Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is For Us!

This announcement was welcomed by the Lower Shankill Regeneration Board who have been campaigning for the past three years for a regeneration process which brings real social and economic benefits to one of the most marginalised communities in Northern Ireland.

 

The current proposals were brought forward following a successful community campaign against plans developed by the Department for Social Development (DSD) to redevelop the periphery of the estate whilst leaving the interior – where residents live and play – in the unacceptable state is currently is. In October 2010, the DSD published its responses to a series of regeneration consultations and, when commenting on the Lower Shankill draft masterplan said, “It has become clear both from the public consultation events and the written responses received regarding the Lower Shankill Masterplan that there is a good deal of opposition to it in its current form…”

 

“In view of the local opposition recorded to the Masterplan and the ongoing NIHE proposals, the Department feels that it would not be appropriate to proceed with the Masterplan in its current form at this stage.  The Department will instead establish a working group to consider views on the most appropriate way forward, with community representation to be agreed.”  
 
All of the other four masterplans for inner city Belfast areas, where they had been no organised community campaign, went ahead.

Since then the LSRB have been engaged in a new process with Departmental officials and the NIHE. The current proposals have emerged out of this new process.

Ian McLaughlin, a member of the LSRB said, “Over the past decade the Lower Shankill community has undergone five failed masterplan processes. This has understandably led to a lot of disillusionment among residents. But it has also led to a lot of determination and a re-think about how our community organises for regeneration.”


“We take comfort from the visit and the willingness of the Minister to reverse the disappointments of the past. We look forward to constructive, professional and meaningful dialogue between DSD and our community to ensure the outcome will reflect the aspirations of all concerned. As a Regeneration Board  we will continue to play our part in ensuring that the whole of the Greater Shankill is included in future plans to regenerate our community.”


Stephanie Green, PPR development worker and independent Chairperson of the LSRB, welcomed the announcement saying “It has been a long and determined campaign by residents to ensure any economic development affecting their community brings real social progress to some of the most marginalised residents in Northern Ireland.”


“Residents been inventive in their campaign – forming the regeneration board, using Freedom of Information requests, trying to hold government accountable to the equality promises of the Good Friday Agreement, community organising, public protests and media campaigns, and importantly developing pro-active proposals based on best practice.”


“Today’s announcement is to be welcomed and we look forward to working in genuine partnership with the Minister to benefit this community. Today is not the end of a process, it is just the beginning - and the Board will bring the same determination and creativity to this process that it has displayed in the past.”


During the visit the LSRB presented the Minister with a Training, Apprenticeship and Employment proposal which aims to bring proper jobs to people experiencing long-term unemployment. The LSRB believe that such a proposal has the potential to bring real economic and social benefits to marginalised sections of the community during the current recession.


Click here to download LSRB Proposals Regarding Employment, Apprenticeships and Training Opportunities 


Click here to see PPR’s video ‘Procurement: Tools for Action – Making Economic and Social Change


Lower Shankill Regeneration
TIMELINE OF EVENTS


2007-2009
Department for Social Development (DSD) and others being developing plans for Lower Shankill without involving residents


May 2009
Lower Shankill Regeneration Board formed and ask to be involved in process and for the Equality Impact Assessment to be carried out prior to proposals being developed. Requests are denied.


July 2009
Lower Shankill residents protest outside of DSD offices.


August 2009
Lower Shankill Regeneration Board uses Freedom of Information to discover what decisions were being made behind closed doors. The Regeneration Board holds community workshops to inform and discuss with residents how the government proposals are failing to promote equality.


October 2009
DSD launch its proposals for the Lower Shankill.


November 2009 – February 2010
Community mobilises against the plan arguing that it doesn’t promote equality or address our needs. Hundreds of residents attend DSD consultation and LSRB workshops.


October 2010
DSD shelves its plans and says it now wants to work with the community. A new process is initiated involving DSD, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and relvant partners.


March 2011
Discussions break down when it became apparent that decisions about the regeneration were being progressed without the participation of the LSRB or residents.


June 2011
New Social Development Minister visits Lower Shankill community and confirms that first phase of redevelopment for 39 social & affordable homes in the Lower Shankill will be brought forward in current financial year. Guarantees are given that the LSRB and community will be fully involved in the development of proposals. Minister assigns an official to attend all Lower Shankill regeneration meetings in order to fully brief Minister on developments.