One of the borough’s largest undeveloped industrial sites could finally be put to productive use with Invest NI awarded funding for a feasibility study to be carried out at Mandeville in Craigavon.
Local political representatives have welcomed the move which could lead to future development and the creation of vital new jobs for the area.
Both Ulster Unionists and Sinn Fein have responded to the award and believe it will be hugely beneficial for the borough as a whole.
Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Nelson welcomed an allocation of £13.292 million in capital funding through the Local Growth Fund, including support to progress design and feasibility work at Mandeville.
The £7.1 million allocation directly to Invest NI will also support innovation and research and development programmes, alongside early-stage work to help unlock the potential of the site.
Said Councillor Nelson: “I warmly welcome this investment by the Finance Minister John O’Dowd and, in particular, the inclusion of funding to progress work at Mandeville.
“Mandeville is approximately 95 acres of undeveloped Invest NI land in Craigavon and is therefore a key economic asset for Craigavon with the potential to attract new businesses, support expansion and create good-quality local jobs.
“This is a positive step forward, but it is important that momentum is maintained. I will be engaging with the Department and Invest NI to ensure the next stages are progressed as quickly as possible and that there is clarity on the delivery timetable.
“We now need to turn this investment into a developed site, new businesses and real opportunities for local people.”
Ulster Unionist Cllr Julie Flaherty BEM and Cllr Kyle Savage have also welcomed the money for Invest NI to “begin design and feasibility work” on the Craigavon site.
Both said the investment is an important step towards unlocking a long-identified site for economic development.
Cllr Savage, Chair of ABC Council’s economic development and regeneration committee, said: “Mandeville is one of the largest undeveloped industrial sites in the borough, at a time when space for business growth is urgently needed.
“We now need all agencies to work together to address infrastructure barriers and keep momentum going.
“This is about jobs, investment and supporting local people, and we will continue to push for it to be treated as a priority.”
The councillors said they will continue to engage with Invest NI and partners to ensure the work leads to a clear development plan for the site.
Cllr Julie Flaherty added: “Mandeville is a key strategic site for Craigavon, and I welcome this progress and recognition that it must now move forward.
“It also has personal significance for my family, as my grandfather was one of the landowners involved in the creation of Craigavon New Town.
“This is part of our local history, but also a chance to deliver on the original vision for jobs and opportunity.
“We need to turn long-standing potential into real progress, and this funding is a step in that direction.”
