AQW 39508/11-15
Mr Jim Allister KC
Traditional Unionist Voice
North Antrim
Tabled Date: 28/11/2014
Answered On Date: 08/12/2014
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development what propriety interest his Department has in the premises at 148-152 Springfield Road, Belfast where Clonard Residents' Association operates; and if it historically had such an interest, what is the history of his Department's involvement with the premises and any transfer of interest relating thereto.
Answer:
An examination of existing records shows that the Department for Social Development took a lease on the first floor of the building at 148 to 158 Springfield Road, Belfast on 30th October 1999. A right of way through the ground floor entrance and stairs is part of that lease. The lease was taken at a peppercorn rent from Arthur Rooney and Anthony Rooney trading as Rooney Brothers. Clonard Residents’ Association occupies part of this premises and sub-lets part to another community group, Clonard Neighbourhood Development Partnership. Given the time that has elapsed since the development of 148 to 158 Springfield Road in 1999, limited information remains on the process by which DSD came to have a lease on the premises. It is clear, however, that the Department’s original intent in part-funding the development, approving a grant of some £280,000 to Clonard Residents’ Association in 1998, was to provide a 999 year lease to the Association for the first floor at a peppercorn rent for its use and to let for income. All relevant policy, procedural and value for money approvals were obtained in the course of the appraisal of the project. It would appear that in the absence of agreement between the Association and Rooney Brothers the Department took the lease as a temporary measure to complete the development of the premises. The Department has initiated discussions with the property owners and Clonard Residents’ Association to consider the reassignment of the lease on the premises to Clonard Residents’ Association.
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