Context

Regeneration Context in South Belfast

To an outsider the traditional image of South Belfast is of an affluent area containing high cost housing and a professional class who are insulated from social and economic problems. In more recent times the disturbances surrounding marches in the Ormeau area present images of a deeply divided and embittered society. Both perceptions have a degree of validity, but in common with most perceptions they distort the true picture.

For example, social and economic deprivation is as acute in areas such as the Markets, Donegall Pass, Sandy Row and the Donegall Road as in other parts of the city. An Environmental Audit of Belfast confirmed that parts of Inner South Belfast presented lower than average environmental appearance, with many of the inner city housing areas being almost inaccessible due to the extent of commuter parking. An employability study commissioned by Belfast's five Area Based Partnerships, highlighted high levels of unemployment in the Shaftesbury and Botanic wards of the city.

Many communities throughout south Belfast have suffered greatly from conflict and civil disturbance, and from redevelopment, which has led to the outflow of population, disturbing the population profile and mix of once thriving communities. The remaining population has often found themselves cut off from the mainstream economic life of the city. People in these communities have experienced marginalisation and social exclusion. It is not just small pockets but whole communities that have been affected. The 1991 census figures indicated that South Belfast had a population of 55,741. The Robson study, commissioned by Making Belfast Work, found that 27,444 of these people live in designated Targeting Social Needs wards or areas. This represents approximately 49.25 % of the residents of South Belfast. This information has now been updated by the Partnership's Statement of Need and Annual Statistical Supplement.

While it is important to acknowledge both the degree and extent of social exclusion that exists in South Belfast, bare statistics and figures do not tell the real story of these communities. Until recently, south Belfast was acknowledged as having a weak community infrastructure. However, this is steadily changing. Forums in Sandy Row, Donegall Pass, Taughmonagh, Lower Ormeau and Markets, and Lisburn Road, have all grown up to galvanise and act as strategic mechanisms to direct the work of the many community groups that now operate in South Belfast. In the Donegall Road and Village areas, the Greater Village Regeneration Trust, with the Partnership's support, has developed a Regeneration Framework to underpin local improvement efforts.

These Forums have developed along side organisations like Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, Mornington Enterprises and Windsor Women's Centre, which have been development beacons in south Belfast for many years. Accompanying the development of this infrastructure, there has been a burgeoning of the leadership potential of many of the community activists who are involved in these organisations. Working closely with one another, sharing information and experience, learning new skills, they have provided direction and leadership at a community level to the process of tackling poverty, marginalisation and social exclusion. These organisations, and the progress that has been made to date, represent the bedrock upon which the Partnership's regeneration efforts are founded.