Newbuildings Business Park creates 10 new jobs

The development comprises of over 440sq metres of modern workspace in four units under the banner of Epworth Business Park, and was officially opened on Friday by the chairman of the IFI, Dr Denis Rooney. The IFI provided £300,000 for the project, with £200,000 coming from the NI Rural Development Council’s EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and a further £200,000 from the City Council.

Speaking at the launch Dr Rooney described Epworth Business Park as an “impressive development” and said it was a wonderful example of how a community could strive to create a better future for everyone in the area.

“It offers a truly shared space, and fits well with the Fund’s key objective to encourage Unionists and Nationalists to work, learn and live together as part of a shared future,” he said.

All four units have been let to local businesses, with the current tenants announced as Pure and Simple Coffee Shop, Room to Race, Perfections Hair and beauty Salon, and a dog grooming salon.

The chairman of Newbuildings Community and Environment Association, Kenny McFarland, said the official opening of Epworth Business Park was a milestone in the regeneration of the area.

“It is a testament to local residents, politicians and the funding agencies, whose vision and commitment ensured the successful delivery of these superb units that are already providing retail facilities and services for all sections of the community and creating local jobs,” he said.

Rural Development Council board member, Leslie Craig said the new facility was “a testament to how a community can identify local needs, develop a plan of action and, more importantly, implement that plan.”

Also at the official opening was the Mayor, Maurice Devenney, who sod the opening of the new business park was a significant boost to the local community and noted that the people of the area had campaigned for some time for investment in the area.

He described the units as “a vote of confidence for business development in the area”, and stressed that the council was committed to supporting rural communities in creating a shared space so that essential services could be delivered to people who lived and worked in the area.

“The council is pleased to be associated with this key community-based economic development project. This is a fantastic boost for newbuildings that not only provides facilities and services for the region, but also creates jobs and encourages further investment and development.”