Jobs boost as Dairy Farm plan gets thre green light

The announcement was made by Environment Minister, Edwin Poots who described it as a 'further positive outcome in support of the Northern Ireland economy.'

The application was submitted in April 10 2009 by JP Properties and designated as a major application under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991.

It is not known when the work will go ahead but it will involve the demolition of the existing buildings on the site and the construction of approximately 14,399 square metres of gross floorspace.

It will provide a 6,503 square metre for a superstore and a net retail floorspace of 4,552 square metres, comparison units and Retail Service Units. There will also be a petrol filling station and kiosk, office units and space for other uses including a gym and library.

Mr Poots said: "This is a welcome investment boost for the area providing 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs on completion. The new development will see the current centre replaced by a much-needed high-quality modern development for the area.

"When complete, the new Dairy Farm Shopping Centre will not only provide permanent employment opportunities but it will also benefit local businesses by providing quality premises close to main transport routes, a further positive outcome in support of the Northern Ireland economy."

John McIlhone of J P Properties said the go ahead is good news for the area. "The redevelopment will have an immediate impact on job creation as it is estimated that the build will take approximately 24 months to complete, providing up to 200 construction jobs," said Mr McIlhone. "This is excellent news in an area that has 42% of the unemployed in the Lisburn City Council area."

The scheme also includes the retention of the existing library. It is the seventh major planning application approved by the Environment Minister in the past 12 months.

Centre Manager Sean Toal said: "This approval marks the beginning of an exciting new future for the Dairy Farm Shopping Centre and we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to what will become the main shopping and community hub within the area."

Local Councillor Brian Heading said: "The news that this redevelopment project has been given the green light is most welcome and will be a great lift to the local economy.

"This redevelopment will transform the Dunmurry area and will provide a much needed jobs boost for the greater Lisburn area as over 300 permanent posts will be created following the construction of this state of the art retail centre."