Belfast to get £26 million make-over

Belfast City Centre is to get a £26 million make-over, the government has revealed.

Work to transform the Ann Street, Castle Lane, Corn Market, Arthur Street, Callender Street, Arthur Place, Castle Place, Donegall Place, Castle Street, Fountain Street, College Street, Fountain Lane and Queen Street will cost £14 million, and is due to commence in February 2007 and be completed by October 2009.

Around half a million pounds has also been set aside for a new piece of public art to help promote a feeling of pride in the city.

The Department of Social Development, along with Belfast City Council, will run an international design competition later this year to revamp Donegall Square, a project estimated to cost around £12 million, which is subject to securing additional funding beyond 2008.

Referring to his recent speech at the State of the City conference, Social Development Minister, David Hanson said: “Belfast city centre and riverfront is in the midst of an amazing urban renaissance. We have clear evidence of the peace dividend not only in security normalisation but also through job creation and business growth. Government is delivering on what we promised in our Regeneration Policy Statement for the city centre. We are following through on our priorities which include renewing the public realm.

“The city centre is the ‘shop window’ of Belfast. It is the first and last impression for those who live and work in the city and those who visit and should convey a strong and positive message. Regretfully, many of Belfast’s streets fail to meet these standards or expectations."

The Minister continued: “Today’s announcement presents a golden opportunity to achieve world class standards in the design of the streets at the heart of the city, making them more attractive and people friendly. This should encourage further investment and attract greater numbers of tourists. Belfast needs this investment to help it compete on a regional and international basis.”

Mr Hanson also laid down a challenge to sustain this investment by ensuring that the renewed streets are properly maintained and managed.

He said that the people of Belfast have a lot to look forward to in the renewal of the city centre and that he hopes that it creates a shared space of world class standards which all sections of the community will enjoy.

A process of area prioritisation will be completed by September to meet the construction timetable.

(EF/SP)