This is due to be completed by September 2010.
Margaret Ritchie said: “Change is coming to Belfast. Positive change, change for the better for Donegall Place and Castle Place. I am announcing today the revitalisation of these streets with a new world class streetscape to be in place by 2010. My Department is investing £7million to make this change happen. This money will be spent on new paving and new lighting to make these streets more accessible for pedestrians and to secure much needed jobs in the construction sector.
“When the first stage of this work is completed next year we will have wider pavements and partial pedestrianisation with buses running only in one direction. This will make Donegall Place and Castle Place a safer more attractive environment for shoppers, visitors and those who work in the city centre. The new streetscape should also attract further investment in retail once the market picks up and enhance those businesses currently trading in the area. The design of the new streetscape will respect the historic fabric of these streets.
“The scheme will finally be completed when the city centre transport plan is fully implemented. At that point Donegall Place will be fully pedestrianised. We are moving forward in the right direction making sure that we get the balance right between meeting the needs of pedestrians and ensuring the smooth running of public transport.”
Commenting on the planned works, the Minister said: “The construction works will be carried out in full consultation with local businesses in the streets to be improved. I would ask city centre stakeholders and the public to bear with us as the end result will be worthwhile. Previous completed paving works, which have been dug up by utility companies, has hampered the construction programme of late. I want to ensure a better effort to coordinate their activities within the existing roads legislation and construction programme going forward. I have written to my ministerial colleague Conor Murphy, who has responsibility for roads, and asked him to consider bringing in stiffer penalties. This will help guarantee compliance in future developments by all utility companies.”
The Minister continued: “Phase one of the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ programme will end when the streetscape is in place in 2010. It will have transformed 13 streets in Belfast’s main shopping area representing a total investment of £28million. The legacy of this investment will be a vibrant shopping area we can all be proud of. It will be safer, cleaner, more attractive, more accessible and among the best of our competitor regional European cities.”
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tom Hartley, welcomed the improvements within the city centre as a key part of a series of exciting projects happening throughout this year and beyond. He said: “2009 is set to be a momentous year for Belfast with the re-opening of many of our landmark buildings and a number of exciting new developments.
“Here we have proof of real partnership working, with the public and private sectors working together to create a better Belfast. Our city is more confident and vibrant than ever – full of opportunity, inspiring enterprise, creativity and change.”
Charlie Francis Associate Director of Atkins, architects, said: “Belfast: Streets Ahead is an exceptionally challenging and complex project that has required extensive design and construction collaborations to realise what will be a major asset in raising Belfast’s profile as a European destination of choice for overall quality of life.”
Welcoming the announcement, and delighted at being re-appointed as contractors for the Area 2 scheme, Contracts Manager John McReynolds stated: “We welcome the award of these works to Farrans at a time when there is so much gloomy news throughout the construction industry. Donegall Place and Castle Place are the gateway to our City’s commercial centre and we believe that the tremendous benefits that this investment will bring will far outweigh the temporary disruption and inconvenience that you may experience.”
An exhibition of the designs and materials will be on display in venues throughout Belfast to let the public see the plans for Donegall Place and Castle Place.
While there may be some disruption Farrans will aim to keep this to a minimum. A dedicated website www.belfaststreetsaheadni.gov.uk
and telephone helpline (0800 0834 650) are available for those who may be affected.
Notes to Editors:
- The 13 streets covered by the £28million investment in Phase One of the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ programme are: Ann Street, Castle Lane; Corn market; Arthur Street; Callender Street; Arthur Place; Castle Place; Donegall Place; Castle Street; Fountain Street; College Street; Fountain Lane and Queen Street.
- The renewal of Donegall Place and Castle Place is the final area in phase one of ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ programme. It is anticipated that work will commence at the start of May 2009, subject to planning permission being granted, and be completed by September 2010.
- The streetscape design is subject to approval by DOE Planning Service.
- Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
