The Belfast Chamber has called on Stormont to commit to concrete plans that will transform Belfast into a vibrant and modern city.
Plans have been outlined that will transform Belfast into one of ‘Europe’s leading cities’.
Belfast and wider Northern Ireland have seen a huge influx of tourism in recent years, even with interest in Belfast’s past with the troubles fueling political tours. Thus, members of the Belfast Chamber have highlighted the city’s untapped potential.
They laid out ambitious plans and ways for the city to improve. With these, it is hoped that Belfast will be brought in line with some of the most vibrant UK cities.
Bringing Belfast forward – modernising the city
The Chamber has brought forward plans to transform Belfast into one of ‘Europe’s leading cities’, bringing it up to speed with the likes of Liverpool and Leeds.
Laying out five targets that will help Belfast thrive in the future, the Chamber focused on improving the city’s infrastructure, governance, connectivity, and housing.
One of the main facets of this plan includes growing the city’s population by 20,000. They outlined plans to create 11,500 new housing units across various sectors by 2035. These include student housing, private rentals, and social housing.
Research conducted by Grant Thornton showed that, by increasing the city’s population by 20,000, annual spending in the local economy would see a boost of £165.9 million.
This increase in city centre population would also eliminate 4,090 tonnes of CO2 per year due to fewer commutes.
Turning Belfast into one of ‘Europe’s leading cities’ – five commitments
The Belfast Chamber outlined five key areas for improvement that would help bring Belfast in line with other modern cities.
These include:
- Ensuring our city’s streets are clean and safe.
- Empowering Belfast and our city region.
- Growing Belfast’s city centre population.
- Transforming Belfast into a people-centred city.
- Boosting the entire region’s economy.
By investing in new developments in Belfast City, the Chamber hope that the entirety of Northern Ireland will see a huge regeneration. The Chamber highlighted the positive impact of similar recent developments, such as the Glider and Titanic Belfast.
Urging the Assembly to act – making a change for the better
Laying out these ambitious plans to transform Belfast into one of ‘Europe’s leading cities’, Belfast Chamber chief executive Simon Hamilton said that it is essential that Stormont sees a full return of the Executive.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, he said, “An absent Executive following next week’s poll would deliver nothing for the Belfast economy and would impact negatively on the city’s growth.
“Anything short of a full return will damage investment prospects and hamper long-term development. It would endanger the hard-earned progress we have made over recent years.”
He continued, “Belfast’s story is not fully written. Our city is still a work in progress, emerging from the challenges of the past but headed towards a brighter future.
“To that end, we are asking candidates in the upcoming Assembly election to help our city realise its potential. Not in 20 or 30 years, but now.”
You can find out more about the ambitious plans for Belfast’s regeneration here.
