Minister announces plans for further public realm improvements in Belfast

The Five C’s Project is a proposed £2million public realm scheme which aims to enhance streets where the streetscape is poor and in need of upgrading.

The project will focus on College Court, College Avenue (part), College Street (part), Callender Street and Chichester Street (part) and it is from these five street names that the project derives its title.

The Department has appointed Doran Consulting to design the project and they will soon be undertaking a programme of public engagement and consultation.

Minister Hargey said: “Belfast city centre has already seen major improvements in recent years which have really added to the city’s appeal. I am acutely aware that there are other areas that need brought up to the standard expected by the city’s residents, visitors and businesses. Design work will now get underway on public realm improvements for five key streets. Such improvements present a chance to address the poor condition of some areas in the city centre which have not benefited directly from earlier public realm works.”

The design will include plans for resurfacing, lighting, landscaping, street furniture and public artwork.

Belfast City Council, through Section 76 Developer Contributions, has secured £770,000 from new developments in the project area towards the overall construction costs.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “Our Belfast Agenda outlines a commitment to make our city vibrant, attractive, connected and environmentally sustainable – so this investment in city centre public realm from new developments is very welcome indeed. We all benefit from enhanced public space – it helps to improve residents’ quality of life, and makes our city more attractive to both visitors and investors. I look forward to seeing this type of investment become more and more common as the city’s regeneration continues.”