The Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel today was the guest of honour at the ceremony to mark the laying of the first brick of the Hanwood Business Park, which is Phase 2 of the Hanwood Project, Tullycarnet. Also in attendance were Economy Minister Nigel Dodds MP MLA, Paddy McIntyre Chief Executive Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Deirdre Ryan International Fund for Ireland, Mayor of Castlereagh, Councillor Myreve Chambers and David Hassard, Chairman Hanwood Trust. A funding package of £979,091 from Castlereagh Borough Council, £871,035 from the International Fund for Ireland, £800,000 from the Department of Social Development (DSD), £300,000 from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), and land donated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) with a current value of £2 million has secured this major development.Phase 2 of the Hanwood Business Park comprises 25 offices for start up/business units. It is envisaged that the funding package will facilitate the creation and development of community businesses, social enterprise and the relocating of existing businesses. Phase 1 of the Hanwood Project is already completed, providing office space, meeting rooms and a 24 station IT suite. Phase 2 of the Hanwood Business Park will be completed by the end of August 2008. Phase 3 will develop a state of the art third generation floodlit synthetic sports pitch and community gymnasium. Phase 4 will consist of a filling station, mini market and four retail units.  The total cost for this substantial development will be in the region of £10-£12 Million.Speaking at the launch the Minister and former Chairman of the Hanwood Trust, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA said “I am pleased that EU funding in Castlereagh is being used to support economic infrastructure, thereby stimulating growth and developing potential in deprived areas.  The Hanwood project is an excellent example of this.“I commend the Council’s Economic Development Department and the Hanwood Trust for the substantial work they have carried out.“The 25 new units under construction have the potential to provide employment for up to 50 people.  It is important that we capitalise on new opportunities through a collaborative approach, as shown by the number of funding organisations involved in this project.”Economy Minister Nigel Dodds MP MLA said “A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the development of this project from all involved, and it is pleasing that the funding, including £300,000 from DETI, is available to allow this significant economic project for the Hanwood Trust to become a reality for the local community at Tullycarnet”. The Mayor, Councillor Myreve Chambers said “I am delighted to be associated with the launch of the Hanwood Business Park. This development is the result of the Council working with the local community and statutory bodies. It will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the Tullycarnet and wider Dundonald area. The Hanwood Business Park will also offer new social and economic opportunities for the local community, giving local people the confidence to implement their business ideas and to contribute to the regeneration of the Tullycarnet area.” Commenting on the Housing Executive’s involvement with the project Paddy McIntyre, Chief Executive said, “The Housing Executive has been involved in the Hanwood project since its inception.  I would like to pay tribute to the Minister Peter Robinson for his vision and commitment to this project and to Castlereagh Borough Council who have worked closely with us, the Hanwood Trust and other partners.This is an exciting and innovative project which will bring about positive change for the Tullycarnet area of Castlereagh. I can assure all members of the community of our continued commitment to assist in the regeneration of Tullycarnet estate, adding to the investment we have made over the years.The Hanwood project offers the opportunity to provide additional facilities for use by all ages in the community as well as bringing employment and economic growth which is essential in the development of a sustainable community.”Deirdre Ryan, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “Following earlier Fund support of almost £80k towards Phase 1 in 2003, I am pleased that the Fund has agreed further assistance of £871k to the Hanwood Trust towards Phase 2 for the development of business start up and retail units in Tullycarnet, East Belfast. Everyone involved with the Hanwood Centre project is to be congratulated.”David Hassard, Chairman of the Hanwood Trust commented “I am absolutely delighted for the people of Tullycarnet and Castlereagh.  The Hanwood Board, since its inception in 1997 has worked to tackle social and economic issues as highlighted in the Noble Indices specifically in areas such as unemployment, health and education. I would like to pay tribute to the former Chairperson, the Right Honourable Peter Robinson MP MLA for his vision, commitment and support in respect of this highly innovative project and also to past and present Hanwood Board members for their contribution and finally our main funders Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Castlereagh Borough Council, International Fund Ireland, Department Social Development, Department Enterprise Trade Investment.At the present time we have funding from Sport Northern Ireland and Better Belfast to assist in the development of Phase 3, which incorporates a state of the art third generation floodlit sports facility, four additional changing rooms and a fully operational community gymnasium. We are currently exploring a number of sources to address the potential shortfall in funding”.Although unable to attend the event Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA provided this comment “The Hanwood Business Park will offer new social and economic opportunities for the local community and the private sector; attracting further inward investment and I wish the Hanwood Business Park every success.”

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