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Feature masts light up Belfast city centre

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland officially switched on the feature lighting on the eight sculptural masts in Donegall Place, Belfast.
~ Thursday, 13 October 2011

The switching-on of the decorative lights marked the end of the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ Phase One project to regenerate Belfast City Centre.

Commenting on the eight 16.2 metre feature lighting masts Nelson McCausland said: “These decorative lighting masts, with their distinctive maritime branding, create something unique in the streetscape of Belfast city centre and I hope in time they will become instantly recognisable as part of Donegall Place, the city centre’s main shopping thoroughfare.

“Over the past four years, 14 of the main streets in Belfast city centre have undergone a total transformation and a bright new streetscape has been put in place. The Belfast Streets Ahead project has enhanced the retail environment and improved linkages between the Cornmarket and Fountain areas of the city centre opening up the city centre for pedestrians.

“The work, which has taken place over the past few years has reinvigorated the environment in the heart of Belfast city centre and raised Belfast’s profile as a European destination of choice. This investment has lead to a new lease of life for the local business community and an improved shopping and visitor experience.”

The branding on the Masts is designed to link with Belfast’s maritime heritage, and each Mast is named after a famous White Star Line ship built by Harland and Wolff. The names from the City Hall end of Donegall Place are:

  • Titanic
  • Olympic
  • Oceanic
  • Britannic
  • Laurentic
  • Celtic
  • Nomadic
  • Traffic

Each of the masts will oxidize naturally over time to match the colour of the dome of the City Hall and the masts will form part of the Titanic Trail. An inscription plate, which is back-lit at night, is embedded in the ground beside each of the masts to give a brief overview of the ship’s history.

Kathryn Thomson, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said: “Belfast has a rich maritime history and the installation of these masts with their decorative banners enhances the visitor experience. They not only highlight our unique shipbuilding heritage, but also serve to educate all visitors on the vast array of ships that were built in Belfast and their legacy to the rest of the world. The banners complement the Titanic Signature Project, forming part of Belfast’s wider maritime trail, and NITB has been delighted to support this project.”

The President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Joe Jordan, who also attended at the event stated: "Through Phase One of the Belfast Streets Ahead scheme DSD has given the people and businesses of Belfast a legacy that will bring benefit to the city for decades to come. The annual Retail NI conference, which took place last week, heard how such public realm investment is proven to increase economic and social activity in town and city centres. Anyone visiting Belfast City Centre will clearly see how this major investment will help install civic pride in our great city.

Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce looks forward to the completion of phase 2 of Streets Ahead, which will create a world class environment around Donegal Square, and looks forward to working very closely with DSD and their contractor during the works in order to minimise disruption to businesses. BCTC wishes DSD every success in securing the funding for phase 2"

Notes to editors:

  1. The 14 streets covered by the £28million investment in Phase One of the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ programme are: Ann Street, Arthur Place; Arthur Square; Arthur Street; Callender Street; Castle Lane; Castle Place, Castle Street, Cornmarket; College Street; Donegall Place;; Fountain Lane, Fountain Street and Queen Street.
  2. The funding for the Belfast Streets Ahead project, including the feature lighting masts and ‘Spirit of Belfast’ sculpture was committed some time ago when economic conditions were more favourable.
  3. The cost of the eight masts is £373,000 (which included costs for foundation work and fabrication of the masts) and NI Tourist Board has contributed £20k towards the banners which adorn the masts.
  4. Construction works commenced in July 2007 and were completed in September 2011.
  5. The contractor for the Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 1 was Farrans Construction Ltd.
  6. The Department’s design team was AECOM Design + Planning.
  7. Further information on the Belfast Streets Ahead project can be found on DSD’s website: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/belfast-streetsahead.htm
  8. For media enquiries contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned