Speaking after visiting the North Foreshore with site manager Susan Quail of Belfast City Council, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson said,
“I was very interested to hear of Belfast City Council’s proposals to regenerate the North Foreshore area in Belfast. What was once our main waste landfill site can now be re-developed into something for the whole community of Belfast to enjoy. Located just 3km outside of the city centre the site boasts 340 acres of useable space.
“Belfast City Council’s plan is to transform the site into a development opportunity for businesses as well as the community. They have proposed creating an environmental business park, creating space for environmental technology, resource management, recycling and renewable energy businesses. It is estimated that this would bring approximately 800 new jobs to the area, and would respond to growing concerns about climate change. The second strand of regeneration aims to create a new world-class public park for Belfast, along with a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the M2 motorway to gain access. This would include a visitor’s centre, festival space, children’s play area, cycle ways and paths, sports pitches and changing rooms and cafés.
“I welcome these plans and will certainly support Belfast City Council’s bid for EU funding for the building and maintenance of this exciting regeneration project.”