A substantial new extension to North City Business Centre was officially opened today (21st February 2008) by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland. The business centre bridges the peace line between New Lodge and Tigers Bay and has the potential to create in excess of 100 new jobs for the area. The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland, which has contributed £500,000 to the scheme, and project facilitators North City Business Centre Limited, which raised £431,000 towards the development. Speaking at the official opening, Denis Rooney, said: “This extension will not only make a strong contribution to cross community relations in this interface area but will have a real and lasting impact on the long term economic prospects of North Belfast.“The first phase of North City Business Centre opened in 1994 on the New Lodge side of Duncairn Gardens and has proved a catalyst for peace building between the communities it serves. Phase two, on the Tigers Bays side of the road, was completed in 1995. “The construction of these new units, which marks phase three, all partly funded by the Fund will enable North Belfast Business Centre Limited to continue its vital work in providing business units which are used by both sides of the community and where political opinions are left firmly at the door.” Situated in Duncairn Gardens, the business centre provides 10 new units spanning 12,000 sq ft. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the offices, Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said: “Small businesses make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy and it is hugely important that we continue to develop sustainable and innovative indigenous enterprises that can achieve export success."It is such pioneering companies that provide the employment opportunities and wealth creation needed for the economy to grow.“In recent years, a number of companies in North Belfast have demonstrated how access to sound practical advice has helped them to progress and become more enterprising. This new facility will ensure that NCBC continues to provide a quality support service to businesses in the North Belfast area.”Chairman Irvine McKay welcomed all to the official opening of the new phase to be called the McCorry Building and commented: “With almost 100% occupancy and a vibrant business we continue to contribute to the fragile economy of North Belfast. We have much to be proud of here at North City Business Centre, and as a result of this development and the funding received we have brought meaningful jobs to the area, not only in the many excellent companies located within North City Business Centre, but in the other companies that have chosen Duncairn Gardens as the location for their business or organisation”.                   North City Business Centre is currently occupied by 42 tenant companies and organisations from both sides of the community who employ up to 1500 people in businesses as diverse as Biometrics Software Technology to nail treatments under the franchise of New York City Nails. Since 2001, North City Business Centre Limited has supported the creation of over 350 new businesses in North Belfast.

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