The Andersonstown Gateway Project Feasibility Study

Proposition: To explore the feasibility of creating a commercial hub within the boundaries of Kennedy Way, Glen Road and the Upper Section of the Falls Road.

The DSD recognises the need to provide an economic regeneration stimulus in the area which is described as the Andersonstown Gateway. The desire is to influence the future development of this important gateway through a number of 'opportunity sites' and possible 'change of use sites' which will raise the vision in terms of this area and provide real sustainable investment opportunities that will benefit all the people of West Belfast.

The DSD proposes to commission a study into the feasibility of developing a commercial hub in the Andersonstown Gateway Area

Background

1. The recently re-established devolved Executive has agreed economic development as its primary focus. It has been widely recognised both nationally and internationally that economic regeneration can support the wider regeneration of areas suffering from multiple deprivation.

2. All of the recently completed Neighbourhood Partnership Action Plans in West Belfast have pointed to the need to have more job creation and greater strategic focus on attracting investment into their areas. It has been recognised by the Neighbourhood Partnerships that economic regeneration is pivotal in closing the deprivation gap and raising the esteem of their areas.

3. The focus on economic regeneration supports the findings in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force reports. The Task Forces Report very clearly signalled the need to have a comprehensive approach to economic regeneration and recognised that West Belfast risked falling behind the rest of the City if inward investment and the growth of new and existing indigenous businesses weren't adequately addressed.

4. Following the recent decision by the Carvill Group not to proceed with the development brief for the Andersonstown Barracks Site an opportunity was identified for a more strategic approach to the Andersonstown Gateway Area which encompasses the Barracks Site. The original purchase of the Barracks site by DSD was for the purpose of shaping and attracting private sector investment to add value to West Belfast and its community. It was recognised that this was a site of key importance to the area lying as it does at the confluence of two arterial routes. The importance of the site could be enhanced if a more comprehensive economic regeneration approach was taken in the wider area. The views of the local community will be an important element in any decisions flowing from the feasibility study. Engagement with the local community both during the period of the study and following its findings will be achieved through a separate strand of activity.

The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council

5. The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council was established following a recommendation to do so in the Task Forces Report. Its purpose is to support enterprise and business growth throughout the West Belfast and Greater Shankill districts. To that end it is embarking on a concept planning exercise across West Belfast and Greater Shankill which will begin in the near future. An opportunity exists for a complementary study focussing in on the Andersonstown Gateway. Cooperation with the Council would mitigate either study operating in isolation and utilise the skills and experience of this local organisation which is charged with developing economic growth in the area.

6. The opportunity for closer working with the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council on this proposition and taking advantage of the greater local focus on economic regeneration should be explored.

The Andersonstown Gateway Commercial Hub Study

7. The purpose of the study will be to explore the feasibility of creating a commercial hub as a means to attracting sustainable investment into the Andersonstown Gateway area. The geographic parameters of the study area identified in the attached map, however there should be an open remit applied to all thinking on 'opportunity sites' or 'change of use sites'.

8. It will be important for the study to consider any previous relevant material and ongoing studies or consultation affecting the area. Any social, technical or infrastructure issues associated with the Study area or impacting upon it including new businesses or business failure should be considered. Among the possible site for consideration are:
   • The sewage treatment works at the bottom end of Kennedy Way;
   • The derelict service station at the bottom of Kennedy Way;
   • Unused properties and land in the Blackstaff industrial estate;
   • The redundant BCC utility site at the upper end of Kennedy Way;
   • The Andersonstown Barracks Site;
   • The Falls Bus Depot;
   • The Falls Park; and
   • The Gransha Shops.

9. The outcome from the study will be a set of strategic proposals which will be used as the basis for consultation, including those people in the immediate vicinity of the former Andersonstown Barracks site, on the Andersonstown Gateway Area and any of the sites within the geography of the study.