Make progress on Maze or opportunities may be lost

4.37.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Jun 2009

Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn

Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has stated that urgent progress is needed on the redevelopment of the Maze as opportunities may be lost if there are further delays. His comments come as it appears a Development Corporation will be created for the Maze site. He also commented on news that Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has asked officials to consider whether the listed status of buildings at the Maze could be revoked.

Trevor Lunn MLA: "Following the cancellation of the stadium plan, the existing Maze masterplan is redundant and the anchor project has been lost. Apparently a Maze Development Corporation is going to be created by OFMDFM. This is a welcome move but much overdue, as something of this nature should have been put in place a long time ago. I hope the corporation will be created quickly and be given the power to act decisively. Lisburn and Northern Ireland needs action.

"The RUAS, as far as I know are the only prospective substantial occupants of the site, and they cannot be expected to wait forever. They need clarity particularly in terms of the proposals for road and rail links.

"Infrastructure is a massive concern and we need to address it urgently. Without the stadium, will the necessary expense on infrastructure be allocated, and if not, will the RUAS be prepared to commit to a site without improved access?

"The Executive has to get on with re-developing the Maze and people must not be side tracked by issues regarding the listed status of the buildings. Why at this time has this issue come up? Is this another nail in the coffin for the conflict transformation centre? It is largely irrelevant in terms of the urgent need to move the development proposals forward.

"Time is of the essence because we do not want to lose the opportunity that the RUAS presents for the Maze - it will not last forever. I would implore OFMDFM to expedite these measures so that Lisburn is not left waiting any longer on the future of this massively important site. "

ENDS