Ritchie launches final Westside Regeneration Masterplan for Belfast

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, will publish today the final Regeneration Masterplan for the Westside of Belfast City Centre.

The Westside masterplan (PDF 2.5MB) has been finalised following extensive consultation with stakeholders on the draft proposals for the revitalisation of the Greater Castle Street area which the Minister published last year. The Minister also revealed that a landscape architect has been appointed to produce designs to renew Bank Square.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am grateful to all those who responded to the consultation. I hope that they will share my view that this final plan will strengthen existing businesses trading in the area, attract new investment and provide the potential to reinforce community links from the city centre through to the west of the city. It also holds the prospect of promoting new homes at the heart of Belfast.

"The final plan emphasises the importance of a revitalised Bank Square. A landscape architect has now been appointed to produce designs for this area.”

The proposals in the masterplan build on the area’s existing strengths, including a well developed independent trader sector and a strong and unique historic character. The historic street pattern will be preserved while new sustainable development, sensitive to the character of the area, will be promoted.

The Minister continued: “This means delivering ground-level street frontages complemented by a network of streets and squares. The plan proposes to revitalise the core of the area by creating a new pedestrian-only route linking Fountain Lane and Chapel Lane. This has the potential to increase retail, café and restaurant activity.”

At one end of this new street a new city centre square, to be called ‘Fountain Square’, is proposed. This ambitious development would significantly increase the numbers of shoppers and visitors into the area boosting tourism, economic development and the evening economy.”

In addition, several strategic development opportunity sites are identified which could be brought forward in separate phases to improve linkages to neighbouring areas.

Notes to editors:

1. The area covered by the masterplan is the South West Quarter of Belfast City Centre, which broadly follows the prime retail core set out in the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

• 2. The masterplan has the potential to deliver clear benefits, including, over the long term, an estimated:
• 322 residential units including 20% for affordable housing;
• 2, 928 sq m of floor space for retail, café and restaurant use;
• 23,803 sq m of floor space for offices;
• 280 additional hotel rooms; and,
• 2,416 jobs.

3. DSD will take a positive lead to promote the masterplan by attracting private investment into the Westside. The key to making the regeneration happen is to attract private investment into the area. The Department believes that the masterplan provides a comprehensive route map and guide for investors. The Department may consider using its statutory comprehensive development powers to support proposals which are justifiable; viable within a relevant timescale; in the public interest obtain planning permission.

4. Implementation of the Masterplan is subject to economic appraisal, funding availability and satisfying all necessary statutory requirements including, in the case of the masterplan, general compliance with the NI Regional Development Strategy.

5. Media enquiries to 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.