Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the High Sheriff (Councillor Howard) and Councillor Johnston.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

In accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7th February, to receive a presentation from representatives of MJM Group to provide an overview of its property investments within the city and on its plans to develop a new high value industry fitting out cruise ships in the Belfast Harbour.

            In accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7th February, it was reported that Mr. Brian McConville, Ms. Deborah Loughran and Mr. Barry McStravick, MJM Group, were in attendance to provide an overview of the company’s property investments within the city and on its plans to develop a new high value industry fitting out cruise ships in the Belfast Harbour.

            The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the deputation to the meeting.

            Ms. Loughran proceeded to outline the background to the organisation.  She explained that Mr. McConville had started his primary business, MJM, 35 years ago.  The MJM group had now grown into a £60m turnover business specialising in the interior fitout of cruise ships boasting the largest cruise liners in the world as its customers.  In 2018 the company has ambitious plans for further growth having just recently completed its first drydock project in China and in bringing the first cruise ship refit of its scale to Belfast.  Five years previously Mr. McConville had brought in two members of the next generation of his family into the business.  She pointed out that the McConville family also owned Antrim-based specialist fitout business, Mivan, the former Shakleton Barracks in Ballykelly and an extensive property portfolio.

            Ms. Loughran stated that the McConville family promoted the “Northern Ireland PLC” economic agenda at the highest levels.  They had business interests right across Northern Ireland including:

·        MJM Group in Newry employing more that 240 people;

·        Mivan in Antrim employing 160 people;

·        The 620 acre former Shakleton Barrack site in Ballykelly , Limavady, which was currently shortlisted for the Heathrow Hub bid; and

·        Damolly Retail Park in Newry; Drumkeen Retail Park and Galwally House in Belfast; housing developments; farms and development property in Antrim, Rathfriland; Helen’s Bay and Newry.

            She explained that the McConville family strongly respected the vital importance of Belfast as a capital city and as a place of energy, optimism and ambition and, as such, wished to contribute to the Belfast Agenda.  Through working with the stakeholders to make history and mark heritage, it was committed to delivering quality projects which supported the wider objectives of the city.

            The current primary interests of the company was as follows:

·        The reinvigoration of the shipping and ship repair industry in Belfast;

·        The restoration and redevelopment of Clarence Chambers; and

·        The renewal of Pearl Assurance House House.

            Ms. Loughran explained that MJM was making history by bringing the Azamara, Pursuit, a cruise ship, to Belfast for a complete refit.  She pointed out that it was a game changer in the industry and that the eyes of the marine world were on Belfast.  There would be hundreds of people working on board delivering the repair and refit work and up to 600 crew on board before the ship sailed from Belfast to Southampton.  The Company’s ambition was to make Belfast a home port, whereby cruise ships would be permanently based in Belfast.

            With regard to the projects in the city centre, she stated that the company wanted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2a

In accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7th February, to receive a presentation from representatives of NI Water to provide an update on the investment which it is making within the City.

            The Committee was advised that, in accordance with the decision of 7th February, Dr. Stephen Blockwell, NI Water, was in attendance to provide an update on the investment which it was making within the city.

            Dr. Blockwell commenced by outlining the work undertaken by NI Water in relation to Wastewater services.  He proceeded to outline the Capital Investments which had been made by NI Water over the previous four years and how much Belfast City Council benefited from that.  He then reviewed the current Investments in relation to projects in construction or recently completed and those projects which were about to commence, subject to available funding.  He then provided details in relation to the Wastewater Projects for 2018/19 which included:

·        Upper Newtownards Road flood Alleviation £3m

·        Belfast Streets Ahead Sewer Rehabilitation £3m

·        Queens Bridge Siphons Repairs £5m

·        McClintock Street new development sewers £0.8m

·        Ormeau Avenue/Dublin Road £5.8m and

·        Greystown Avenue and Upper Malone Road Flood Alleviation £2.9m

            Dr. Blockwell then reviewed some of the customer improvements which NI Water had undertaken.  This included customer feedback, customer communications, through a new website, a text messaging and call-back service.  He then outlined the current public initiatives including: social media campaign to encourage people to drink more tap water; water theft – unauthorised connection; problems in relation to fats, oils and grease; a bag it and bin it campaign and winter awareness campaign in relation to pipe protection. 

            He concluded by stating that NI Water was a funding partner of the Northern Ireland Year of Infrastructure 2018 (Infra 2018).  It was involved in creating better awareness amongst the Northern Ireland public of how infrastructure transformed our lives; and held major themed events throughout the year.

            Dr. Blockwell then answered a number of questions from the Members and retired form the meeting.