Contested Tribeca plans Belfast city centre passed in close vote

Councillors from Sinn Fein, the DUP and the PUP approved the Tribeca plan on Wednesday night, whilst Alliance, SDLP, Greens, and People Before Profit councillors opposed it. The plan was approved eight votes to five after a three hour discussion.

Castlebrooke Developments aims to develop the streets between St Anne’s Cathedral and Royal Avenue with a mix of office space, retail, and accommodation, also proposing bringing North Street Arcade back into use as part of the £500m project.

However there is strong opposition, primarily around social housing, public space, and demolition of built heritage. A decision on the proposal was deferred in July with a revised application coming before the council on Wednesday night. Belfast City Council said the approved plans included the restoration of listed buildings, facades and new open space.

Green Party Councillors Aíne Groogan and Mal O’Hara voted against the development, saying they did not believe that it represented sustainable planning.

“Belfast City Council must drive regeneration not gentrification,” they said. “The needs of our communities must take precedence over the desires of developers.”

She said the proposal would demolish buildings of character in the area, erode open space and would provide liveable long term homes.

Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber of Commerce, Simon Hamilton welcomed the move. “This £500m investment will create 600 jobs during construction and 1,600 when finished and regenerate this important part of the city,” he tweeted. “A much needed boost for the Belfast economy.”

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