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Conway
Initiative
Conway
Mill is a unique model of community-led social and economic
regeneration providing a range of services to combat
the effects of prolonged social, economic, cultural
and educational disinvestments in West Belfast
There
are 52 tenant organisations based in the Mill complex
today employing approximately 110 people in a wide range
of activities. They consist of 20% community projects
such as Conway Education Centre, 40% small and medium
sized enterprises mainly in manufacturing and servicing
sectors and 40% creative industries including art, craft
and Irish film production.
Conway Mill has always operated an open door policy
and intends to continue with this policy ensuring equal
opportunities for all. However, as a result of the history
of the project, many individuals and groups, which have
experienced social and/ or economic exclusion and discrimination,
have chosen to establish their initiatives within the
mill.
Many
of these individuals are ex-prisoners and women wishing
to return to education or set up small enterprises.
It would be our intention, within the refurbished buildings,
to establish small cluster groups, which could network
and support each other in developing their businesses.
The
benefits of the project will be:
It
will act as a positive sign that the peace process
is working and that the promises of economic dividends
are being realized.
Improved
working conditions and provision of additional space
for small and medium sized businesses;
The
development of retail and office space, which will
support the regeneration of the area and boost the
vitality of the site.
Improvement and expansion of the educational facilities
and provision of greater open space for community
activity;
Development of the creative industries through the
creation of infrastructure and support services so
increasing the economic potential of the sector.
Improved utilization of the site to enable a balance
to be reached between commercial and subsidized space
(community usage) so that the project can be sustainable;
The conservation of an important heritage site; and
That Conway Mill will act as a catalyst for the social
and economic regeneration of the immediate area and
beyond.
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