WIN Refurbishment Project – 18 December 2009

Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here in the WIN Enterprise Centre today to officially open the refurbished Block A building, and the new updated conference and training facility.

This building, and the surrounding complex represent a massive success story created out of adversity. When the Reckitt and Coleman factory closed in 1974 with the loss of 400 jobs it was a disaster for the then town of Newry which already had the highest rate of unemployment in Europe. However the people of Newry were determined to overcome this setback and the Newry and Mourne Co-operative Limited, which had just been established 2 years earlier, embarked on a major a major campaign which raised £60,000 - a considerable sum in those times of recession. This enabled to Co-operative was able to acquire the premises and provide an opportunity for the people of the area to generate employment. And now, just 25 years later, the WIN Business Centre now provides accommodation for 70 businesses employing around 400 people.

The Newry Enterprise Agency has now firmly established itself into one of the most highly respected social economy enterprises in Northern Ireland. It has been instrumental in delivered a number of programmes on behalf of Newry and Mourne District Council including the Peace 1 and Peace 2 Programmes, and has also managed the Heritage Lottery funded urban regeneration programme in Lower Canal Street Newry, brokering funds from private and other public sources to restore derelict buildings. It is currently a major partner in the Neighbourhood Renewal programme delivering 2 important programmes - the Work 4 You and the Newry Integrated Spatial Information System (ISIS) which are funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund at a cost of £250,000.

Against this backdrop, I was concerned to learn that the condition of the Block A building had deteriorated to a state where it was no longer considered fit for purpose. This had the potential to affect the sustainability of the 20 businesses operating from this part of Centre and indeed 4 premises had already been vacated as a result of the leaking roof. I was delighted, therefore, to provide funding of almost £250,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, towards the £273,000 needed to provide a new roof and refurbish the conference room and adjacent training suite. The provision of the new roof will ensure that small indigenous businesses have suitable premises from which to trade, develop and flourish.  

I have made it clear that supporting economic development and sustainability are key factors in reducing and eradicating deprivation.  This project will bring many benefits to all of the people of this area.  There is an inextricable link between deprivation and economic inactivity and this refurbished facility provides an opportunity for local people to develop and fulfil their employment and self employment future.  The refurbished conference facilities will allow people to meet, discuss and realise their ideas.  Successful economic development generates confidence, and will be a catalyst for attracting further development and investment from other sectors, notably the private sector.  

In conclusion I would like to pay tribute to the Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency for the role it is playing in terms of the regeneration of Newry. I would also like to acknowledge the role of the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, and it’s Chairman Gerry O’Reilly, who had the foresight to include this project in its action plan for regenerating the area. I would also like to thank the statutory partners including Newry and Mourne District Council, the Housing Executive, the Southern Regional College, the Southern Area Trust and the Southern Education and Library Board for the part in which they are playing in helping to deliver Neighbourhood Renewal in Newry. This project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through the voluntary and community sector working in partnership with government and local authorities to help create employment opportunities within the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

By the end of this financial year my Department will have invested a total of just over £5 million on a range of projects in the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I believe this demonstrates my determination to address decline in the area. I have great confidence that by working together we can continue to deliver the vision of those 600 people from across Newry and Mourne who had the courage of their convictions and were prepared to invest in the future of their area. And finally, I would like to wish each of you a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.