Hanson Announces The Way Forward For Regenerating Belfast City Centre

4 August 2005
HANSON ANNOUNCES THE WAY FORWARD FOR REGENERATING BELFAST CITY CENTRE
Major regeneration plans and the appointment of international design consultants will breathe new life into the heart of Belfast, says Social Development Minister David Hanson MP.
The announcement today by Mr Hanson at Central Library has the potential to create 4000 new jobs.
The Minister said that following public consultation he had decided to adopt the masterplans for the North East and North West Quarters of Belfast City Centre, published in February 2005, and issue development briefs to William Ewart Properties Ltd and Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd.
"The masterplans provide a robust set of development principles indicating the sort of development which the Department for Social Development (DSD) may consider using its statutory powers to support in both Quarters. By developing the land in the North East and North West Quarters we have the potential to deliver: 4,000 new jobs; two department stores; and, expanded retail opportunities for local traders as well as international brands new to the City. All of this is designed to build on a decade of investment in Laganside and the flagship scheme underway at Victoria Square."
Emphasising how grateful he was to those organisations who had responded with comments on the draft masterplans, Mr Hanson said: "The majority of the responses was supportive. Following careful consideration of the comments, I have decided to adopt both masterplans, with minor adjustments, as supplementary guidance to the Regeneration Policy Statement published by DSD in April 2004.
"The development of both Quarters needs to complement Victoria Square by expanding the retail sector at a pace which maximises opportunity for investors and consumers.
"I am also pleased to announce the appointment of international landscape and urban design consultants EDAW. They have a proven track record in renewing city centres such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester and Barcelona. EDAW will be advising DSD on a Ł14 million investment programme in major public space improvement projects in the heart of the city over the next three years.
"This is a milestone in the regeneration of the city centre. We want to create economic growth and a life style experience on a par with the best of European regional cities.
"Last autumn following appraisal of development proposals for the North East Quarter DSD announced that William Ewart Properties would be given first opportunity to respond to the future development brief for the Area. In February DSD also put forward for public consultation the proposal that Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd, owners of Castlecourt, should be given first opportunity to respond to the future development brief for the North West Quarter. "DSD has carefully considered all representations on this issue but these have not caused the Department to change its view that Westfield should be given the first opportunity to respond to any Development Brief. Castlecourt is of central importance to the regeneration of this area and access to it and adaptation of the existing building must be secured if comprehensive redevelopment of the area identified in the Masterplan is to be achieved. Westfield has a proven international track record in delivering large scale and complex projects. The Department attaches considerable importance to this in giving Westfield first opportunity.
"The next step is for Ewarts and Westfield to bring forward detailed proposals for regeneration projects. To set the framework for these proposals DSD will issue development briefs to Ewarts and Westfield during August with the stipulation that they respond with proposals within three months of receiving the briefs. DSD will carefully evaluate both developers' proposals and I will then make an early decision on the quantum, timing and sequencing of development in the North East and North West Quarters.
"The development of both Quarters needs to complement Victoria Square by expanding the retail sector at a pace which maximises opportunity for investors and consumers. I will be asking Ewarts and Westfield to bring forward robust market information on the quantum of retail space which their respective projects will be able to sustain and within what timescale. I will also give further consideration to the retail capacity included in the Draft BMAP technical supplements before reaching a decision on these matters."
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Wallace Brown, commenting on the Minister's announcement, said: "Today's announcement by David Hanson is a major boost for the regeneration of Belfast and is very welcome news. In responding to the draft masterplans Belfast City Council indicated our broad support for the regeneration approach put forward by DSD for the North East and North West Quarters.
"It is clear that after more than 30 years of difficult times in this city, Belfast is getting back on its feet but it needs public and private sector support in order to get there. Worldwide research has shown that cities are the economic drivers for their regions and a successful Belfast will result in a booming Northern Ireland. We need the Government and others in the public and private sector to ensure their policies and investment plans enable Belfast to continue to grow for the benefit of all. "I want to see creative and imaginative improvements in our shopping streets that will give people a new buzz about Belfast. We need to learn to enjoy and value our City Centre and look forward to the proposals to be brought forward by Ewarts and Westfield for the North East and North West Quarters. The developer's proposals must be ambitious because the people of Belfast will expect nothing less for their City."
Gerald Steinberg, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "I am delighted to welcome today's announcement on behalf of the membership of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Belfast has been transformed in recent years and as indicated in today's announcement, will continue to move forward in the right direction for the foreseeable future.
"Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce in conjunction with its partners in Belfast City Centre Management and Belfast City Council will make every effort to drive these initiatives forward. With the continued commitment of our members, the business community in Belfast, we will make an ever more important contribution to improving the quality of life for those that visit, shop, live, work, socialise or do business in this great city."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Copies of the final North East Quarter and North West Quarter Masterplans are available on the DSD website at www.dsdni.gov.uk. Also available is a summary of the responses to the draft masterplans received during the public consultation and the Department's response.
2. In the event that Ewarts or Westfield failed to respond adequately or appropriately to the Development Briefs for the respective Quarters, DSD reserves its right to engage in discussions with other parties who have expressed a desire to take forward this opportunity.
3. The offer of Development Briefs on a first opportunity basis to William Ewart Properties Ltd and Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd cannot be transferred by either developer to a third party.
4. The appointment of EDAW is subject to the ALCATEL procedure to ensure compliance with EC procurement rules.

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