17 MAY 2005
CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE BRINGS NEW LEASE OF LIFE TO BELFAST
A £4 million government makeover, which has transformed Custom House Square into a vibrant new outdoor arena for Belfast, is one of a series of major new developments planned for the city.
During his first public engagement for the Department for Social Development (DSD), the Minister, David Hanson, MP, outlined the government's commitment to position Belfast as a premier European regional capital and Northern Ireland's main retail and leisure destination.
He said: "Custom House Square, which is the historical birthplace of Belfast and an area synonymous with public debate, is being transformed into a world-class attraction where people from all backgrounds can come to meet and socialise. It is also an excellent example of the regeneration that is taking place across Belfast, delivering investment and prosperity.
"The investment of £14 million, announced earlier this year to improve the streets and squares throughout the City Centre, has the potential to create further landmarks which are magnets for tourists who will leave with positive memories of Belfast and encourage others to visit. This large open area will generate genuine business opportunities, whether major performances, fairs, product launches, flower stalls, cafes and bars, which will add to its vitality.
"Developments such as the £300 million Victoria Square Scheme will spearhead retail-led regeneration in the City Centre. Regeneration masterplans for Castlecourt and Royal Avenue, holding the potential for further significant investment, are currently out for public consultation.
"Additionally, Titanic Quarter presents a unique opportunity to deliver major economic growth and enhance Belfast's reputation as an international destination for tourism.
"Action Plans for the regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods across the City are at an advanced stage, aiming to bring growth and renewal to these areas.
"This significant development and regeneration agenda promises a bright future for Belfast and its citizens. All sectors must work together to deliver and maximise the benefits for the entire community."
Laganside Corporation has transformed Custom House Square, which was previously a busy traffic route, into an exciting pedestrian public space. It will host a range of outdoor performances, for up to 4,000 people and provide an ideal setting for events such as street theatre, fairs, ice-skating and carnivals.
Other improvements to the Square include high quality stone paving, the restored Calder Fountain and dramatic lighting structures known as 'The Hecklers' which are reminiscent of the large crowds that used to gather to listen to and heckle the politicians and preachers who used the Custom House steps as a Speaker's Corner. A highlight of the development is a spectacular line of water features along the course of the historic River Farset which were switched on by the new Minister.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Laganside Corporation is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body established by Government under the Laganside Development (NI) Order 1989 to secure the regeneration of Belfast's riverside and waterfront areas. Laganside receives funding from the Department for Social Development in the form of Grant-in-Aid to cover its running costs and the funding of individual projects.
- People and Place: A strategy for neighbourhood renewal, presents the Government's plans to tackle deprivation in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland. Custom House Square is located within St Anne's ward, which is ranked the 4th most deprived in Northern Ireland.
- For further information please contact Dara Cosgrove on 028 9082 9078
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