Long hails green light for 'ground-breaking' Titanic project

3.17.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Oct 2007

Alliance East Belfast MLA Naomi Long

Alliance Deputy Leader and East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has strongly welcomed the announcement on the Titanic project, stating it has the potential to push Belfast towards the top the tourism league. She did however underline the need for the project to provide adequate social housing. Planners today gave the green light to the 2,000 home project which is to have the Titanic Signature Project at its centre.

Naomi Long MLA said: "I strongly welcome today's ground-breaking announcement. Obviously the Titanic Quarter project will provide a massive opportunity for the whole city and the community.

"The potential that goes with the Titanic Quarter will push Belfast right up the tourism league and give the local community a massive boost. This scheme also has the potential to extend the city centre and broaden the scope of the whole area.

"This project must have adequate provision of properly integrated social and affordable housing as a cornerstone of its plans. Everyone, from every background should be able to benefit from this exciting project. This must be a shared space and its potential must be fulfilled.

"The Titanic Signature Project will build on the proud industrial heritage of the East of the city. It will help provide a positive future for the area and will hopefully create a large number of employment opportunities.This landmark project has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of Belfast.

"The Minister must now ensure that the project runs on a time frame which will enable it to capitalise on the spin-off tourism from the Titanic's Centenary and the London Olympics, which both come in 2012."

ENDS