Commenting at the Launch, Minister Ritchie said “This is a practical way of giving unemployed people a better chance of gaining jobs in Victoria Square and is a good example of partnership working between Government, BMC and the private sector to ensure that regeneration schemes like Victoria Square derive benefits for the whole community and result in opportunities for all”

Paul Sargent, Multi Development UK Managing Director added "Multi Development UK Ltd has always been committed to ensuring that the regeneration benefits derived from Victoria Square should be accessible to all members of the community. With 15 places on the retail course to be filled by unemployed people, this is a genuine opportunity for those removed from the labour market to consider their future employment and skills base. Multi is delighted that the retail programme is underway – I’m confident the pilot will be a success and will monitor uptake closely”

Brian Turtle, Director of BMC said “Our involvement as the training provider demonstrates Belfast Metropolitan College’s pivotal role in building individual careers and at the same time supporting retail employers in creating a world class workforce”