Council and ministers endorse strategy to create a ‘bolder Belfast’

The ‘Bolder Vision’ document – which follows a joint study by Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities – outlines a vision to significantly reimagine Belfast city centre with the focus moving to a greener, walkable and connected core that is more people and family-focused.

The vision sets out four key goals for the city. It states that by 2035 Belfast will be:

• A healthy, shared, vibrant and sustainable environment, where people of all ages will choose to live, work and visit;

• A city that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport;

• Lively and safe with green streets that celebrate our built heritage with new leisure spaces and a variety of cultural activities;

• A city with barriers to movement removed, ensuring that communities across the city are well connected to the city core with the River Lagan a key focus with multiple crossing points and activities along its banks.

The next phase of the joint work with DfI and DfC will be to develop an action plan and delivery options before going out to public consultation later this year.

Lord Mayor Frank McCoubrey said: “A ‘Bolder Vision’ looks at ways of reimagining the city’s heart and key connections to local communities, where streets and open spaces are designed to meet the changing needs of a diverse range of users – as well as supporting existing businesses and encouraging inclusive growth.

“As the city begins its recovery post-Covid, and with the challenges that will remain in the coming months as we continue to deal with the current pandemic, there is renewed emphasis on how we use our city centre spaces safely, allowing for social distancing.

“But even before this pandemic, cities across the UK and Europe have been examining how they diversify their city centres to ensure long term resilience and well-being for all, as we respond to the urgent need to create a more sustainable, climate-resilient city to address issues around flooding, congestion and air quality.”

The lord mayor concluded: “This is a bold vision, and it is not without its challenges, but we need to show collective leadership if we are to deliver the objectives of the Belfast Agenda, while also supporting businesses and inclusive growth, and creating an attractive, accessible and vibrant city centre.”