Concerns of residents of inner city North Belfast about the University of Ulster’s move to the area are to be discussed at a meeting between local community leaders and representatives from the university next week. Senior figures from the university will meet with community representatives from areas like Carrick Hill and New Lodge on Monday (April 16) over the university’s plans for the £250 million development of their new campus at on York Street.
Community reps have already expressed their fears over a range of issues from housing to job creation for locals.
The University has assured local residents the move will bring benefits to the people of inner North Belfast and beyond.
The plans will see the Jordanstown campus move to the North side of Belfast city centre and will house the 15,000 full and part-time students and staff of the university.
Frank Dempsey from Carrick Hill Residents Association says Monday’s meeting will be the last opportunity for local people to raise any concerns they have.
“This is the last opportunity for community groups to have their say and get across what their fears and concerns are,” he said.
“We have welcomed the move but we have to ensure that we get it right and that is why this meeting is very important.
“It is important, especially for the people who live in the inner city area of North Belfast, because the University move is going to have a huge impact in terms of parking, parades, housing, job creation and more.
“The fears of the people need to be allayed and this meeting will provide an opportunity to do that.”
“The University of Ulster has been engaging with a variety of community organisations in recent weeks,” said Professor Alastair Adair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Communication and Development at the University who will be at the meeting.
“As part of that, we are working with Carrick Hill Residents Association to discuss all aspects of the Belfast campus development including the educational benefits and social enterprise opportunities that could flow from it as well as providing residents with a chance to raise issues of concern.”
