Ben Cook,
Regen.net,
30 July 2010
Plans to build a conflict resolution centre, a museum and an educational facility on the site of the Maze prison have been announced by the Northern Ireland Executive.
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness will table a motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly "at the earliest possible opportunity" to debate the plans for the Maze/Long Kesh site.
If the plans are approved by the assembly, a development corporation will be immediately constituted with a view to becoming operational within six months, the executive said.
The corporation will be responsible for the construction of a "Peace Building" – which will include a museum and a facility to educate people about moving from conflict to peace – as well as a conflict resolution centre.
The redevelopment of the 140-hectare site could potentially create 6,000 jobs, according to the executive.
McGuinness said that the executive would "shortly" submit an EU funding application for the project.
"It is anticipated that the centre will be a world class facility of international importance designed to strengthen our peace building expertise and to share our experiences with others throughout the world", he said.
McGuinness added that the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is expected to relocate to the site during the first phase of redevelopment.
Robinson said: "The site represents a unique opportunity to help revive our economic output in these difficult times. This announcement represents agreement on another one of the outstanding issues facing the Executive."
