Closure of the Gaol and Girdwood

The Crumlin Road Gaol closed its doors for the last time in March 1996. It had been in use since Victorian times.

Since August 2003 the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has been responsible for the site of the Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Barracks. Our unit, North Belfast Community Action Unit, was then set up to manage the work that will be carried out.

In 2005 the government announced that Girdwood Barracks would be bought by the Department for Social Development.

Minister for the department David Hanson MP said

‘Development of these sites can provide a major boost for the whole community in North Belfast, and the wider city.’

The two sites are now the responsibility of North Belfast Community Action Unit. We will be working with local people to make sure that these sites create:-

• new jobs;
• new opportunities; and
• deliver real benefits to the communities of North Belfast.