Prison site to be transformed

FOLLOWING the appointment of Terence Brannigan as the new Chairman of the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation, the First Minister, Peter Robinson said the former prison site will be transformed.

He said: “The Development Corporation, under the leadership of Mr Brannigan, will be tasked to maximise the economic development potential of this valuable regeneration site. Challenges lie ahead particularly given the economic climate we now find ourselves in, but it is imperative we grasp rare opportunities such as the regeneration of Maze/Long Kesh to aid growth and promote prosperity.

“I am confident that the experience and skills mix of the Board members will help transform the site,” he added.

The Deputy First Minister, Martin Maguinness said everyone was committed to the redevelopment of the site.

“We are committed to maximising the economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site for the benefit of all sections of our community here and further afield,” he said.

“In recent months it was pleasing to see the relocation of the RUAS to the site and the award of EU funding to help build a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre on the site.

“As plans progress, the regeneration of the former prison site will send out a powerful, physical signal highlighting how society here has been transformed and regenerated is moving beyond conflict,” concluded Mr Maguiness.