Spellar Heralds Belfast's Decade Of Renewal

28 February 2005
SPELLAR HERALDS BELFAST'S DECADE OF RENEWAL
John Spellar MP, Minister for Social Development, announced far-reaching proposals for the renewal of Belfast at a major speech in Belfast's Waterfront Hall this evening. The Minister published draft regeneration masterplans for the CastleCourt and Cathedral Way/Royal Avenue areas announced a Ł14 million capital investment programme to renew the City Centre's streets and public spaces, and set a target date for completing Laganside's regeneration by 2007.

Mr Spellar said: "After decades of underperformance, Belfast is on the way back. These early years of the new millennium are Belfast's decade for growth and renewal. It's time to utilise the value of the land in the North East and North West of the City Centre and make that value work for Belfast. The masterplans identify locations for two large department stores. Retail opportunities for local independent traders as well as international brands new to the City are also on the horizon. This type of shopping will position Belfast as a major regional retail destination. These proposals hold the potential to deliver at least 4,000 new jobs in addition to the 3,000 at Victoria Square. These jobs will provide career opportunities for our young people and the prospect of building a better life for those who live in deprived neighbourhoods.

"Victoria Square remains Government's priority to spearhead retail-led regeneration and provides the bedrock for renewing the City Centre. The development of the North East and North West Quarters needs to complement Victoria Square by expanding the retail sector at a pace which maximises opportunity for investors and consumers.

"Both Quarters have their own unique history, challenges and potential for growth and renewal. That is why we have prepared distinct masterplans for the North East and North West. The future of both areas deserves specific detailed consideration.

"Looking ahead, we see a decade of renewal for the City Centre starting with Victoria Square and then accommodating two further schemes. There is an early decision to be made on the order in which further development proceeds. The period of public consultation on the masterplans getting underway today is therefore of great importance. We want your views on the draft masterplans. I look forward to receiving your comments.

"Last autumn, I announced that William Ewart Properties, principal landholders in the North East Quarter, would be given first opportunity to respond to the future development brief for that area.

"Castlecourt is of central and strategic importance to the regeneration of the North West Quarter and access to Castlecourt must be secured if we are to achieve the comprehensive redevelopment proposed in the masterplan. Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd, owner of Castlecourt, has a proven track record in delivering large scale and complex development projects. I am therefore announcing, for public consultation, that Westfield should be given first opportunity to respond to the future development brief for the North West Quarter. In parallel with the consultation on the draft masterplan, I am seeking comments on this proposal before I take a final decision later this year.

Public Realm Strategy

"In announcing the Ł14 million public realm improvement programme, I am also publishing a Public Realm Strategy for Belfast City Centre. The strategy identifies a vision of a place that Belfast could be. We aim to achieve 'world class' standards in urban design, maintenance and management of the streets and public spaces at the heart of the City. We aim to enhance the attractiveness of the city centre to encourage higher levels of shoppers and visitors, which in turn will attract investors. DSD will take a positive lead working with Belfast City Council and others to move forward the improvement programme.

Laganside

"Laganside will reach the Ł1 Billion investment mark by 2007 delivering 15,000 jobs and Ł827 million of private investment. Laganside has performed exceptionally well and with the prospect of substantial further gains in regeneration over the next two years I consider it appropriate to continue with Laganside until 2007 to fulfil its remit. I am therefore announcing a target date of 31 March 2007 to wind-up Laganside. Further announcements on the arrangements for the closure of Laganside will follow in due course. Laganside will leave a significant legacy of a rejuvenated riverfront and Cathedral Quarter. I congratulate all those who have been involved with Laganside on a job well done.

"Government is delivering on what we promised in the Regeneration Policy Statement for Belfast City Centre. Our role is to set the framework and context to encourage private investment. That is what we have done in Laganside and at Victoria Square and that is what we intend to do across the City."

Future Management of the 'Laganside Estate'

Following the closure of Laganside any remaining commercial assets, land holdings and development agreements will transfer to DSD. The Corporation's public assets include the Lagan Weir and Impoundment, riverfront walkways, public squares and managed workspace buildings. DSD is of the view that this legacy can best be secured by continuing to maintain the 'Laganside Estate' under the management of a single body. DSD considers that in principle Belfast City Council should ultimately take ownership and statutory responsibility for the public assets and the management of the River. DSD will begin discussions with the Council to explore whether this can be achieved.

In moving forward the wind-up of Laganside, DSD will need to satisfy the public interest that the arrangements for the future management of the 'Laganside Estate' will meet the ongoing needs of the Area. This means ensuring that all financial considerations, including meeting value for money tests for the assets, and legislative requirements are met. It may not be possible to complete this work by 2007 and an interim residuary vehicle to manage the public assets may be required.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Consultation on the Draft Regeneration Masterplans for the North East and North West Quarters and the proposal to give Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd first opportunity to respond to the Development Brief for the North West Quarter begins on 28 February and ends on 28 May 2005.

The Public Realm Strategy for Belfast City Centre sets out a 5 to 10 years environmental and streetscape improvement programme. Capital investment of Ł14 million has been made available to fund two or three major improvement schemes by 2008.

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