BBC

Life in north Belfast over the last 40 years has been dominated by sectarian clashes, division and suspicion. But an opportunity for a huge inner-city development, described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the area, has brought those previously divided communities together. Many people living in the Shankill, New Lodge, Crumlin Road and Oldpark areas suffer from severe economic deprivation, low educational attainment, high unemployment and poor health. As the trauma of the Troubles gradually ebbs away, thoughts have turned to the future and how best lives can be improved. In 2005, the government announced that the Crumlin Road gaol and recently closed Girdwood barracks would be regenerated in a £230m project including housing, health, tourism and educational developments. Since then, the future of the 27 acres has been gradually brought into focus by a range of consultations between the North Belfast Community Action Unit, an office which works for the Department for Social Development, and a range of community groups.