia leisure centre is progressing very well and will not be delayed due to pressures caused by the by the current economic climate.

Mr McGimpsey said:

“I asked the Sports Minister to outline the total investment by her Department and Belfast City Council in the redevelopment of Windsor Park and the adjacent Olympia leisure centre site.

“In light of the current economic climate and in particular the pressure on public finances, I particularly welcome the Minister’s announcement that the construction notice for the Olympia leisure centre programme has been secured, and that the project will be launched in partnership with Belfast City Council later this month.

“This key site will be redeveloped as a partnership between DCAL, Belfast City Council and the IFA and includes an investment of £2,750,000 from the IFA budget to this partnership with Belfast City Council and should be completed around autumn 2016.

“I was also encouraged to hear the Minister say that work is progressing very well on the redevelopment of Windsor Park and that “provided significant delays with any unforeseen circumstances are avoided, the Windsor Park development can remain on programme, with completion of construction works planned for November this year.”

“This is indeed welcome news for Northern Ireland football fans who will be hoping that the Stadium can be completed even sooner so that as many fans as possible can attend the vital European Championship qualifiers against Hungary in September and Greece in October.

“The redevelopment of Windsor Park and the Olympia leisure centre is a welcome boost to the Donegall Road and Village areas and I am convinced it will act as an economic motor for an area that has been sorely neglected for too long.”