Colin town centre plan is launched

The launch of the Colin Town Centre public consultation report took place in Twinbrook, West Belfast, and featured speakers Minster Nelson McCausland and Education Minister John O’Dowd who pledged their support to the ambitious project.

The Colin Neighbourhood Partnership (CNP) together with the Department for Social Development (DSD) launched the report which captures the opinions of over 2,000 Colin residents and reveals what they want for their community.

Rose Mary Stalker, Chairperson of the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, explained: “It was always our aim to identify what the Colin community wants in their new town centre and over the past year our team undertook one of the most in-depth community consultations in recent years. This report shows that they want a new secondary school, better transport, additional retail provision, improved leisure services and public spaces, and an enhanced health centre. The exercise has overwhelmingly confirmed that the people of Colin are ready for a town centre that will meet their needs.

“The Colin Town Centre project has the potential to change lives for the good of everyone in this community. The cross departmental support this project has received is both overwhelming and inspiring and we would like to thank everyone who played a part. It now feels like we are ready to move forward with our plans to put a new heart in the Colin area.” 

Speaking at the event, the Social Development Minister said: “The Colin Town Centre proposals provide for integrated regeneration of education, health, retail, leisure, cultural and social services and facilities for the benefit of all in this area. The project meets several of the Executive’s Programme for Government priorities and I will work closely with my Executive colleagues to help deliver this significant project.”

Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “I would like to commend those involved in the extensive work that has been undertaken to develop these ambitious proposals.  I am heartened at the community’s clear support for primary and post-primary provision to be central to the regeneration of the Colin area.

“I am happy to support further engagement in the next stages of developing the proposals and my officials and CCMS will continue to work closely with colleagues in DSD.”

Welcoming the consultation, Health Minister Edwin Poots said:  “Colin is a prime example of how Departments and other sectors can work together collaboratively in an effort to break the cycle of poor health and disadvantage for the good of a community.”

The launch of the plan has been welcomed by Lisburn Councillor Brian Heading, who said: “The launch of this report is the first step in revitalizing the local economy, but it helps to highlight the economic and social needs of the local residents.

“I commend the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership for their work on this report and for making sure that the local community had a real voice in the outcomes of this report. The Colin area has had a long wait for this project, demonstrates what people power can deliver when given the right resources. A creation of a new town hub would be the catalyst for increased business activity and would give a real boost to local area.”

I will continue to support the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership in their ongoing work to improve the area. It is essential that government departments, residents and public representatives continue to work together for the benefit of people in the Colin area. ”