To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work her Department has undertaken alongside the UK Government to confirm the programme of works, following confirmation of £3.75 million investment into North City Business Centre from the Local Growth Fund.

As part of the £3.75 million investment in North Belfast, my officials engaged extensively with North City Business Centre (NCBC) on plans for development of the three sites. A significant amount of work has been completed to enable the purchase of three sites, including a business case, legal due diligence and a grant funding agreement. The next phase of work, which has been agreed with NCBC as part of the grant funding agreement includes design and renovation work, letting of space and finalisation of proposals for community use.

A North Belfast Community Steering Group has been established to consider the community uses of the former Northgate site. This group met for the first time on 22 April and will continue to meet in to coming months to inform development.