SOCIAL Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the publication of the new Urban Regeneration and Community Development Policy Framework.
The Framework will determine the priorities for urban regeneration and community development policies and programmes over the coming years. It will shape the design of projects like Royal Exchange development, Public Realm improvements in town and city centres and support disadvantaged communities.
At an event to announce the appointment of contractors for the redevelopment of Bank Square Minister McCausland said: “It is very appropriate that I am announcing the publication of the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Policy Framework here in Bank Square today. This project reflects strongly one of the policy objectives contained in the Policy Framework namely to strengthen the competitiveness of our towns and cities.
“The work that will be carried out here in Bank Square will help to create a vibrant shared space which can be utilised and enjoyed by all. It will contribute to the economic regeneration of the Westside area and of the wider city centre. Modern cities require initiatives like this which improve the quality of urban design and townscape thereby improving their attractiveness to residents and visitors alike.”
The Policy Framework has been organised around four objectives which aim to provide the foundation for addressing the underlying structural problems of urban areas and help in the creation of confident, competitive and connected communities.
The Framework is designed to focus on results on the ground. This will be done by placing outcomes ahead of process; drawing on a sound evidence base; responding to the priority needs of the community; and improving the co-ordination and integration of public services.
Copies of the Framework are available from the Department’s website at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/ur-
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The DSD’s Urban Regeneration and Community Development Policy Framework for Northern Ireland sets out for DSD and its partners, clear priorities for urban regeneration and community development programmes. The purpose of the Framework is to create an over-arching context within which the Department’s policies and programmes will be formulated, monitored and evaluated.
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