One of Northern Ireland's most deprived areas is set to benefit from a massive regeneration project under plans unveiled by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council (WBGSEC).

A number of projects have been put forward in a masterplan published by WBGSEC called Think Transformation which aims to rejuvenate the economy of an area containing one third of Belfast's population. Three of the main projects outlined by the masterplan, drawn up by Colin Buchanan and Partners and Doherty Architects, have been designed to make use of the Belfast Hills to the west of the city.

Plans include the establishment of a Destination Centre on Black Mountain; Fernhill House complex, incorporating a new hotel and museum; and and Enterprise Hub in nearby parkland. Another scheme will see the development of a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) Quarter on Falls Road. WBGSEC chair, Padraic White, said: "We in the Enterprise Council wish to encourage imaginative thinking about such regeneration initiatives and the nature and scale of investment needed to transform West Belfast & Greater Shankill into a vibrant economic area playing its part in a vibrant Belfast city."