HOLY FAMILY PARISH BELFAST

Update (3) on the demolition of the closed church of the Resurrection & the future of the former parochial house & parish centre

16th/17th February 2024

Dear Parishioners

On 10th December 2023 I gave an update at Masses on the demolition of the closed church of the Resurrection and on the future of the former parochial house and parish centre and explained that an offer had been received from Radius Housing Association to purchase all three buildings on the Cavehill Road site. In order to get a sense of how parishioners felt about this, you were invited to consider a proposal and offer a response.

I would like to thank those parishioners who were able to respond and to assure you that responses received were treated in a confidential manner and will not be shared with anyone.

The Proposal was that the parish should proceed with the sale of the former parochial house, the closed church of the Resurrection and the parish centre to Radius Housing Association.

The result of the survey was as follows:

In Favour 70%

Against 30%.

It was a decisive result, with a significant majority of those who responded in favour of the proposal.

It was also clear from the responses by those who were not in favour of the proposal, that residents have understandable concerns about the nature of the development that Radius might propose for the site. By way of offering some reassurance, Radius, who already have a presence in the parish – operating the Fortwilliam Fold on Fortwilliam Park, will be keen to engage with residents and to listen. So, residents will have opportunities to shape what will eventually be developed on the Cavehill Road site. Residents will also be in a position to shape the final development that emerges through the normal planning procedures process.

One other area of concern that was expressed in responses received was regarding the scouts and what will happen to the unit with no parish centre. The scouts have made and continue to make a huge contribution to the lives of many and to the parish. As a parish community we will work with the scout leaders to try and find alternative accommodation, to ensure that the unit continues to thrive.

Thank you again for your assistance and continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Fr. Michael Spence