13/03/2012

Calls Made To Protect Belfast City Centre

Belfast traders have called for an urgent meeting with government ministers in a bid to protect the future of Belfast's city centre.

The Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce want to protect what they brand as the city's most iconic streets - Donegall Place and Royal Avenue- the group claim that without urgent attention the "future of retail in Belfast is bleak".

Heading up the initiative Joe Jordan, President, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce said a five point plan has been drawn up by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce to address the issues.

Mr Jordan said: "While there has been much positive news recently, particularly with the Belfast Streets Ahead initiative and plans for the Northwest quarter and University of Ulster coming to Belfast, there also needs to be an urgent focus on regenerating Belfast’s most iconic retail district.

"The city has come on leaps and bounds in terms of its hospitality infrastructure, technical ability and capabilities and this is set to develop further with the recent announcements.

"But, the Chamber has serious concerns about this area of Belfast, with vacant units increasing daily.

"I am asking for urgent government help, particularly from Ministers such as, Arlene Foster, Alex Attwood, Sammy Wilson and Nelson McCausland. We need to meet them sooner rather than later. The economic lifeblood of Belfast is at stake.

"If the centre of Belfast is allowed to decline even further, the effect will be felt all over Northern Ireland."

(LB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
05 April 2004
Business membership figures show 'massive' increase
Figures released today by Belfast City Centre Management and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce show a massive increase in the number of businesses joining their joint membership scheme.
25 April 2023
Lufthansa Announces New Belfast To Frankfurt Flights
Lufthansa has announced its first service between Frankfurt and Belfast City Airport, marking the first time the German flag carrier has operated in Northern Ireland. The service, which is the only direct air link between NI and Germany, will operate up to four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
08 March 2024
Infrastructure Minister Offers Condolences On Latest A5 Fatality
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has offered his "heartfelt condolences" following the latest fatality on the A5. Minister O’Dowd said: "I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Caolán who lost his life in a road traffic collision on the A5 last night.
07 June 2023
Deadline Nears For Chamber Business Awards
Businesses across Northern Ireland are being urged to enter the 2023 Chamber Business Awards before the deadline of Friday 23 June. Recognising and rewarding excellence in local business, the Chamber Business Awards is one of the UK's most contested and prestigious business award programmes.