Regeneration

The Agency has an Operational Objective to provide a planning framework for and support the implementation of physical regeneration projects. This support is provided by Divisional Offices who deliver an annual work programme linked to a service level agreement with the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Group (URCDG) of the Department for Social Development.

The Agency’s professional and administrative support to URCDG includes -

• assistance to community groups in the preparation of applications for funding, including economic appraisals and business cases;

• implementation and monitoring of schemes;

• administration of grant schemes; input to special studies;

• representation on regeneration groups and trusts;

• acquisition of development land; preparation of development briefs and assessment of development proposals;

• project management and monitoring; and,

• recovery of loans.

The demands made upon the Agency in relation to individual projects varies but overall, the Planning Service supports Community Regeneration & Improvement Special Programme/Community Economic Regeneration Schemes, Community Property Development Schemes, Comprehensive Development Schemes, Environmental Improvement Schemes and INTERREG II economic development measures. 

Other work undertaken by the Agency includes -

• advice to Community Groups seeking Heritage Lottery Funding;
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• representation on the Belfast City Centre Management Group which comprises representatives of the public, private and voluntary sectors and is charged with establishing a City Centre Management Regime for Belfast;
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• regular attendance at and provision of information for meetings of ‘Healthy Cities’ (Belfast and Derry), ‘People and Places Forum’ and ‘Forest of Belfast’, generally organised through the City Council; and 
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• involvement in major City Centre Retail proposals both in Belfast and Londonderry.