Agenda and minutes

Apologies were reported on behalf of the High Sheriff (Councillor Howard) and Councillor Dorrian.

            The minutes of the meetings of 7th November were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd December.

No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee was reminded that Steer Economic Development had been commissioned by the Council to develop an Enterprise Framework for Belfast.

            It was reported that Mr. Pringle, Director of Steer Economic Development, was in attendance in order to outline the extent of the work which had been undertaken to date and he was welcomed by the Chairperson.

            Mr. Pringle began his presentation by outlining the main challenges and opportunities faced by Belfast in terms of its enterprise economy. He reported that it was one of the best locations in Northern Ireland in which to start a business and that the ability to scale-up businesses and support the growth of small high-growth firms was a key strength. It was also a relatively inexpensive place in which to start or grow a business and performed well in the context of ‘Quality of Life’ measures. However, when compared with other cities across the United Kingdom, it struggled in terms of the volume of business start-ups, had lower survival rates and higher incidences of failure. 

            He explained that there were currently twenty-seven providers delivering 180 initiatives/programmes across the City, which demonstrated the need to adopt a more co-ordinated approach. There was also a high degree of dependence amongst entrepreneurs/the business community on publicly funded enterprise support programmes.

            He informed the Members that an Enterprise Framework had now been formulated, which was comprised of three distinct elements, namely, an overarching vision, thematic priorities and cross-cutting themes. The vision statement reflected the overarching aim of the Framework, whilst the thematic priorities outlined the issues to be addressed, the corresponding objectives and the outputs, outcomes and impacts to be delivered. Finally, the cross-cutting themes set out the underpinning factors and guiding principles behind all activities to be driven by the Framework. 

            Mr. Pringle then outlined a number of issues which were essential to the success of the Enterprise Framework, such as the need for genuine collaboration between the public and private sector in leading the enterprise agenda and to deliver cultural change in equality of perception between entrepreneurship and employment. In terms of future steps, the Council and its partners would be working to embed the Enterprise Framework, establish governance and management arrangements, scope new delivery models and formulate a monitoring and evaluation mechanism, with the Framework to be implemented over the coming year.  

            Mr. Pringle was thanked by the Chairperson, following which the Director of Economic Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Members on the Enterprise Framework for Belfast. 

1.2       Members will be aware that the Council has been working with partners to develop an agreed approach to investment in enterprise support in the city to focus on increasing the number of business start-ups and making existing businesses more productive and competitive.   The work is supported by more than 30 partners active in the delivery of enterprise and business support activity across Belfast including  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

            The Committee agreed to receive at its special meeting in January a presentation from representatives of the International Convention Centre Belfast and Visit Belfast on the business tourism sector in the City.

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of the report is to provide Members with an update on the activity under way to support the City Centre Recovery Programme, focusing on the period to end December 2018.  A similar update report was brought to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 23rd November.

2.0       Recommendations

            The Committee is asked to note:

·        the update on the construction work, the cordon and the protected walkway;

·        the update on the city marketing, street animation, major attractions and environmental improvements to enhance the vibrancy and increase footfall in the city centre;

·        the progress on the allocation of the funds from the Primark Business Support Fund; and

·        the update on the proposed incentive scheme, including the timeline for implementation. 

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members will be aware that, following the fire at Bank Buildings at the end of August, the Council and partners have put together a significant programme of investment to secure and consolidate the city centre in the short term.  In parallel, work is under way on a longer-term plan to secure the future viability of the city centre.  There are a number of strands to this work, and details on the current position are set out below.

            Update on Cordon

3.2       Work on the container cordon is nearing completion and construction of the protected walkway has commenced. This walkway will allow pedestrian access between Donegall Place and Royal Avenue and is still on schedule to be open on Monday 3 December 2018. Once the walkway opens, 8 businesses that were inside the original cordon will be able to open and trade (Argento, Spar, Coffee Kiosk, Cookie Box, DV8, McDonald’s, Skechers and Aldo). Discussions are ongoing with these businesses about access arrangements prior to 3 December and some started work to prepare for re-opening on 26th November.

3.3       Works to remove the most dangerous parts of the Bank Buildings continue with 2 of the chimneys now removed on the Castle Street elevation. Unfortunately, examination of the stonework has revealed that 80% of this is too badly fire-damaged to be able to be used in any reconstruction works. Props have been installed to the front of the building and work will commence this week when we expect that the clock will be next to be removed.  Works are still on track to have the facade retention system in place by spring 2019.

            Marketing and Communications

3.4       All of the animation investment is being supported by a tactical and sustained PR and marketing campaign led by the Council and inclusive of all city partners.  The Head of Marketing has advised that feedback via social media and other channels has been positive and a marketing summary is included below: 

·        Each day there is a renewed effort to keep the media briefed – keeping the narrative on the city centre positive. Figures from 24th October to 21st November show 754 articles, the majority of them being positive.

·        On social #  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The City Regeneration and Development Lead Officer submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       To update the Committee on proposals for MIPIM 2019.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note:

·        the successful launch event on 9th October, 2018 and the ongoing preparations for MIPIM 2019;

·        the designs for the proposed new larger Belfast stand in its current location, which was approved in principle by the Committee in April 2018, subject to officers presenting more detailed proposals at a later meeting; and

·        the approach to MIPIM 2019, including activities being undertaken to promote Belfast to the investment and development community.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members will be aware that MIPIM is the premier event in the European real estate calendar where many of the world’s investors, developers and funders from both the private and public sectors gather to showcase cities and investment and regeneration opportunities.  Over 27,000 people attended MIPIM 2018.

3.2       In April 2018, the Committee authorised officers to commence preparations for MIPIM 2019 (to be held 12-16 March 2019) including budget spend. Specialist support for programming, event management, communications and design have subsequently been procured and work is ongoing in terms of securing sponsorship, speakers and programming of events. 

3.3       Belfast at MIPIM 2019 was successfully launched on 9th October, with strong media interest and attendance.  Cllr. Donal Lyons, as the Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, delivered the opening speech at the event, which was attended by over 100 representatives from across public and private sectors. It was highlighted at the launch that if we are to attract further growth, investment and regeneration, we must work collectively with all stakeholders to set out our ambitions to achieving sustainable, inclusive growth and building resilient cities.  Subsequent sponsorship support for the Belfast at MIPIM 2019 delegation has been strong, both from the public and private sectors. 

3.4       At the time of writing, organisations committed to supporting Belfast at MIPIM 2019 include: Aecom, Arup, Aurora Prime Real Estate, Belfast City Council and Belfast City Region Councils, Belfast Harbour, Benmore Developments, Bruceshaw, Bywater Properties, Carson McDowell, Castlebrooke, Causeway Asset Management, Deloitte, Heron Bros, Invest NI, Killultagh Estates, McAleer and Rushe, Oakland, Queens University, Titanic Quarter, TLT, TODD Architects, Tourism NI, Tughans, Ulster University, Valor Homes, Osborne & Co.  It is anticipated that further organisations will support the delegation in coming weeks.  The level of support to date is creating a platform for the strongest Belfast delegation at MIPIM yet.

3.5       Following the announcement from the Chancellor in the Autumn budget statement in relation to the Belfast Region City Deal, Members should note that this year’s MIPIM delegation will, for the first time, include representatives from the five councils partnering with Belfast City Council in the Belfast Region City Deal bid.  This represents a strong commitment to collaborative working as part of the BRCD proposition.

3.6       A dedicated MIPIM landing page has been built into the Council’s ‘investinbelfast.com’ website. This page was live  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Director of Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This report provides an update on the performance of the Belfast Bikes public hire scheme with regard to usage to and financial performance. It considers options for a strategic review in the future to maximise the usage and minimise the subvention of the Belfast Bikes Public Hire Scheme while ensuring equity of access for all Belfast residents.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        consider a strategic review of the Belfast Bikes Public Hire Scheme, examining the current operating model and how usage can be increased and commercial revenues enhanced. Members will receive a future report detailing the terms of reference for a strategic review and any associated costs; and

·        note the performance to date of the Belfast Bikes public hire scheme.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

            The Belfast Bikes scheme launched in 2015. The business case used to inform the Council’s projections was commissioned by the Strategic Investment Board and published in 2012. At the time, bike share schemes were in their infancy in the UK and Ireland, and information on the transparency of costs and income was not widely available. In recent years, bike share schemes have expanded rapidly in the UK and in Ireland and experience shows that they require some level of public sector investment. Funding models differ between cities however; the level of investment in the Belfast scheme is similar or lower than other comparator cities. For example, Dublin City Council contributes approximately €376,000 per annum towards the operating cost of the Dublin Bikes Scheme.

3.2       Historic Financial Performance

3.3                   18/19 Financial Performance Forecast

            *forcasted

3.4       The forecasts articulated in the table above are predicated on the following assumptions. Expenditure is in line with budget at year-end.

3.5       YTD Financial Performance

            18/19 YTD – Revenue £87,342.63

            17/18 YTD – Revenue £79,120.94

            Financial Performance Issues

3.5       The forecasted financial performance is primarily due to two factors, namely:

1.     a delay in securing the sponsorship of the Belfast bikes; and

2.     a forecasted failure of the bikes to achieve their rental revenue plan.

            Sponsorship

3.6       Sponsorship of the Belfast Bikes ended in April 2018. A procurement exercise began Mid-April 2018 with a closing date of May 8th 2018. An award was made in August 2018 but, due to ongoing contract negotiations, the contract was signed in October 2018. The 18/19 financial plan assumed the ongoing sponsorship at a value of £110,000 per year, £9,166 per month. Therefore, the delay in sponsorship between April and September inclusive as resulted in a financial loss of £55,000.

3.7       It was agreed by the Committee in September 2017 to introduce new membership and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Committee was reminded that the Chancellor had, on 29th October, announced a commitment of £350 million towards the Belfast Region City Deal. That figure would rise to £850 million with contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive, the six councils and two universities involved in the initiative and would be boosted by at least £150 million from the private sector.

            The Chief Executive explained that the Belfast Region City Deal was comprised of approximately twenty-two projects, located across the investment pillars of Digital/ Innovation, Infrastructure and Tourism-led Regeneration and were underpinned by a significant employability and skills programme. Whilst each project would require significant resources in their own right, the benefits of the deal would be realised only when managed and delivered at an overall programme level.

            She reported that it was anticipated that the Council would be expected to act as the lead authority and accountable body in terms of the City Deal. It would, therefore, be required to work with the partners to put in place the appropriate structures to manage and deliver the investment programme, oversee the governance and decision-making process, financial planning and management, programme and project management, performance monitoring and assurance and communication and engagement. In addition, specific city region structures needed to be established to develop the digital strand of the programme, given that it was not under the ownership of a specific partner, the specialist nature of the projects and the potential for significant private sector investment. 

            The Chief Executive reported further that experience gained from other deals had suggested that it could take up to one year to develop the programme structures and outline business cases.  Given the scale of the Programme, it would be necessary to allocate resources to support the development and delivery of the City Deal and officers were liaising currently with other authorities involved in similar deals, to determine the required structures and resources, following which a report would be submitted to the Committee. In terms of next steps, she confirmed that officers were working with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to draft a Heads of Terms document, which would set out the funding commitments and be signed by all partners, before being presented to the Council early in 2019 for approval.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.    

            The City Regeneration and Development Lead Officer submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide Committee with an update on progress of the proposals for the Transport Hub. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note:

·        the update in relation to the planning application for the proposed Transport Hub and its strategic importance in the regeneration and growth of the city;

·        that, in light of its strategic and economic significance, the Council’s SP&R Committee agreed on 23rd November, to provide its support to the proposed development and to note that this is in the context of the comments already made from a planning perspective, as agreed by the Planning Committee on 11 September 2018 and 17 October 2017; and

·        that the future proposals for the wider Weavers Cross regeneration will be brought to both the City Growth & Regeneration Committee and to the Planning Committee in due course. This will, of course, consider neighbouring communities.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       The proposed Belfast Transport Hub and wider Weavers Cross regeneration is a transport-led regeneration project which will ultimately involve the redevelopment of the Europa Bus Centre, Great Victoria Street Railway Station and surrounding NI Transport Holding Company (NITHC) land.  It is proposed that this 20 acre mixed-use development site will comprise a multi-modal transport hub alongside commercial, leisure and residential facilities.

3.2       NITHC served a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) on the Council in October 2016 in respect of both the Transport Hub and the wider Weavers Cross Regeneration proposal. Subsequently a planning application was received for the new integrated Transport Interchange element only on 16th June 2017. This was called in by the Department for Infrastructure on 26th June 2017 due to its regional significance and it is still under consideration. Consequently, the proposed development now consists of two separate elements:

·        Transport Hub; and

·        Wider masterplan development scheme (Weavers Cross)

            Transport Hub

3.3       As noted above, in June 2017 NITHC submitted a full planning application (LA04/2017/1388/F) for a new integrated transport interchange comprising:

·        station concourse;

·        26 bus stands;

·        8 railway platforms;

·        bus maintenance and parking;

·        track and signaling enhancements;

·        bus access bridge;

·        cycle and taxi provision;

·        car parking;

·        new public square and public realm improvements;

·        highway and infrastructure improvements; and

·        temporary structures and compounds for bus operations during construction.

3.4       The application is currently being considered by DfI and a decision is expected before the end of 2018. The Council, as the local planning authority, responded formally to the consultation supporting the application, following meetings of the Planning Committee on 17th October 2017 and 11 September 2018.

            Key Issues. 

3.5       By way of policy background, the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) sets out the Council’s collective ambition for the continuing growth and regeneration of the city core and its surrounding area and includes a road map of policies and projects to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

(Including a presentation and an update on events and festivals)

            (Ms. E. Henry, Cultural Regeneration Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 13th June, it had agreed that officers would develop options for the delivery of a five-year cultural strategy for the City. 

            The Cultural Regeneration Manager reminded the Members that that decision had been taken in the context of a number of important developments and milestones, such as the cessation of the European Capital of Culture bidding process, initial recommendations arising from the draft Festival and Events Strategy and the conclusion in March 2020 of the current Cultural Framework and Tourism Strategy.

            She reported that, following a review of previous approaches and models from other cities, particularly Liverpool’s Impacts 18 programme, it was now proposed that a Cultural Transformation Strategy be developed to cover a minimum of ten years and that a year-long programme of activity be delivered in 2023. In addition to supporting the Belfast Agenda, the Strategy would assist in defining the role of culture across priority areas such as the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy, the Good Relations Strategy, Tourism Strategy and the Local Development Plan.

            She explained that the work around the Cultural Transformation Strategy would commence with the formulation of a cultural statement, which would present a vision for transformation, recognising the value of culture in the City. That would be followed by the establishment of an outward facing narrative, presenting a coherent and authentic story which would resonate both nationally and internationally. A strategic framework would then be created, which would establish a number of crosscutting strategic priorities. That would be followed by the development of an investment programme to support the delivery of strategic priorities, of detailed implementation plans and, importantly, of a bespoke programme of activity centred around 2023. The proposed timeline around this work would be as follows:

            The Cultural Regeneration Manager concluded by recommending that the Committee approve the development of a ten-year strategy and the associated timeline, as outlined.

            After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendation and agreed that a report be submitted to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee regarding the funding of an interim year for building signature and growth events and festivals. 

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th September, it had received an update on the work being undertaken by the Economic Development Unit around the development of a Belfast – Dublin Economic Corridor. That update had made reference to plans for a proposed conference, which would seek to highlight co-operation opportunities along the corridor and the Council had been working with the other seven partners, namely, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Louth County Council, Meath County Council and Newry and Mourne and Down District Council, to develop the concept further.

            The Director of Development reported that, in order to shape the conference and ensure that all partners agreed with its content, a steering group comprised of senior council officers had been established. It had commissioned the Ulster University and Dublin City University to collectively conduct further research around the economic opportunities along the corridor, which would, amongst other things, form the basis of the conference programme. The steering group was aspiring also to deliver a Memorandum of Understanding between the eight participating councils, which would set out the scope of the joint areas of working, in terms of infrastructure and attracting investment and employment.

            He explained that a workshop had been held in September, which had provided the councils with an opportunity to outline the key economic challenges in their area and discuss the future of the partnership. The Chief Executives of the participating councils had, at a steering group meeting in November, been briefed on the themes which had emerged from the research and the strategic themes for the conference and the next steps had been agreed. It was anticipated that the conference would be held in the Belfast Waterfront Hall in late February and that it would include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, information on the outcome of the research, speakers from the international business community, the outlining by the Chief Executives of Belfast and Dublin City Councils of potential areas of partnership working and panel discussions. The costs of the activities associated with the aforementioned work would be met from within the Economic Development Unit’s budget for 2018/2019.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and that it would, at its monthly meeting in January, receive a presentation on the findings of the study which had been undertaken around a potential high speed rail connection between Belfast and Dublin.  

The Committee granted approval for the Belfast Zoo to close for a period of four weeks, excluding weekends, over the winter period to allow for essential maintenance and staff training, with the dates to be agreed in consultation with the Property Maintenance and Management Unit.

            The Director of Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Members on progress to date on Belfast Partners and planned events taking place in London in February 2019 and early March 2019 in order to promote engagement between business contacts in Belfast and London and Dublin and to recommend attendance at the event by the Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee and for aspects which are of a civic nature, the Lord Mayor.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        note the upcoming Belfast Partners Financial Services Sector event in London on 5 February 2019 and potential event in Dublin early March 2019; and

·        approve attendance at the event by the Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee (or their nominee) and for aspects which are of a civic nature, the Lord Mayor, in London on 5th February, 2019 and potential event in Dublin early March, 2019.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members will be aware that at the 7th March meeting of City Growth and Regeneration Committee, an update was provided on a range of business development activities that had taken place in London in previous months. This included the work to secure the City Deal and previous activity with Belfast Partners Network in London. Furthermore a member of Council staff had been seconded to the City of London Corporation in order to explore opportunities for further collaborative engagement.

3.2       One of the areas of particular joint interest that has emerged is support for the financial services sector post Brexit. There is both a sectoral ecosystem which should be leveraged and promoted between London and Belfast as well as Belfast and Dublin.

3.3       In regard to this, Members will be aware that the City of London now has a regional strategy for financial and professional services which features Belfast and that the Lord Mayor of London is promoting this internationally, and in this vein have invited the City of Belfast to be hosted by the City of London in early 2019.

3.4       Members will also be aware that Belfast City Council has been supporting the Belfast Partners Network in London for the last two years. Belfast Partners is a network of London-based companies within the Financial Services, and Fintech with an interest in Belfast – focusing on the city as a business and investment location.

3.5       As part of our engagement within this network, we have now hosted two major receptions in the City of London, at Mansion House on 23 November 2017 and a business mission for six local tech companies to engage with London based partners on 22 and 23 November 2017.

3.6       Further to this an inward investment visit to Belfast for 10 Venture Capital companies based in London took place in March 2018 in collaboration with Belfast Partners and British Business Bank, as well as local partners including Invest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

            The Committee considered a report which set out the financial position of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for the second quarter of 2018/2019. The report confirmed that there had, during that period, been an overspend of £157,000, with a year-end underspend of £24,000 being forecast. The overspend could be attributed primarily to additional staffing costs across a number of services, a loss of sponsorship income  through the Belfast Bikes scheme, additional health and safety expenditure in City Markets and programme expenditure ahead of the budget profile.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.  

Councillor O’Hara to raise:

“This Council supports and endorses the 20x20 campaign for women’s sport which aims to achieve:

• 20 per cent more media coverage of women in sport by the end of 2020;

• 20 per cent more female participation, whether at player, coach, referee or administration level, by the end of 2020; and

• 20 per cent more attendance at women’s’ games and events by the end of 2020.

By supporting this, the council will actively seek opportunities to highlight women’s’ roles within sport, and opportunities to showcase women in sport through our marketing and promotion of events.  Building on our successful hosting of the Women's Rugby World Cup and UEFA under 19 women’s’ championships, the Council will, through our ambitious city events programme, seek to attract major women’s’ sporting events where possible.”

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor O’Hara proposed:

“This Council supports and endorses the 20x20 campaign for women’s sport which aims to achieve:

·        20 per cent more media coverage of women in sport by the end of 2020;

·        20 per cent more female participation, whether at player, coach, referee or administration level, by the end of 2020; and

·        20 per cent more attendance at women’s’ games and events by the end of 2020.

By supporting this, the council will actively seek opportunities to highlight women’s’ roles within sport, and opportunities to showcase women in sport through our marketing and promotion of events.  Building on our successful hosting of the Women's Rugby World Cup and UEFA under 19 women’s’ championships, the Council will, through our ambitious city events programme, seek to attract major women’s’ sporting events where possible.”

                          After discussion, the Committee endorsed Councillor O’Hara’s proposal and agreed that a report be submitted to the relevant Committee, outlining ways in which the Council could support the campaign, including any associated costs.