A key priority for the NI executive is to create a modern economy driven by business and targeted on higher value added and innovative products and services.
SIB is providing support for departments to make the best use of their physical and intellectual assets. This work has included supporting the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and helping identify new uses for the region’s forests.
We are supporting public sector reform by helping the Civil Service move from old offices on disparate sites across the region, to purpose-built and dedicated offices, where modern, open plan and flexible work spaces should promote the efficient and timely delivery of public services.
We are also supporting the development of tourism, which will also stimulate economic growth and create more employment in rural and urban areas.
Investment Strategy Milestones:
- a major review of surplus public sector sites by 2008, and with a view to identifying significant sites with industrial development potential across the region;
- by 2012 acquire and / or develop 200 acres of serviced land for Invest NI client companies in main hubs as defined by the Regional Development Strategy;
- completion of the Workplace 2010 contract in 2009, with investment to upgrade and modernise public sector accommodation and systems;
- helping the farming community into compliance with the Nitrates Directive by 2009;
- by 2013 £25m of public and private investment will be made in the fishing industry through the European Fisheries Fund Programme;
- support for 20 farm/agri-food businesses in a £10m scheme to create renewable energy from agri-food waste by 2014.
