Government to adopt £250m Victoria Square scheme

The government has adopted the multi-million pound Victoria Square Development Scheme in Belfast which sets out the land use framework for the effected area.

The decision is described as a "major move towards revitalisation" of the city centre as the potential economic rewards are considerable, according to the NIO.

The scale of the development programme is huge. With £250 million pegged for investment, the scheme is expected to create 3,000 permanent jobs once completed and 3,000 jobs during construction, as well as an annual rates income of £5.5 million. The development should be completed by 2005.

NIO minister Des Browne, who has responsibility for the Department for Social Development (DSD), made the announcement during a visit to the Belfast Welcome Centre today.

“Today’s announcement follows careful and detailed consideration of all the evidence surrounding Victoria Square," he said.

"I am satisfied that the decision, which the Secretary of State and I have taken, is the right one. Adoption of the Development Scheme represents an important step on the road to transforming Victoria Square into a thriving city centre location, adding to the attractiveness and economic vitality of Belfast.

“Linkages to Laganside will expand the city centre, while the mix of high quality retail developments, recreational and leisure facilities, as well as new city centre accommodation will create a truly 24-hour city."

The development scheme has also attracted the backing of Belfast City Council, the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Belfast Civic Trust and political representatives.

Last June Dutch developers Multi Development Corporation (MDC) submitted a planning application for a 800,000 sq ft centre which borders Victoria Street, William Street, Chichester Street and Ann Street. The plans comprise a 200,000 sq ft department store (where IDB House is currently located), a giant glass dome enclosing Victoria Square, where 50,000 sq ft of gourmet catering will be located with rooftop gardens and a proposed 40,000 sq ft Centre for Curiosity and Imagination (Children’s Library).

There will also be car parking for around 1,000 vehicles and Churchill House will be completely refurbished as part of the plan.

However, a number of significant issues remain to be resolved and the focus now shifts to the intending developer to put together a suitable package of proposals which address the financial, planning and other issues on which government will need to be satisfied.

Mr Browne also announced that the DSD would be undertaking a review of its regeneration policy for the city centre retail area.

He said: “I am aware also of the need to look further ahead to see what scope there is for other Belfast city centre locations to benefit from retail led regeneration. Therefore, in the next few weeks my department will be launching a review of its regeneration policy framework for the city centre retail area so that Belfast can benefit from coherent and sustainable regeneration in future years.”

(GMcG)