A new leisure and housing development in west Belfast could create 900 jobs, Social Development Minister Alex Attwood said.

The development on the Glen Road will include shops, leisure facilities, and private and social housing.

Minister Attwood said he had appointed property consultants GVA Grimley in association with Aecom and Berwin Leighton Paisner to develop proposals for the area.

Mr Attwood said development on Glen Road had previously been unco-ordinated. “We now have an opportunity to take a holistic approach and create a new |neighbourhood in west Belfast, drawing on modern, sustainable design principles,” he said.

“All of the key landowners in the area have engaged in the process being led by my department, and it is their agreement that will give this project real impetus.”

Geraldine McAteer, chief executive of the West Belfast Partnership Board, said the development was a “key milestone” for the site between the Monagh bypass and also Hannahstown Hill.

“Imaginative proposals for the site will result in the construction of a new urban community and new urban space with a proportionate balance of housing, community facilities, business, and infrastructure,” said Ms McAteer. “The development framework provides an opportunity to ensure this site will be a sustainable development, with 21st century energy and broadband provision.”

The framework is due to be |unveiled early next year.