Economic Development

Staff Contacts:

For enquiries relating to Economic Development please contact:

• Colin McCabrey, Economic Development Manager T: 028 9049 4516 or e-mail colinmccabrey@castlereagh.gov.uk



• Roger Warnock, Investment and Enterprise Officer T: 028 9049 4542 or e-mail rogerwarnock@castlereagh.gov.uk



• Leo Cochrane, Grants Assistant T: 028 9093 7413 or e-mail grants@castlereagh.gov.uk

Economic Development Strategy

Business Development (Urban and Rural):

• Business advice, support and funding audits
• Business Planning
• Business Development Programmes
• Business Diversification
• New Start Business Development
• Location and Industry Analysis
• Statistical Research
• Skills mentoring towards greater business efficiency

Funding:

• Availability of funding
• Advice and direction on the completion of funding applications
• Cross-border funding

Research:

• Local Statistics
• Community Information
• News & Events
• Property

Regeneration:

• Urban Regeneration Projects
• Social Development Projects
• Rural Diversification

Tourism:

• Tourist Information
• Development programmes for tourism related businesses and projects

Partnerships:

• COMET - A partnership of local authorities located within Greater Belfast Metropolitan Area. The partnership is a vehicle for collaboration on a range of policy, social, economic and environmental issues.
• ABC Committee - An initiative to 'turn the tide' of manufacturing decline and job losses in the East Belfast travel to work area. Membership includes representation form three local authorities Ards, Belfast and Castlereagh as well as members from the business and education sectors.
• Lagan Canal Trust - Through this partnership public and voluntary sector organisations work together to achieve the necessary support, funding and implementation works to restore the Lagan Canal for navigation
• Lagan Valley Regional Park - The Lagan Valley Regional Park was founded in 1967 with the twin objectives of conserving the landscape features and promoting its quite enjoyment by the public.

Current Projects / Initiatives:

• Lock Keeper's Cottage and Visitors' Centre (including the Lock Keeper's Inn) - The Lock Keeper's Cottage was featured in the BBC2 Restoration programme in 2004 and whilst it did not win, funding was secured for its restoration. The renovation of the cottage was completed September 2008, to coincide with the opening of the adjoining Lock Keeper's Cottage Visitors' Centre. This centre has interpretation and houses the Lock Keeper's Inn where food is served daily. The area surrounding Lock No.3 is also being restored by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure and Lagan Valley Regional Park.
• The Hanwood Centre - The Hanwood Trust Company Limited is a community enterprise, which aims to provide essential social, community, economic and physical renewal, providing support, facilities and services to the local community. The project was set up and is driven by the local community who are also its beneficiaries
• The NI Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013: Lisburn, Castlereagh and Belfast Council's have clustered to make a submission to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme. Funding will be made available for the following measures:
  
  Measure 1: Diversification into non agricultural activities
  Measure 2: Business creation and development
  Measure 3: Encouragement of tourism activities
  Measure 4: Basic services for the economy and rural population
  Measure 5: Village renewal and development
  
  
• DETI New Competitive Programme 2007 - 2013: Castlereagh Borough Council is working with Lisburn City Council to develop a Competitive Edge Programme and Innovations Network Programme to develop businesses within the area. Please contact Economic Development Services for further information on these programmes.