Agenda and minutes

            An apology for inability to attend was reported from Councillor M. Browne.

To consider further that portion of the minute of the meeting of 12^th August under the heading “Planning and Transport Unit – Update” which referred to the Belfast Masterplan Review which, at the request of Councillor Michael Browne, was referred back to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 1^st September.

            The Committee considered further that portion of the minute of 12th August under the heading “Planning and Transport Unit Update” in so far as it related to the Belfast Masterplan Review which had been taken back at the Council meeting on 1st September at the request of Councillor M. Browne.  An extract of the portion of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:

      “The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      ‘Relevant Background Information

      .....

      BelfastMasterplan

      In the period since the formulation of the Masterplan in 2003/04 there has been considerable change to the economic, social and environmental context for the development of Belfast and the wider region. In addition, the proposed Review of Public Administration and the transfer of responsibilities, including local land use planning and regeneration functions, have altered the administrative context. 

      The five years since adoption have also seen the development of a number of new strategies, including the City Centre Masterplans and the Strategic Regeneration Frameworks, which the Department for Social Development commissioned for each of the five Partnership Board areas.  This changing context and the emerging strategies for areas of the City have highlighted the need for the Council to have a coherent and up to date vision for the future development of Belfast.

      The review of the current BelfastMasterplan offers the opportunity to revisit the strategic vision for the City. This review and updated strategic position would facilitate continued Council engagement with strategies such as the proposed Strategic Regeneration Frameworks and assist in influencing regeneration/development initiatives planned for the City.

      The current Departmental budgets include provision for the procurement of the Masterplan review.  To initiate the project it is suggested that the Committee approves an allocation of £70,000 towards the review and associated stakeholder consultation.

      .....

Resource Implications

      Financial

      The review of the BelfastMasterplan will exceed the limit on procurement by quotation and will be subject of a competitive tender process with a budget approval of £70,000 recommended. The current Departmental budgets include provisions for.....the procurement of the Masterplan Review. 

Recommendations

      Members are requested to:

      .....

      Approve the proposed review of the BelfastMasterplan and the procurement of specialist support through a competitive tender process at a cost of up to £70,000

      .....

Decision Tracking

      Results of the proposed procurement process for the Masterplan review to be reported back to committee.

      Timeline September 2009         

      Reporting Officer: Shirley McCay’

      During discussion in the matter, Members made the undernoted comments regarding the proposed review of the Belfast Masterplan referred to within the report:

(i)      it might not be appropriate to undertake the review given that the boundary changes which would come into effect following the Review of Public Administration had not yet been clarified and the economic downturn was continuing;

(ii)     even if it were considered appropriate for the review to proceed it might not be necessary to employ outside consultants given the internal expertise which existed within the Council; and

(iii)     no mention had been made within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To consider further the minute of the meeting of 12^th August under the heading “Mosconi Cup 2010” which, at the request of Councillor David Browne, was referred back to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 1^st September.

            The Committee considered further the minute of the meeting of 12th August under the heading “Mosconi Cup 2010” which had been taken back at the Council meeting on 1st September at the request of Councillor D. Browne.  An extract of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:

      “The Head of City Events and Venues informed the Committee that the promoters of the Mosconi Cup were seeking bids to host the event in 2010.  The Cup was an annual nine-ball pool tournament contested between two teams representing Europe and America.  It had previously been held in such cities as London, Rotterdam and Las Vegas.  He reported that it had been estimated that approximately £100,000 would be required to host the event.  However, in the region of £40,000 of this would be ‘in kind’ expenditure.  Benefits of the event being held in Belfast would be world-wide television coverage, Council branding at press conferences, venue locations and on the players’ kit and positive coverage in a multitude of publications and websites across the world.

      He indicated that it was intended that the event would be held in the Ulster Hall and that the City Events Unit had the necessary funding within its budget to meet the costs of holding the Mosconi Cup in 2010, a proportion of which would have been previously allocated to the Northern Ireland Snooker Trophy which would not be held in 2010 due to the unavailability of a suitable venue for the dates required.  He pointed out that other sources of funding would be sought in order to reduce the amount which the Council would be required to provide.

      During discussion in the matter, several Members expressed the view that the expenditure which would be involved in bringing the Mosconi Cup to Belfast did not represent good value for money and requested information regarding the costs which had been incurred by the Council in holding the Northern Ireland Snooker Trophy in recent years.

      In response, the Events Manager indicated that the Cup was a highly-prized competition and that other cities were intending to submit bids to host the event in 2010.  He pointed out that the organisers handled the technical issues involved in organising the Cup and obtained income from selling the television rights.  He indicated also that it had been estimated that the Cup would attract 2,000 visitors to Belfast.  However, as the game of pool attracted a worldwide audience, whereas snooker did not, it was anticipated that the event would receive considerably more television coverage across the world as it was being covered by Sky TV, compared to the Northern Ireland Snooker Trophy which had been broadcast by Eurosport across Europe only.  He informed the Members that the Council had contributed £60,000 towards the costs of hosting the Northern Ireland Snooker Trophy in Belfast and that the Council would pursue funding opportunities, both commercial and within the public sector, in an effort to reduce the £100,000 which would be required  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider further the minute of the meeting of 12^th August under the heading “Christmas Lights Switch-on 2009” which, at the request of Councillor Smyth, was referred back to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 1^st September.

            The Committee Administrator reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 12th August, it had considered a report regarding arrangements for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on and had agreed that for this year only:

(i)   the Christmas Lights Switch-on be held on Tuesday, 24th November;

(ii)  the “guest area” be located on the Robinson and Cleaver side of Donegall Square North;

(iii)only the Lord Mayor be on stage to assist with the actual switch-on; and

(iv)the usual post-event function be replaced by a smaller event for guests prior to the switch-on.

            However, at the Council meeting on 1st September, the Chairman of the Committee had agreed, at the request of Councillor Smyth, that parts (ii) and (iv) of the decision be taken back to the Committee for further consideration.  The Committee Administrator pointed out that the decisions regarding the date of the Christmas Lights Switch-on and the Lord Mayor being the only person on the stage to assist with the actual switch-on had been adopted by the Council.  The Committee would therefore have to consider further the location of the “guest area” and whether the usual post-event function be replaced by a smaller event for guests prior to the switch-on.

            The Head of City Events and Venues informed the Committee that, taking account of Councillor Smyth’s concerns, it would be possible for the “guest area” to be reduced in size which would enable it to be located beside the main stage and that the post-event function could be limited to 200 persons in order to reduce the costs.

            Having heard the comments of the Head of City Events and Venues, the Committee agreed to rescind its decisions of 12th August regarding the location of the “guest area” and the post-event function.  In addition, the Committee agreed that the “guest area” be reduced in size and located beside the main stage on the City Hall side of Donegall Square North and that a maximum of 200 persons be permitted to attend the post-event function.

            During consideration of a quarterly update report providing information on the current status of projects and initiatives which had been carried out by the Department during the period from 1st April till 30th June, the Director answered various questions which were put to her by the Members and undertook to provide directly to Councillors information regarding the matters which they had raised.

            Following further discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Background

      At the 12 August Development Committee, Members requested further information regarding the request for approval for representation at the Eurocities AGM in Stockholm from 25 – 28 November 2009 and a breakdown of the related costs.

Key Issues

      BelfastCity Council has been a member of the Eurocities network since the early 1990’s. The network now consists of over 140 large European cities. The headquarters is in Brussels and activity is structured around the following Forums:

-     Economic Development

-     Social Affairs

-     Culture

-     Mobility

-     Knowledge Society

-     Environment

      Eurocities allows Belfast City Council to develop and strengthen its role in city leadership, reflecting the values and messages contained in the Corporate Plan. This platform has consistently opened avenues of policy development, funding and legislation dissemination, allowing Belfast a stronger voice both regionally and in Europe.

      Every year BelfastCity Council attends the Eurocities AGM which is hosted in a city within the member state currently holding the presidency of Europe, this year the host is Sweden.  The theme this year is ‘Urban Challenges and Sustainable Solutions’.

      BelfastCity Council requires Member attendance at the AGM to participate in the voting process and election of the Executive Bureau of Cities and the chair and deputy chair posts of the various Forums.  Belfast City Council Elected Member attendance is traditionally represented by the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Development Committee, accompanied by the Director of Development and the European Manager, or their nominees. However, over the last 5 years only one Member has travelled every year to the AGM.

      The two BCC officers attend the AGM to ensure the interests of Belfast City Council are represented and promoted at the event. Belfast City Council officers host round table speed networking discussions around relevant topics.  This year they will take part in two events with a view to promoting the work of the BCC led OPENCities project and also a workshop dedicated to city responses to the recession.  Due to the fact that BCC is active in so many projects two officers are required to undertake parallel meetings with Forum chairs and insure input into the agreement of work programmes for the following year. 

      BelfastCity Council is active in the following Forums:

      Economic Development Forum

      Chair of economic migration working group

      Member of creative clusters working group

      Member of entrepreneurship working group

      Member of employment working group

      Social Affairs Forum

      Member of social inclusion working group.

      Member of urban security working group

      Member of the health and well being working group.

      Environment Forum

      Chair of the clean cities working group

      Member of the noise working group

      Member of the greening local economy working group

      Member of the waste working group

      Culture Forum

      Member of the youth culture working group

      Member of the resources for culture working group

Resource Implications

Estimated cost for attendance:

Registration Fees per person                                                    £245.96

Hotel x 3 nights (£158.55 per room per  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 27th October, 2008, it had received representatives from Westfield Shoppingtowns Limited, William Ewart Properties Limited and the Department for Social Development regarding the latter’s Retail Sequencing Policy and proposals to extend Castlecourt and to develop a new mixed-use scheme to be known as Royal Exchange in the North East Quarter of the City.  Having questioned the deputations and discussed the matter at length, the Committee had agreed that it was opposed to the Retail Sequencing Policy and had requested the Department for Social Development to adopt a position whereby, if Ewarts failed to submit its planning application for the Royal Exchange scheme within nine months, Westfield would be permitted to commence its scheme at Castlecourt.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reported that, since a period of nine months had elapsed and, to date, no planning application had been submitted by William Ewart Properties Limited, the Council had requested from the Department for Social Development an update of its development agreement with Ewarts.  She tabled for the information of the Members the undernoted letter which the Chairman had received:

“Further to your meeting with Alan Shannon and David Ferguson on 9 September 09 to discuss the status of the Royal Exchange Regeneration Project, Alan has asked me to write to you to set out the Department’s position on the regeneration of Belfast City Centre and provide an update on the Royal Exchange Project for Belfast City Council’s Development Committee.

The Department is continuing to implement its retail-led regeneration policy for the city centre as set out in the ‘BelfastCity Centre Regeneration Policy Statement’ published by the Department in 2004.  The overall aim of the Statement is to strengthen BelfastCity Centre as Northern Ireland’s premier regional shopping destination providing a high quality safe urban environment, attractive to investors, employees, residents and tourists.  The Department is implementing the Statement under five key regeneration policy themes: retail; office/business; tourism/leisure; connectivity/public realm; and, reinforcing city communities.

The re-emergence of BelfastCity Centre as the premier shopping destination in the province is at the heart of the Department’s regeneration policy for the City Centre.  In order to achieve quality retail provision, it is the Department’s aspiration to attract leading European and international brand retailers to the City, while recognising the need to safeguard Belfast’s well-established independent retail market.  The implementation of the retail regeneration policy theme will be achieved by increasing the amount of retail floor space available in the city centre at a pace which the retail market can absorb and expands consumer choice.

This policy theme has been delivered by the opening of Victoria Square in March 2008 providing over 600,000 sq ft of additional retail space, the House of Fraser flagship department store and the introduction of a wide range of new retail brands to the city centre.  The Department is continuing to implement the retail policy through the selection of the Royal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee agreed to receive at a future meeting a deputation from Friends of the Earth regarding its Belfast Cycle City Vision for 2020.

            The Committee was advised that the Consarc Design Group had been appointed by the Council to prepare an outline planning application regarding the development of the Northern Fringe of the Gasworks.  Prior to consultation with the local community being undertaken and the application being submitted, it would be necessary for the Committee to approve the development proposals which had been drawn-up by Consarc.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to receive at a future meeting a presentation from representatives of the Consarc Design Group regarding its proposals for the Northern Fringe of the Gasworks.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau had been occupying first floor premises in Donegall Place since August, 2000 as it had not been possible at that time to secure ground floor offices.  The lease on these premises, which was sublet from the Council to the Bureau, was due to terminate on 31st July, 2010.  Given the importance of providing tourists with first class access to visitor services, especially information, and the need to generate revenue from the sale of goods and services at the Welcome Centre, there were concerns that the full potential of the facility was not being realised at the current first floor location.  These concerns had increased recently in light of growing competition in the City centre from other outlets selling souvenirs and gifts.  It was anticipated that a ground floor location would result in an increase of 25% in visitors using the facilities offered by the Belfast Welcome Centre, with a corresponding increase in income generated by the sale of tickets and merchandise.

            She reported that Council officers and representatives from the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau had viewed a number of suitable vacant properties in the Donegall Place/Donegall Square North area and that the possibility of providing a Tourism Information Point within the City Hall as a satellite of the Centre was being examined.  Relocating to a ground floor premises would result in an increase in the amount of rent which would be payable and there would also be initial capital costs to fit out the property.  It had been estimated that rent for such accommodation would cost between £275,000 and £300,000 per annum.  The cost of fitting out would depend on the state of repair of the premises and the level of finish required.  She pointed out that £1 million had been spent on the initial fit out of the existing premises.

            During discussion in the matter, Members pointed out that space was available within the Central Library in Royal Avenue and the Belfast Metropolitan College in College Square and that both venues would be suitable locations for the Welcome Centre.

            Following further discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided by the Head of Economic Initiatives regarding the Belfast Welcome Centre premises.  In addition, the Committee agreed that the possibility of locating a Tourism Information Point within the City Hall be pursued and that Council officials continue to assist the staff from the Belfast Visitor and Convention Centre to examine possible ground floor locations for the Belfast Welcome Centre.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      In May, August and December 2008 the Development Committee received details of plans for the Cultural Olympiad to be staged leading up to and during the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.  As part of the original ethos, Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, mirrored the classical Greeks in maintaining that the purpose of the Olympic Games was to celebrate mind, body and spirit.  From this a Cultural Olympiad was established to include all cultural events of the Olympic Movement.  This Olympiad was a period when artists from around the world showcased their work in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Up until 1948 medals were awarded for sculpture, music, literature and art.  The modern Cultural Olympiad, which will be part of the 2012 Games, will focus on the following themes:

-     Bringing together culture and sport

-     Encouraging audiences to take part

-     Animating public spaces – through street theatre, public art, circus skills and live big screen sites

-     Using culture and sport to raise issues of environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing

-     Honouring and sharing the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

-     Encouraging collaborations and innovation between communities and cultural sectors

-     Enhancing the learning, skills and personal development of young people by linking with education programmes

      The key to this process for the 2012 Games has been the development of a series of ‘live sites’ which involve large LED screens being installed within public performance space across the United Kingdom.  In December 2008 the Development Committee received formal details on the costs for such a project.  They agreed this information be subsequently referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for formal consideration in January 2009.  At this point the report was withdrawn due to a lack of financial resources being made available.

Key Issues

      London 2012 Cultural Olympiad - ‘Live Sites’ Public Screen

      In August and December, 2008 the Council received details on the ‘Live Sites’ public screens from LOCOG 2012.  The proposal would see a permanent 25sq m screen, valued by the BBC and LOCOG 2012 at £500,000, positioned in the heart of the City centre.  The initial proposal was for the screen to be located in Donegall Place but this has been rejected by LOCOG on the basis that the screen would not be in position until after the 2012 Olympics had been staged.  Therefore LOCOG, along with DSD, are proposing that the screen be located within the grounds of City Hall – facing into the lawn from Donegall Square East.  The concept would mean that the BBC, LOCOG 2012 and BCC would share broadcasting time on the screen, which would operate approximately twelve and sixteen hours a day, 364 days a year.  The screen could also be utilised for major events including a number of London 2012 events.  After the Council’s rejection of the December 2008 report, due to its indicative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Over the last ten years BCC has delivered a range of major events, from the World Cross-Country Championships in 1991, the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 1999, the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2001 and most recently the 2009 Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.  All of the events have brought significant economic benefits to Belfast, with the 2009 Tall Ships event having an estimated £15m return to the City’s economy.  In parallel with these major events, BCC has been at the forefront in developing the Titanic offering in the City.  This has included the development of a highly successful Titanic Made in Belfast event and the instigation of other Titanic related tourism products such as tours, trails and the development of a strategy for a ‘must see’ visitor attraction based around the Titanic story.  All this work has received significant support and input from public, private and voluntary organisations, such NITB, Titanic Quarter Limited and the Belfast Titanic Society.

      The next significant step will be the marking of the centenary of the vessel in 2012.  In October 2007 Members approved in principle a centenary programme connected to the 100^th anniversary of the RMS Titanic over a twelve month period.  The purpose of this report is to request Members final approval for this twelve month programme from the end of May 2011 to end of April 2012. 

Key Issues

      Programme

      The proposed schedule of activity is based around the successful tours, talks, exhibitions and creative arts undertaken by Council as part of the Titanic Made in Belfast festival over the last nine years.  In addition to these there would be a re-branding of current BCC events to fit with the Titanic theme and the creation of a programme of one-off concerts, plays and other forms of creative arts for the year long programme.

      Key Headline Elements

      It is recommended that as part of the overall theme key historical dates in RMS Titanic’s story should be marked.  The first of these, if the programme is agreed, would be to mark the launch of the ship.  This would be followed by the fitting out of the vessel in the Thompson Dock; then the leaving of the vessel from Belfast on 3 April 1912 and, of course, the sinking and subsequent disaster.  It would be the intention to mark the latter event with a major outdoor concert with a significant international act as the headline performer.  It would be the hope to utilise facilities developed as part of the Council supported Titanic Signature Project for this concept.

      Creation of a TitanicMemorial Garden at Belfast City Hall

      One of the significant proposals as part of the programme would be the physical bringing together of three memorials, which are currently in the grounds of City Hall into some form of ‘TitanicGarden’.  The three statues being: Titanic Memorial; Edward Harland’s Statue & Lord Pirrie’s Plinth. 

      Dates

      The start of the proposed twelve month  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Committee noted that the current conditions of hire in respect of directly-managed Community Centres stated that “the facility will only be used for the purposes stated in the application and shall not be used for party political or religious activities” and that this clause appeared to have been based on the prevailing practice in the Leisure Services Department in the mid-1980s.  Following a request from an Elected Member as to whether the ban on religious activity use could be removed from the conditions, advice had been sought from Legal Services.  Essentially this advice indicated that there was nothing within current legislation to prevent the use of Council property for religious activity, so long as there was no breach of Section 76 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.  It was pointed out that, if this condition in connection with the hiring of Community Centres were to be removed there might be implications for other Council assets.

            The Director informed the Committee that, subsequent to the papers for the meeting having been distributed, the matter had been discussed by the Chief Officers’ Management Team where it had been ascertained that there were inconsistencies across the Council regarding conditions of hire.  Accordingly, the Team had agreed that officers from the Development, Parks and Leisure and Legal Services Departments meet as a matter of urgency to discuss the situation and submit a report to a meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.  She requested therefore that the Committee defer consideration of the report to enable the group appointed by the Management Team to investigate conditions of hire across the Council and to submit its report to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            During discussion in the matter, several Members pointed out that the legal advice indicated clearly that Community Centres could be used for religious purposes and that, therefore, the Committee should agree to amend the conditions of hire for such buildings. 

            Following further discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor Rodgers,

Seconded by Councillor McCausland,

      That, in view of the advice provided by Legal Services, the Committee agrees to amend the conditions of hire for Community Centres to enable religious groups to use such premises, on the understanding that there would be no breach of Section 76 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

            On a vote by show of hands six Members voted in favour of the proposal and one against and it was accordingly declared carried.

            The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 11th March, it had agreed that funding for community-organised Summer Play Schemes be allocated to qualifying community groups in the voluntary sector following an assessment based on agreed criteria.  She pointed out that such grants were awarded at amounts of either £1,000, £1,800 or £3,000.

            The Committee was advised that a total of 91 applications had been received and that funding had been awarded to the undernoted 81 groups which had met the criteria:

            The Director advised the Committee that the Department for Social Development had issued a consultation document regarding its new Volunteering Strategy entitled “Join In, Get Involved: Build a Better Future”.  The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on a series of proposals to support and develop volunteering in Northern Ireland.  She reported that staff from the Health and Environmental Services, Parks and Leisure, Corporate Services, Improvement and Development Departments had provided comments which had been included in the undernoted draft response:

“Belfast City Council Response to the DSD consultation on the new Volunteering Strategy, ‘Join In, Get Involved: Build a Better Future’. August 2009

      BelfastCity Council is committed to supporting volunteering. We note that volunteering in various services, for example community services, leverages in considerable resources to the Council and enables extensive and needs-based service provision.

      The Council notes and welcomes the proposals as outlined in the consultation document. We note that the proposals relate to, in the main, the ways in which DSD can ensure the future support and development for volunteering across Northern Ireland.

      No detailed action plan to support the implementation of this strategy has yet been developed and without this, the Council cannot yet respond in detail as to how it might be expected to support and develop volunteering in the future. The Council would be interested in early involvement in the future implementation discussions that will follow the confirmation of the strategy. We welcome the intention to work with local government in terms of implementing the strategy.

      The detailed action/implementation plan needs to be properly resourced and oriented to the communities which volunteering supports, for example funding for organisations and groups to set up the appropriate management and quality assurance systems.

      There needs to be a strong connection between local organisations and communities and the local and regional volunteering support infrastructure. Information and resources must flow into the communities that need them.

      The volunteering strategy needs to reflect the needs, motivation and values of volunteers. This includes maintaining a sensitive balance between these needs and varying levels of formality both in terms of legislative protections, but also, for example, the developing skills agenda around accreditation which may only be relevant to certain kinds of volunteers.

      It should be noted that high levels of bureaucratic barriers may discourage and de-motivate volunteers in more marginalised communities.

      We would make the following detailed suggestions to a small number of the proposals:

Chapter 1 Key Performance Indicators

      The Council would add a key performance indicator to this section. The current KPIs focus on increasing volunteering and improving the infrastructure to support volunteering. We would suggest adding a KPI to measure the degree of positive impact which the volunteering has, not least to ensure that an increase in the quantity of volunteering does not come at the expense of the quality of that volunteering. This would particularly be relevant to Council’s service provision to ratepayers.

‘An increase in the degree of positive impact which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      At a meeting of the Development Committee on 14 May 2008, Members committed to developing the Nashville Sister City relationship by approving the contents of the 2008/ 09 Action Plan and its implementation within budget.   The connection with Nashville has a special significance because of the very strong links between Ulster and the Tennessee capital which

dates from the Scots-Irish settlement of the area in the eighteenth century.  A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Mayor of Nashville and the Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1994 and this has resulted in many collaborations.

      The Action Plan was delivered by the Belfast Nashville Advisory Group, which includes representatives from the leisure and cultural sector, historical groups, genealogy associations, community development, media and educational organisations.  The aim is to explore, agree and implement identified areas of cultural, tourism and economic development and collaboration between the two cities and to co-ordinate and support the activities taking place between both cities and better maximise our relationship with Nashville

Key Issues

      Approval is sought from Committee to develop the Nashville Sister City relationship by approving the contents of the 2010 Action Plan and its implementation (see Appendix). New partnerships have been formed to deliver the Action Plan, which has been greatly expanded to include not only culture and tourism but education, economic development, genealogy, literary tourism, music tourism, international exhibitions, international marketing, creative industries, film and digital media and communications.

      Group membership has been expanded to reflect the new Plan and now includes formal partnerships with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Queen’s University.  The Group will meet on a bi-monthly basis in order to achieve economic benefits from the Sister City relationship. 

      Since May 2008, the relationship between the two cities has been greatly strengthened with a focus on achieving tangible outputs. Highlights include:

      Increased Partnerships

      A considerable number of partner organisations contributed both financially and in kind to sustaining the relationship, including Tourism Ireland, US Consulate, BBC, Ulster Historical Foundation, Ulster Scots Heritage Society, Queen’s University and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. 

      Tourism

      BCC worked in partnership with Tourism Ireland to utilise the Sister City Linkage to profile Belfast as a cultural tourism destination in the Southern States and increase tourism revenue from this market.  Tourism Ireland worked with their offices across the United States to highlight events on 16 and 17 March and promoted the event to travel and music journalists.  They invited the Belfast Nashville Songwriters’ Festival to attend their travel trade showcase in Atlanta to profile the SisterCity Relationship and linkages.  They launched and marketed Belfast City Council’s new music products including belfastmusic.org to promote Belfast as a vibrant European destination and the gateway to Ireland and Europe: 

-     PR and media coverage in the States to send out a positive message of Belfast - TV, radio, web, Tennessee news press, specialist trade music magazines, specialist travel press

-     Targeted marketing to the Scots-Irish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Members that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board had announced that it was creating a Tourism Innovation Fund which aimed to enhance the growth, quality, competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Northern Ireland by stimulating product development and improving the visitor experience.  It would provide financial assistance for non-capital projects such as creative interpretation initiatives and the innovative presentation and showcasing of Northern Ireland’s tourism product.  The Fund would provide financial assistance to the public sector of up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £20,000 and a maximum of £150,000.  Approximately £2 million was available for funding of revenue projects which could be delivered before the end of March, 2010.

            She indicated that the Fund had a two-stage application process which had involved submitting by 14th August applications which would then be assessed against the criteria.  Those applications which scored highly would be shortlisted, following which detailed business plans would have to be submitted.  The Tourist Board had indicated that it aimed to complete the first stage by the end of September and the second by mid-November.  She indicated that the Tourism, Cultural and Arts Unit had submitted applications for the undernoted projects and that any successful application would require 25% match funding from the Council, which could be provided from within the 2009/2010 budget:

Sunday in the City

Evening Economy

Literary Tourism

Music Tourism

The Belfast Story

Research into the Cultural and Creative Product Development Project

   on Cultural Tourism

            During discussion, a Member expressed surprise that the Department appeared to be in a position to support the provision of events on Sundays within Belfast when, in an item to be considered later in the meeting, no finance could be found to enable St. George’s Market to open on Sundays.

            The Committee agreed that in order to ensure that the Literary Tourism and the Belfast Story projects covered as broad a spectrum as possible, an advisory group rather than an individual, put together the storyboards for both projects. 

            Following further discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided by the Head of Economic Initiatives and agreed that any applications which were shortlisted by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board proceed to stage two of the process.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report and adopted the recommendations contained therein:

“Relevant Background Information

      LaganCanal Navigation Project

      Members will be aware of the renewed interest in Belfast’s marine and river heritage generated from The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.  The Lagan Boat Rally held over the same weekend, organised by the Lagan Branch of the IWAI and Belfast City Council, also animated the river and raised both the potential of the river and canal as a tourist and recreation attraction and as a potential economic generator for the City.

      Members are reminded that funding of £1million has been made available by Ulster Garden Villages Limited towards the reopening of the Lagan Gateway Project Lock 1 at Stranmillis.  An action plan which outlined the proposed activities to be developed in relation to the project was approved at the Development Committee meeting held on 12 September 2007 and, as a result of the action plan, the Lagan Gateway Project Scoping Study and Economic Appraisals were undertaken.

      The Scoping Report, noted at the Development meeting on 13 August 2008, identified a number of restoration and development works that would facilitate the re-opening of the first phase of 9 km of the Lagan River and Canal from Belfast Harbour upstream to Lock 3 at Shaw’s Bridge.  These key development sites included Queens Quay (site of the Lagan Weir), Stranmillis (the ‘Lagan Gateway’), site of Lock 2 at Moreland’s Meadow, river channel works, weir and canoe slalom upstream from Lock 3. 

Key Issues

      Economic Appraisal

      The Economic Appraisal has been completed by FGS McClure Watters Consultants.

      The Report states that the project is congruent with key national, regional and local government strategies relating to economic, social and environmental development and has identified the benefits of opening the Lagan Navigation in terms of;

-     Tourism – it will enhance the reputation of BelfastCity as a tourism destination.

-     Economic Development - arising from the creation and development of a unique tourism and recreational product offering and the investment and spending that this will generate.  It is envisaged that the common links between the Lagan and Belfast City’s other tourist amenities and, in particular, the Titanic Signature Project, will represent the development of a significant maritime and industrial heritage themed tourism product for Belfast.

-     Economic and Social - the restoration of inland waterways can potentially generate many economic and social benefits such as an increase in direct visitor spend and the creation of full time jobs.

-     Heritage – the restored Lagan will provide the community with a connection with the past and will bring a sense of identity and belonging to the area.

-     Recreation - the proposed infrastructural development will encourage a higher rate of participation in local water sports activities.

-     Public Realm -the works will greatly enhance the public realm of this lower section of the Lagan and will see increased pressure for the improvement of the water quality due to an increased interest in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report which provided an update on the Culture and Arts funding schemes.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      1. Shopmobility Belfast – request for financial support

      Members will be aware that, over the last five years, Shopmobility has received financial assistance from Belfast City Council through the Economic Development Unit.  Prior to 2007 this support was match funded by EU funds.  However, this activity is no longer eligible for match-funding from the EU and therefore this request for support relates to Council rates monies only.  The organisation also receives some small levels of support from the Parks and Leisure Department for work undertaken in the Parks and Open Spaces. 

      2. Social Economy Enterprise Strategy Consultation

      Members are advised that, in early August 2009, DETI launched a consultation exercise on a proposed Social Economy Enterprise Strategy for the period 2009-2011.  The closing date for the consultation is 9 October 2009.

      3. Proposal from GEMS NI

      Members will be aware that, at the April 2009 Development Committee, a number of employability projects were submitted for co-funding.  Following some discussion, Committee agreed to match fund these projects for one more year only and not to accept any further requests for match funding of employability initiatives.

      Recently GEMS NI has submitted a proposal to Belfast City Council entitled Belfast Job Search Services.  The project is not match funded from other sources.  The funding request to Belfast City Council is for £40,000 to support this project. 

      4. Request for change of representation on Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme management structures

      Members will be aware that at the Development Committee of 14 November 2007, approval was given for Belfast City Council to cluster with Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council for the delivery of Axis 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP).

      Members will also be aware that at the Development Committee of 9 April 2008, approval was given for the Chairman of Development to represent Belfast City Council on the Strategic Joint Committee (SJC) and the Deputy Chairman of Development to represent Belfast City Council on the Local Action Group (LAG). 

      The SJC is made up of Elected Members from the three Council areas.  It meets on a quarterly basis and has lead financial responsibility to accept, reject or defer decisions made by the LAG.  The LAG is made up of Elected Members from the three Council areas as well as social partners representatives.  It is responsible for assessing applications and makes recommendations for acceptance/deferral or rejection to the SJC.

      Applications for a number of the measures have now opened and project promoters from Belfast are currently preparing applications for submission to upcoming calls.

      5. Cities of the Isles (COTI)

      Members will be aware that, along with Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff, Belfast is a member of the Cities of the Isles (COTI) network.

      The cities engage in collaborative activity in the field of economic development and regeneration and an annual event on these key themes is organised for key elected members and officers.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

            The Committee noted the contents of the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Members will be aware that, in January 2009, an update on the proposed business plan for World Trade Centre Belfast (WTCB) was presented to Committee for endorsement.  This business plan identified a range of activities under six headings:

1.      Global Gateway Service

2.      Global business skills

3.      Business development programmes

4.      Trade Missions

5.      Local networking events

6.      Inward investment

Key Issues

      Outputs against target for each of the business areas to date are as follows:

      1. Global Gateway Service

      The Global Gateway Service was set up to connect companies to business opportunities and contacts through the WTC network, as well as offer international trade advice to inexperienced companies.

      Target:

      Establish WTC Belfast website

      Assist 200 companies (to period March 2011)

      Outputs:

      WTC Belfast website has been established with a mailing list of 1,300 companies that receive information on WTC Belfast activities.

      To date 17 companies have availed of the Global Gateway Service, with numbers increasing as awareness of this service develops.  Enquiries have ranged from identifying new global suppliers, business partners and customers to advising early stage companies on international trade issues.  Advantage NI is also using the services of WTC Atlantic Canada to plan a trade mission to Nova Scotia in September 2009.  Two local companies have employed WTCs on a consultancy basis to develop business in the US.

      2. Global Skills Workshops

      These workshops are targeted at companies and individuals who are inexperienced at international trade.  The workshop themes are on topics not delivered by other organisations in Northern Ireland, specifically on global supply chain management.

      Target:

      4 workshops per year

      10 participants per workshop

      Outputs:

      To date 2 workshops have been hosted by WTC Belfast.  10 participants attended one and 8 the other.  The feedback from both workshops has been very positive and participants have expressed interested in attending further workshops.

      Financial implications

      Participants are charged to attend these workshops.  A one day workshop is £75 per person and half day workshop is £35 per person.  This means that the cost implications to Council are generally very limited.

      3. Business Development Programmes

      These programmes are targeted at micro and SME companies inexperienced in international trade.

      Target:

      1 Business Improvement Programme per year: 10 participants

      1 Channel Development Clinic per year: 10 participants

      Outputs:

      A ‘Buy/Make/Sell Global’ programme will be delivered from October 2009.  This programme will help inexperienced companies develop their capacity to trade internationally and find new global business opportunities or partners.  The Channel Development Clinic will help companies establish export sales channel strategies and find new sales partners.

      Financial implications:

      These programmes will be subsidised by Belfast City Council and DETI similar to other Business Improvement Programmes delivered by the Economic Development Unit.  The cost for delivery of two programmes will be approximately £50,000.

      A registration cost of £150 per company will be charged to participants on the Buy/Make/Sell Programme.  Participants  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched a UK-wide contest for areas to be designated as UK City of Culture 2013. Thereafter the competition will be staged every four years. 

      The overall aim is to encourage the use of culture as a catalyst for a ‘step change’. 

      The successful city will need to: 

-     Deliver a high quality cultural programme (similar standard to that delivered by Liverpool Capital of Culture) that spans the course of the year and reaches a wide variety of audiences

-     Deliver a programme that uses culture to lead to lasting social regeneration

-     Demonstrate economic impact from the programme

-     Maximise the legacy of UK City of Culture

      Bids must be distinctive, ambitious, demonstrate cultural and artistic excellence, reflect a broad partnership, reach out to wide range of audiences and participants (especially under representative groups), be realistic and achievable.  The assessment criteria have been published as part of the guidance notes.

Key Issues

      Outline proposals for 2013 can be submitted by 15 October 2009 for initial feedback from expert assessors.  This part of the process is optional.  An initial bid must then be submitted by 11 December 2009 and, if shortlisted, areas will be asked to submit a second full and final bid by the 28 May 2010.

      Belfast has the opportunity to bid for UK City of Culture 2013 either on behalf of the City or a wider area.  There has been some discussion that there could be a regional bid from Northern Ireland incorporating Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.  Both cities have registered an initial expression of interest.  The guidance notes state that the location bidding should have a clear identity for visitors; a city and its hinterland; or a closely linked set of urban areas; or be a cohesive area capable of sustaining a concentred programme of cultural activities.

      Officers have met with the regional and city stakeholders, including Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Department of Social Development, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and Belfast City Centre Management. The purpose of the meeting was to update stakeholders on the UK City of Culture initiative and gauge support. The initiative was met with a positive response; the general view is that the timing is right for Belfast to submit a bid given the level of investment in culture related infrastructure including the opening of the Titanic SignatureBuilding in 2012.  

      Regional agencies expressed the desire to see the strongest bid coming from Northern Ireland which may be one collective bid based on a regional approach, including both Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. However, if competition arises between areas regional agencies will not support any one bid over another during the competitive process. Belfast based agencies including BVCB and BCCM expressed a desire to submit a bid for Belfast.

      On balance, and in order to maximise the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Proposal for a Sunday Market at St. George’s

            The Committee was advised that market traders at St. George’s had requested that the Committee consider the possibility of a weekly market being held on Sundays, in addition to those held on Fridays and Saturdays.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives pointed out that, whilst this would be a positive addition to the attractions which were available to visitors within the City on a Sunday, there were two issues which would require to be addressed.  Firstly, since no additional monies were available, the Sunday market would need to be self-financing, which would require an average occupation rate of 130 stalls at the present rent, or 175 stalls if the discounted rent which was offered currently to Saturday market pre-paying traders was applied.  Since work patterns for staff within the Markets Unit did not include Sunday working, a Sunday market would have to be covered on overtime, which would result in operational and staff costs of £1,550 per week, which were not included in the current budgets.  Secondly, the Market was used for a variety of cultural and other events, a number of which were held on Sundays and the proposal from the market traders would impact on these events.  However, it had been suggested by the traders that they would forego Sunday markets on the dates of such events.

            During discussion in the matter, several Members expressed concern at the costs to the Council of operating the Sunday market and indicated that it would require to be self-financed.  Another Member reiterated the point he had made earlier in the meeting that the Department had indicated that it would be able to fund the provision of events to be held in Belfast on Sunday but did not have sufficient finances to operate a Sunday market at St. George’s.

            Following further discussion, the Committee agreed that officers should further investigate financing options for the operation of a Sunday market at St. George’s and report back to a future meeting.

Entertainment Licensing Hours for St. George’s Market

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that, following a planned monitoring visit by the Council’s Environmental Protection Unit during a concert which had been held at St. George’s Market on 22nd June, it had been ascertained that loud music was audible in the nearest residential properties.  The Unit had accordingly suggested that the Market was not suitable for concert-type events after 11.00 p.m.  She pointed out that the Council’s Market Unit, Environmental Protection Unit and Building Control Section, together with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, had received complaints from residents regarding noise from events being held late at night at St. George’s. 

            She reported that most promoters would be content with an 11.00 p.m. music curfew, although a small number of promoters, who were aware that the current Entertainments Licence was operational until 1.00 a.m., did request that their events be allowed to operate until that time.  Accordingly, she recommended that the Committee agree  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which outlined the amount of media coverage and the extent of press and media enquiries received concerning the work of the Committee during the period from March till August.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The second phase of refurbishment of the Ulster Hall began in June 2007 with the Grand Hall reopening on 6 March 2009 followed by a month long festival of performances, including a Civic Gala performance with the Ulster Orchestra.  Since the opening concert and up to the end of June the Grand Hall has hosted over eighty concerts and other events.  The café and other areas of the building have also been heavily used. The Ulster Orchestra moved into their new administration offices on 1st June and has expressed satisfaction with the new accommodation. The key stakeholders in the project have also intimated that they are very pleased with the use made of the building since it opened, including the education and community access programme.

      Subsequent to this report first being considered by the Development Committee on 12 August 2009, it was agreed that a site visit for Members be made to the Ulster Hall to inspect and assess the key issues first hand and to hear from Mr Dawson Stelfox of Consarc, the consultant architect to the project.  The site visit took place on Tuesday, 8 September 2009.

      Building Work

      Building works, particularly in refurbishment and conservation projects, carry the risk of unforeseen but necessary works arising during construction. While contingency allowances are made in the programme for such eventualities this can only be notional and the Ulster Hall building works were actually completed later than programmed.

      The original expected date for practical completion was set for the end of December 2008.  This allowed a two month period for finishing and completing other elements of work and enabled a scheduled move back into the building, so that the management team could become familiar with the new systems in the building.

      Some unforeseen work became necessary and practical completion of the auditorium and front of house areas did not take place until 6 March 2009 (the actual day for re-opening to the public) and the new five storey administration office block at the rear of the building was not formally handed over until 23 May 2009. The delay was caused by the following main issues:

-     Problems with piled foundations for the new build areas resulted in the cracking of the old walls and work scheduled had to be stopped while remedial repairs were carried out.  Additional structural work was also required at high level to strengthen walls;

-     When the old roof was removed wet rot was discovered in some of the timber trusses and the rotten timber had to be replaced, with additional temporary supports;

-     An issue arose around the design of the ventilation and grilles for the main auditorium. This work was subcontracted to a specialist supplier, and it took some time for the ductwork and grilles to be designed, manufactured and tested to ensure that not only the correct room temperatures were achievable but also that the noise levels created by air flowing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

            The Director advised the Committee that, due to a number of Councils in Northern Ireland accepting less funding than had originally been offered in the current financial year, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure had a small surplus in the Community Festivals Fund to reallocate and had requested local authorities to submit expressions of interest before 17th September.

            Following discussion, the Committee agreed to seek a maximum of £40,000 from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure to support festivals taking place between January and March 2010 and to match fund the amount received from within the current year’s budget.

            The minutes of the meeting of 12th August were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st September, subject to:

(i)   the omission of that portion of the minute under the heading “Planning and Transport Unit Update” in so far as it related to the Belfast Masterplan Review which, at the request of Councillor M. Browne, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration;

(ii)  the omission of parts (ii) and (iv) of the decision in relation to the Christmas Lights Switch-on 2009 which, at the request of Councillor Smyth, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration;

(iii)the omission of the minute under the heading “Mosconi Cup 2010” which, at the request of Councillor D. Browne, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration; and

(iv)the amendment of the minute under the heading “Renewing the Routes – Update” to provide that, in future, officers ensure that consultation is undertaken with local Councillors before any proposals under the Renewing the Routes Programme are opened to wider community consultation.