Belfast district unveils community-led regeneration plan to tackle local dereliction

The plan identifies around 65 vacant and derelict sites and properties, many of which have remained unused for decades.

“While vacancy and dereliction present a significant and ongoing challenge for the Greater Shankill, they also offer real potential for positive change,” the plan said.

Despite the wealth of land available, the plan identifies several barriers to delivering good-quality homes and calls for financial support to encourage development and “innovative wastewater solutions” at a neighbourhood level.

Housing is a key concern in the Greater Shankill area, with residents reporting old, damp and overcrowded homes and a severe shortage of suitable properties for older people, families and young people.

“Private rentals are costly and poorly regulated, while social housing is limited and inconsistently maintained,” the plan said.  

According to the strategy, the population of Shankill has declined significantly, with the steepest drop occurring between 1971 and 1991, though some neighbourhoods are showing early signs of recovery.

The Shankill Local Action Group used the CraftKit framework developed by the Ministerial Advisory Group’s Living High Streets initiative to produce its community-led plan. It follows a successful framework developed in Downpatrick in 2023.

Billy Drummond from the Shankill Local Action Group said: “The... report is a key milestone for BUILD Shankill in lobbying for physical regeneration and investment in the Greater Shankill.

“Through the DfC CraftKit process we have consulted extensively across all our neighbourhoods to inform this community-led plan.

“The essential part of any plan is delivery, and we look forward to our continued work with statutory partners to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that this plan sets out.”

Gordon Lyons, Northern Ireland’s communities minister, said: “I am pleased my department has supported the delivery of Shankill: A Plan to Grow. This is a genuine community-led approach to placemaking, ensuring that local people are at the heart of shaping change in their area.

“With strong community leadership, committed partners and a clear vision for the future, the Greater Shankill is well positioned to build a more sustainable, resilient and thriving community.”

Grainia Long, chief executive of the NIHE, said: “This type of community development activity is inspiring and the level of collaboration taking place is an excellent model for future work.

“We wish the Shankill community every success on their journey and we will continue to use our expertise to help facilitate positive activity in the time ahead.”