Six New Murals Installed On Great Victoria Street

Belfast City Council has announced that six new murals have been installed on Southern Great Victoria Street.

As part of a transformation project, one of the murals is paying homage to Good Vibrations founder Terri Hooley. These murals will support businesses and residential communities in the area by improving vibrancy and encouraging increased footfall and long-term private sector investment.

The artworks are part of a £0.5m 'Great Expectations' regeneration initiative to restore the historic Great Victoria Street, managed by LQ BID with grant funding from Belfast City Council.

The murals have been installed by creative consultancy Daisy Chain Inc, including street artists Zippy, Not Pop, Alana McDowell, Rob Hilken and Peaball.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy said: "We're proud that Belfast is the first UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland, signalling not only our great diversity of musical talent, and the calibre of our entertainment venues, but also how much we value the power of creativity. Paying homage to, and remembering the stories of cultural leaders like Terri Hooley, who have played such an essential role in our city's musical story, is important in building our reputation as an arts and culture destination.

"I'd like to thank LQ BID, Daisy Chain Inc, and the artists for creating this work in such an engaging way that will connect people to our heritage, whilst also enhancing Great Victoria Street’s appearance for the future – a key part of our Bolder Ambition for Belfast."

Terri Hooley said: "Good Vibrations was more than a record shop and music label. It was an oasis amid the confusion and chaos at the time. It brought people from different communities together to share in a single passion, and for many represented a sense of hope for the future.

"The artists have done an incredible job bringing this story to life, and in reflecting the character and spirit of Great Victoria Street from those years. Although it’s been a shame to witness the area’s decline, I’m glad to see there’s newfound effort to restore it once again, so that in time more people will have the opportunity to enjoy it like it was enjoyed before."

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, said: "Our murals are not just a physical endeavour, they represent the untapped opportunity in Southern Great Victoria Street, with research showing that enhanced streetscapes are a direct catalyst for capital investment. These murals represent only part of our ambition for the area and we invite the community to share their thoughts on how we can continue to develop the Linen Quarter into one of the city’s most vibrant areas to live, work and socialise. The ‘Great Expectations’ initiative is all about generating confidence and accelerating investment so that businesses and residents alike can benefit."

Over the next decade areas surrounding Great Victoria Street will benefit from an estimated £1 billion investment.