Agenda and minutes

            The minutes of the meetings of 11th and 16th 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 1st December, subject to the omission of the minute of 11th November under the heading “Economic Development Unit Update: East Belfast Mission – Request for Funding” which, at the request of Councillor McKenzie, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration.  It was reported further that, during discussion of the minutes of the meeting of 11th November, the Council had agreed that a report be presented to the next monthly meeting of the Development Committee concerning the Christmas decorations at the City Hall and in the City centre.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that, following the comments which had been made at the Council meeting by Councillor Smyth, an investigation had been undertaken which had established that two festive decorations containing the words “Merry Christmas” were on display close to the City Hall.  This information had been conveyed to Councillor Smyth and the Chairman, who had agreed that it would not be necessary for a report to be presented to the Committee.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

To consider further the minute of the meeting of 11^th November under the heading “Economic Development Unit Update: East Belfast Mission – Request for Funding” which, at the request of Councillor McKenzie, was referred back to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 1^st December.

            The Committee considered further the minute of the meeting of 11th November under the heading  “Economic Development Unit Update: East Belfast Mission – Request for Funding” which had been taken back at the Council meeting on 1st December at the request of Councillor McKenzie.  An extract of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:

      “The Committee considered the undernoted report:

‘Relevant Background Information

      At the April 2009 Development Committee, Members agreed to provide match funding to four organisations which had been successful in securing financial assistance through the European Social Fund (ESF).  These organisations were East Belfast Mission, North Belfast Partnership, Women into Business and Training for Women Network.  The approval granted was to provide funding for the 2009/10 financial year only and, as a condition of the funding, the four groups were not to request any further money from the Council in connection with the 2010/2011 aspect of their ESF projects. 

      Recently, East Belfast Mission has written to the Council seeking match funding of £52,509 to further support the Work 4 U project in the 2010/2011 financial year.

Key Issues

      East Belfast Mission, through the Stepping Stone Project, currently delivers the Work 4 U project, funded by ESF and match-funded by the Council.   The aim of this programme is to work with unemployed individuals in East Belfast, including those deemed economically inactive, and assist them to find employment. 

      When Members agreed in April 2009 to co-finance support for all four projects, it was agreed that as a condition of the year two funding, all groups in receipt of match funding must not request further money from the Council in connection with the 2010/2011 aspect of their ESF projects.  This condition was written into all four separate Funding Agreements - all of which were signed by the individual parties and returned for the Council’s official seal of approval.

      Whilst the Work 4 U project is worthy, it is for the reason noted above, that the Development Department has not made provision in its revenue estimates for 2010/11 for groups participating in European Social Fund Projects. 

      The Council believes it is imperative there is a more strategic, co-ordinated approach to tackling the skills and employability needs of its residents and is currently taking steps to address this issue. In response to this, Members agreed in December 2008 to a proposal to open discussions with Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and other key skills and employability partners in order to develop an agreed strategy for our City. 

      Members are advised that the Council convened a Belfast Employability and Skills Board in May 2009, including representatives from Central and Local Government, Universities, Colleges, sector skills councils, trade bodies and the local community.  Since this group first formed, regular meetings have taken place and a ‘Belfast Employability & Skills Action Plan’ is currently in development which will help address current and future needs facing our City.  This document is expected to be finalised in January 2010 and is intended to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            (Mr. P. McNaney, Chief Executive, and Mrs. J. Minne, Head of Human Resources, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Chief Executive informed the Committee that 40 applications had been received for the vacant post of Director of Development and, following shortlisting, preliminary interviews, assessment centre and final interviews, the selection panel had recommended unanimously the appointment of Mr. John McGrillen, the present Chief Executive of Down District Council, on the appropriate point of the salary band £85,133 - £97,283 per annum.  The Chief Executive indicated that Mr. McGrillen would be commencing work with the Council on 1st March, 2010 and that, prior to that date, he would be meeting with the Chairman of the Committee and the Party Group Leaders.  He pointed out that Members had dedicated considerable time to the selection process and he thanked them for their work in this regard.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided by the Chief Executive.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      At a meeting of the Development Committee on 16 January 2008, Members agreed to core fund Belfast City Centre Management Company (BCCM) £190,000 per year for two years commencing April 2008.

Key Issues

      The work of BCCM covers three areas:

-     Delivering BCCM city centre services

      BCCM delivers its own services, which add value to the City centre, examples include - City Centre Representatives, Café Culture Operating Agreements, City Beat Policing, Radio link, City Safe Crimewatch scheme and City Dressing, including the city’s Festive Lighting

-     Facilitating and assisting in the delivery of funders’ City Centre Initiatives

      BCCM work ‘on the street’ (when requested and as directed) to assist with initiatives such as the Belfast Business Awards, Evening Economy, Independent Retail Support, City Centre Performance Measurement, Belfast in Bloom, Waste Management, Streets Ahead and the reStore initiative.

-     Direct liaison with City Centre Businesses

      BCCM provide strong communication links between the private sector businesses in the City centre and Central and Local Government, leading to increased private sector funding of city centre initiatives and marketing.

      April 2008 to March 2010

      The BCCM Board has indicated to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Committee, appreciation of Council’s funding of £190,000 per annum during the financial years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. 

      BCCM report that these have been two very successful years, with the company’s business plans being delivered in full, save only a few projects which are delayed due to circumstances beyond the control of BCCM.

      Copies of the BCCM Performance Reports for 2008/2009 and the first three quarters of 2009/2010 are available on Moden.gov.  It is particularly noteworthy that during these two years BCCM has been able to use its core funding to leverage increased funding for specific City centre projects from other sources, increasing from £381,000 in 2007/2008 to:

      -     £710,000 in 2008/2009

      -     £590,000 in 2009/2010 (budgeted)

      The above figures include:

-     A substantial rise in funding obtained from retailers towards the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau’s (BVCB) marketing campaign for the City, rising from a previous annual high of £15,000, to £50,000 per annum in both of these two years.

-     £60,000 investment in new festive lights for the City provided by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce

      Members are also asked to note that during these two funding years BCCM has successfully engaged with issues which were not originally tabled in their business plans, these include:

-     Bringing together the three membership organisations for public hire taxi drivers in the City into one forum, and agreeing a ‘Taxi Forum Agenda’ which is now being progressed with DoE and DRD Roads Service.  This has led to a positive working relationship with the drivers.  Early benefits included a marshaled and ‘agreed fare’ taxi service to the Tall Ships event.

-     Chairing the work of Orangefest and Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce in respect to delivering shop opening, city dressing and on-street animation.  Delivery of the high profile Retail  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 11th November, it had considered a report and received a presentation from the Consarc Design Group and RPS regarding their proposals for developing the land within the Gasworks Northern Fringe.  The Committee had agreed to defer consideration of the recommendations contained within the report to enable a copy of the development proposals to be circulated to Members of the Committee.  She pointed out that the plans had been circulated and, accordingly, submitted the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      An integrated design team led by Consarc Design Group has been working since May 2008 on the preparation of an outline planning application for the Northern Fringe site which covers 6.7 acres of gross developable land, the last phase of the Gasworks Estate.  Members received a presentation from the Consarc Design Group on 11 November 2009 outlining the development proposals for this significant regeneration site. Members have received a copy of the Gasworks Planning Statement detailing the development proposals.

Key Issues

      Land Uses

      Through discussions between the design team, the Council, the statutory consultees, and the neighbouring community, a Masterplan has evolved, developed in cognisance of planning, transport, environment and contextual considerations. Five development sub-plot parcels have emerged to be identified in the presentation as sites A, B, C, D and E.  A key objective of the plan is to ensure each parcel made a significant and individual contribution to the overall Gasworks complex.

      Sites A and B bounded by Cromac Street and Raphael Street are designated as Gateway sites in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, occupying a pivotal landmark site and focal point on an arterial route into the City centre. Urban design guidance and discussions at the Dbmap (draft Belfast Metropolitan Plan) Inquiry indicated acceptable height ranges of between six and nine storeys. The buildings on site will accommodate offices and a carefully designed setback along Raphael Street addresses the relationship with the three existing dwellings.

      Site C is at the rear of the existing hotel and will accommodate an extension to the Radisson Hotel. Members agreed at Committee on 16 January 2008 to officers entering into negotiations with Inislyn, the developers of the Radisson SAS Hotel, in a one to one deal in order to maximise the potential of sites C and D. It is envisaged that this development block will evolve in a similar design to the existing hotel. It will accommodate bedrooms, meeting/function rooms and conference facilities.  Site D accommodates an office development and multi-storey car-park for 300 plus relocated spaces.

      The Estates Management Unit in the Core Improvement Team are leading negotiations with Inislyn.  Land and Property Services (LP&S) have confirmed that Inislyn is best placed to realise the fullest potential of sites C and D through greater density of development by building adjacent to the existing hotel. Heads of terms are under negotiation between BCC and Inislyn and LP&S are instructed to confirm that any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            (Mr. G. Copeland, City Events Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted post-event report regarding the Tall Ships 2009:

“Relevant Background Information

      In September 2007 Members agreed to support the hosting of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge Race in Belfast in August 2009 at a cost to the Council of approximately £1.1m.  In addition, one fixed term contract member of staff was appointed and the City Council's Events Unit led on the delivery of the project via a Special Purposes Vehicle (SPV) established to oversee the event. Two Members of the Development Committee were nominated to become Directors of 'Belfast Tall Ships 2009 Ltd', a company established by the SPV.

      The Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International (STI). The host port, however, is responsible for the public celebratory aspect of the visit and for ensuring that crews are provided with a significant social programme.

      It was anticipated that over the four days of the Tall Ships visit, from 13 to 16 August, if the weather conditions proved favourable, as many as 400,000 could be expected to visit Belfast,. In order to deliver the event a new marina was built, this investment has left a lasting legacy for other harbour-based events such as the Council’s highly successful Maritime Festival. The cost of hosting the event was significant, £2.4m, however the economic return was expected to be unprecedented for Belfast.

      This report will highlight the significant economic and legacy benefits generated by the Tall Ships and summarise the successful delivery of the Tall Ships by the Events Unit.

Key Issues

      Governance

      The structure and processes put in place to deliver the Tall Ships, the largest event the City has ever hosted, proved successful. The project was overseen by a special Assurance Board comprising the Chief Executives of Belfast City Council and Belfast Harbour Commissioners and risk managed by the Audit, Governance and Risk Services Section of BCC. The Council introduced and established best practice processes within the delivery mechanism. This resulted in the City Events Unit acquiring additional knowledge and demonstrating a high quality service delivery.

      Project Delivery

      The City Events Unit and its many partners have gained significant skills, industry knowledge and experience through the delivery of the Tall Ships event.  The standards established by the City Events Unit have the potential to have a positive influence on any future bids for large scale events such as the World Police and Firefighter Games.

      Budget Information

      Undoubtedly the biggest challenge of the project management was delivering the event on budget within an economic climate which almost diminished the prospect of commercial sector support.

      DCAL, DETI and DSD made a joint contribution of £1m which almost matching Belfast City Council’s £1.1m contribution to the project.  The division of monies within the project resulted in the majority of Central Government funding being used for the development of a marine infrastructure system within Abercorn Basin.  Belfast City Council’s contribution was allocated to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Head of City Events and Venues reminded the Committee that, over the past fifteen years, the Council had developed an annual programme of events.  In 2009, these events, excluding the Christmas Programme, had attracted approximately 1.3 million people and had generated an economic impact of £17.6 million for Belfast, which represented a return of £6.80 for every £1 which the Council had invested.  The Events Programme had also attracted an average of 7% out-of-state visitors, which had added to the vibrancy and cultural activity of the City.  He reported that it was intended to organise two of the events in 2010, namely the Titanic Made in Belfast Festival, which had attracted 32,500 persons in 2009, and the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, which had not taken place in 2009 due to the Tall Ships event.

            He reported that feedback from visitors to the Titanic Made in Belfast Festival indicated that there was a huge interest in the Titanic topic and that people wanted to see more Titanic-related events and information available in Belfast.  The estimated economic impact of the 2009 event had been almost £1.2 million, which confirmed the economic rationale for the event to be repeated and developed in the lead-up to the centenary of the loss of the Titanic in 2012.  During the three years in which the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival had been held, it had attracted audiences in excess of 50,000 people annually, a quarter of which had come from outside Northern Ireland and had generated an economic impact of £600,000 to the local economy.  It had been estimated that the cost of the Titanic Made in Belfast Festival 2010 would be £100,000 and that the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2010 would cost £300,000.  However, the total economic return on this investment would be in the region of £1.8 million, which would equate to £4.50 for every £1.00 invested by the Council.

            Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the Titanic Made in Belfast Festival and the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival be held in 2010, subject to the Department’s Revenue Estimates for 2010/2011 being agreed.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Committee will be aware of the successful State of the City series of conferences organised by the Development Department.

      After the last conference of the current series, in May 2008, the Policy and Business Development Unit (PBDU) commissioned Lestas Consulting to undertake a review of the initiative. 

      In summary, the review stated that the State of the City programme has been:

‘a very successful way of bringing together key individuals and organisations to reflect on the needs and development of the City’.

      Nearly all (94%) of key stakeholders stated that their impression of the SOC events was either excellent or good.

      The review also stated that there were some areas for improvement, with the main ones being:

-     The business sector could be more presented;

-     The State of the City should be an engagement mechanism with two-way stream communication.

-     Cost efficiency could be improved;

      This report describes a proposal to refresh State of the City as a key BCC product and how recommendations for improvement in the review will be addressed.

Key Issues

      1. Purpose of the SOC

      PBDU notes that the purpose of the SOC is to:

-     Maintain BCC’s leadership role in development areas, particularly urban regeneration (economic, physical, social and cultural)

-     Share knowledge and propagate intellectual capital

-     Influence evidence-based decision making

-     Improve internal and external relationships by increasing networking between Members, BCC officers and external stakeholders

-     Influence the agenda about issues affecting the future of the City (and community planning) and complex public policy issues

-     Serve as a mechanism to initiate action and a catalyst challenge to community planning, leading to joint knowledge/expertise and joint understanding and synergy

-     Raise profile of BCC as a dynamic, learning organisation

      2. Why we need the State of the City initiative

      By refreshing the State of the City initiative, BCC would show strong leadership as there are no other organisations with a sole Belfast focus covering so many cross-cutting issues.  BCC needs State of the City to continue to grow capacity, knowledge, understanding, skills and consensus for future joint or synergetic/integrated action subsequent to on-going institutional changes e.g. RPA.

      Belfast needs a platform for a high level debate on the future development of the City, covering all the challenging aspects of social, economic, cultural and physical development. The City also needs a regular networking mechanism through which those who work on improving the City can share ideas and knowledge. To achieve its purpose, however, the SOC initiative would need to have more frequent and effective ways of communicating.

      BCC and its Development Department are in the best position to offer that for the following reasons:

-     Its work is Belfast focused

-     Its work covers all key aspects of City development

-     It has overarching knowledge and expertise

-     It has access to high level speakers and experts

-     A dedicated budget

      3. State of the City Brand

      As State of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

Relevant Background Information

      The Utility Regulator has asked the Council to comment on their draft Forward Work Programme for 2010?11. The Regulator protects consumers through regulation and scrutiny of Northern Ireland’s gas, electricity and water providers. The Regulator’s strategic priorities are:

-     Protecting consumers by ensuring utility monopolies act efficiently.

-     Environmental sustainability and security of supply.

-     Protecting vulnerable consumers.

-     Boosting competition in wholesale and retail sectors.

-     Harmonising energy markets and use of infrastructure.

-     Evolving the regulatory framework.

-     Their own organisational development.

      The Forward Work Programme sets out how these priorities will be addressed in 2010?11 and also gives an indication of activities into 2013.

      The Council’s response to the draft FWP has to be submitted by 12.00 noon on 20th January, 2010.

Additional information is available from the Utility Regulator’s website:

http://www.niaur.gov.uk/news/view/utility_regulator_publishes_its_draft_forward_work_plan_2010_11_for_consult

Key Issues

      The activities outlined in the draft Programme fall under the following strategic themes:

-     the protection of consumers through effective regulation of monopoly utility companies by applying their regulatory scrutiny to drive efficiencies and promote enhanced level of services (e.g. through Guaranteed Standards of Service). They propose to enhance their regulatory framework through a broadly based review of price control methodologies;

-     promoting sustainability and security through working with utility companies to take account of environmental impact of the services they provide (e.g. requiring NI Water to report on carbon emissions) and assessing options for optimising the existing energy infrastructure;

-     protecting vulnerable customers by implementing a Social Action Plan (the Council has already been consulted on this part of the plan) and contributing to wider Governmental initiatives, as appropriate, on fuel poverty;

-     advancing retail and wholesale competition by removing barriers to potential entrants and reviewing existing arrangements to promote value for consumers (e.g. by reviewing the long-term contracts of electricity generating units);

-     harmonising arrangements to deliver benefits for Northern Ireland consumers (e.g. the potential arising from Common Arrangements for Gas on the island of Ireland);

-     a greater focus on the potential for exercising competition powers and the need to take account of the wider European legislative context;

-     developing as an organisation by enhancing human resources policies and processes and taking the opportunities to deliver on specific governance areas.

      There are specific elements within the draft Programme that may impact on the Council and especially its activities in the North Foreshore Landfill Gas Electricity Generation Scheme. It is proposed that the Council sends the following response.

      ‘The North Foreshore is generating renewable electricity for export which is eligible for the Levy Exemption Certificate (LEC), the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation Certificate (NIROC) and the Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). The Council therefore welcomes the Utility Regulator’s priorities to work with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) to ensure that the existing schemes NIROC, LEC and REGO continue to operate smoothly alongside the Single Electricity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Members that, on 26th October, the Planning Appeals Commission had notified objectors to the planning application for a significant regional development at Sprucefield that the applicant, Sprucefield Centre Limited, had not complied with Regulation 15 (2a) of the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993, in that it had not submitted information within a specified timeframe and that it appeared that there was no written agreement between the applicant and the Department to extend the time period for the submission of this information.  Accordingly, the Planning Appeals Commission had assumed that this would result in the application being deemed refused in March 2009.  Therefore, the Commission would have no statutory authority to consider it at a Public Inquiry.

            The Department of the Environment had stated that it was seeking legal advice on the status of the application but, due to the uncertainty, the Planning Appeals Commission had decided to notify objectors of the postponement of the Inquiry and the arrangement for the submission of the rebuttals.  In addition, the Commission had stated that, if the Courts were to determine that the application remained alive, the Inquiry process would be reactivated at a later date. 

            The Head of Economic Initiatives pointed out that, on 27th October, Sprucefield Centre Limited had resubmitted the same application and that the Department of the Environment had declared that the application would be subject to Article 31 and had formally written to all the objectors and consultees in relation to the resubmitted application.  Consequently, the Council had been required to resubmit its letter of objection prior to the deadline of 1st December and had done so.  She pointed out further that the Council’s previous letter of objection, statement of case and rebuttal statement remained relevant as the details of the application were unchanged.  To date, £6,349 had been spent on employing specialist retail planning expertise in connection with the Sprucefield Public Inquiry.

Noted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Department for Social Development:

      At the November 2009 meeting, Committee considered a draft response to the DSD consultation which proposes the optimum number and location of Area Advice Centres.  This consultation is set within the broader context of DSD preparations to move to a proposed new model for Advice Services in Northern Ireland following the publication of the Opening Doors Strategy for the Delivery of Voluntary Advice Services in September 2007.

      The current consultation is restricted to the second phase of 2 further pieces of research, where Phase I mapped existing provision.

      DSD indicate their proposals take account of issues of accessibility, deprivation and population size and are intended to provide councils with a methodology for determining locations in the commissioning of these services in the future.  They further indicate that the Area Advice Centre Model will provide generalist advice support, first line support for specific needs and be a referral point for specialist advice. The consultation also comments on outreach approaches.

      Following this consultation process, DSD has advised that Minister Ritchie intends to publish further guidance ‘in consultation with councils’ before piloting the new advice framework in partnership.  DSD has indicated their intention to invite expressions of interest from councils to permit a pilot phase in 2010.  Furthermore, implementation of the new framework should take account of and fit the new council areas post RPA.  DSD indicated that adoption of the agreed model will coincide with RPA implementation timescales, currently expected to occur in 2011.

      Belfast City Council:

      BCC is a significant investor in the delivery of independent advice services across the City and has developed a successful model of consortia advice provision based on geographical providers (North, South, East, West and City centre).  BCC investment focuses on generalist advice provision to the community at large.  Funding is allocated on a pro-rata basis based on a deprivation-weighted population.  

      In 2008 Deloitte completed an independent review of provision across the City.  This review was commissioned in order to identify best practice changes required to the current delivery model and to make recommendations on the delivery approach going forward, particularly in light of the new regional strategy.

      The consultants recommended that all future provision in the City should build on the significant investment in the development of capacity and relationships (consortia) to date.  They proposed how we might consolidate on and improve practice and suggested opportunities to extend the support role of BBC.

      In light of the DSD strategy our recent review of the consortium model and to inform advice provision post 2011, the Community Services Business Plan notes the intention to review and refine the BCC Support Strategy for Advice Services post 2011 and a related Action Plan.  This work will be developed closely with Members and key stake-holders and will commence early next year.  A key component of the strategy development will be to agree the appropriate number and location of Advice Centres and related outreach provision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Committee agreed to defer until a future meeting consideration of a report regarding a debt relief volunteer training proposal.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The current ongoing economic downturn and resultant uncertainty facing many households has resulted in an increase in the numbers of people accessing the services of advice agencies particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to debt and money advice services.  The advice sector is experiencing difficulties in responding to this increased demand.

      Following considerable lobbying from both the advice providers and Local Government the Department for Social Development has just announced an additional £500,000 for local advice services across Northern Ireland, of which £167,096.00 is offered to Belfast City Council.   The Council has not been asked to provide any match funding support.  If the Council accepts the offer of additional resources, this will bring the total financial support for Advice Services in Belfast to £992,727.00.

      The additional funding may be spent to enhance the existing voluntary advice provision in Belfast in order to meet the increased demand on the service at this time of recession. 

      The additional DSD grant is conditional on the utilisation of the full funds by recipient organisations within the current financial year, ending 31 March, 2010.

Key Issues

      Given the limited timeframe in which the additional available funds can be expended (approx 3 months), systems will need to be developed to ensure any funds available are distributed and made available to service providers as soon as possible.

      In order to work within the dictated timeframe, while also maintaining adherence to the current BCC model for Advice & Information Services Support, officers would suggest that any agreed take up of DSD funds is administered via the consortia model. 

1.      Allocation of available additional funds.

      The timeframe will not permit any competition for resources outside the model or indeed any significant reallocation of funding ratios between consortia or within the consortium partners.  It is therefore proposed to allocate the additional resources to the 5 advice consortia on a pro rata basis against the agreed deprivation-weighted population formulae.

      This will ensure consistency with the 2009/10 BCC standard advice grant and the BCC/DSD Advice supplementary grant.  

1.      Application Process

      Officers will invite advice consortia to submit proposals on how they will utilise the potential available additional funding allocation to enhance their current advice services provision.  A generic application pro-forma will be developed requesting information on detailed budget, additional provision, performance indicators, targeted additional outcomes, etc.  Applicants will be asked to note specific activity to address the increase in demand due to the current economic downturn and increased outreach provision.

      Officers will work with Legal Services to design and issue funding contracts within current corporate procedure.

2.      Monitoring

      As per current arrangements, all successful consortia will submit monitoring returns to report progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            The Community Development Manager reminded the Committee that Community Development Project Grants were awarded to organisations which supported and strengthened local efforts to enhance and improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood or area.  The maximum amount which could be awarded to any one group under this scheme was £500.  She indicated that the maximum amount which could be awarded to a Community Group under the authority delegated currently to the Director of Development in any one financial year was also £500.  In previous years, in order to permit applications received under the Christmas Community Chest, which enabled organisations to hold events during the Christmas period for local residents, to be processed using this delegated authority the former Client Services Committee had approved the payment of Community Development Project Grants.  This was now the responsibility of the Development Committee and it would be necessary, therefore, for it to approve the payment of grants.

            She reported that 46 Project Grant applications had been received, 42 of which had been recommended for grant-aid and it was proposed that a total of £20,714.64 be allocated in this regard.

            During discussion in the matter, a Member drew the Committee’s attention to an application from Joanmount Open Door Limited which was being recommended for refusal and requested that the application be reconsidered.

            Following further discussion, the Committee agreed that consideration of the application from Joanmount Open Door Limited be deferred pending the outcome of the current review of related eligibility criteria being led by the Director of Legal Services.  In addition, the Committee considered the remaining applications which had been received and agreed to adopt the recommendations set out below:

            The Committee agreed that a special meeting be held to receive a presentation on the Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework for Belfast.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 11th November, it had agreed that tenders be invited for the provision of tourism and research services for a three-year period commencing in January, 2010.  However, it had been subsequently ascertained that the procurement process would take three months to complete.  Accordingly, it would be necessary to extend until 31st March, 2010, the existing contract with the current provider, Millward Brown Ulster.

            The Committee agreed to extend the current contract for the provision of tourism and research services until 31st March, 2010.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      “At the September Committee meeting, Members were updated on BCC’s applications to NITB’s Tourism Innovation Fund.  NITB received 110 applications in total from across Northern Ireland and has shortlisted 37 to the next stage of the process, including four proposals from BCC:

-     Music Tourism

-     Literary Tourism

-     Delight in the Twilight (Food Tourism and City Animation); and

-     Sundays .

      BCC has prepared business plans for each project which are now being appraised by NITB. NITB have indicated that, if projects are successful, they will receive letters of offer in December 2009, however full spend and implementation is required by end of March 2010.

      The Tourism Innovation Fund will provide financial assistance for non-capital projects such as creative interpretation initiatives and innovative presentation and showcasing of Northern Ireland’s tourism offerings.  The Fund aims to enhance the growth, quality, competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Northern Irelandby stimulating product development and improving the visitor experience.

      BCC's four projects shortlisted under the programme, worth £653,000 are now being appraised by NITB.  Members should note that the costs associated with these projects have been revised since the September 2009 report after discussions with NITB on eligibility of activity.

      An additional £26,000 has been secured from DARD for the Delight on the Twilight project to support Belfast based catering and restaurant sector to use Northern Ireland produce.

Resource Implications

      If BCC is successful in being awarded this funding, BCC’s £191,000 match funding will come from existing Departmental Budgets. This activity had been planned for regardless of NITB support. NITB funding will provide an opportunity to deliver larger scale / greater impact projects.

      The Tourism Innovation Fund has slipped a month from initial timelines discussed with NITB. The delivery of the projects by end of the March 2010 is challenging however staff resources will be realigned accordingly. 

Recommendation

      It is recommended that Members note the content of the report and agree that the four projects proceed.

Decision Tracking

      Further to approval and when NITB Letters of Offers are received, Members will be updated on any changes to the projects.

Timescale:  January 2010          Officer:   Kerrie Sweeney ext 3586”

            The Committee adopted the foregoing recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      “At the September Committee, Members 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 current lease of which expires in July 2010.

      Officers have met with Facilities Management regarding the opportunity to establish an information point at the City Hall. At present the most suitable location is the ‘reception hall’ at the front entrance to the City Hall (on right hand side). Working together with Facilities Management, the space can be designed to promote BCC facilities and the wider tourism product and services, including: 

-     Mainly interactive using 2 x 32" screens

-     Limited multi-lingual facility

-     Visitor information on the principal BCC attractions e.g. City Hall. Waterfront/Ulster Halls, The Zoo, Belfast Castle/Malone House, Parks

-     Services information would include details such as the opening times of leisure centres, recycling centres etc.

-     A 'What’s On' facility would include details about upcoming events organised by BCC, this facility could be updated electronically by the Events Unit who organise these events

      Capital fit out can be funded from existing City Hall refurbishment budget.

      It would be important that the facility complements the role of the Belfast Welcome Centre and adds to the experience of the City Hall. 

Resource Requirements

      This space can either be a manned or unmanned facility. BVCB has looked at the option of the facility being manned for the key summer months (June – September) during City Hall opening times. The cost would be £7,500 per annum for one member of staff reporting to the Belfast Welcome Centre plus staff, equipment and design costs of £5,000. These would be additional costs and would need to be met from the 2010/2011 Development Departmental budget. There may be an opportunity for the Belfast Welcome Centre to be relocated even closer to the City Hall at ground floor premsies in the vicinty of Donegall Place/Donegall Square which may reduced the need for a manned facility. 

Recommendation

      It is recommended that Members agree to establishing an all year information point at the ‘reception hall’ at the front entrance  the City Hall and that it is staffed on a trial basis between June to September 2010. Once the relocation of the Belfast Welcome Centre is agreed, the staffing of the information point will be reviewed. 

Decision Tracking

      Information Point to be opened for summer 2010

Date:  May 2010                     Contact:  Kerrie Sweeney ext 3586”

            The Committee agreed:

(i)      that a tourist information point be established all year round at the front entrance of the City Hall;

(ii)     that the point be staffed on a trial basis from June till September, 2010; and

(iii)    that staffing of the point be re-examined when the location of the Belfast Welcome Centre had been agreed.

            The Committee noted that the above-mentioned event, which had received a conference subvention of £23,000 from the Committee, had generated an economic impact of £1,164,800 for Belfast.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Ulster History Circle seeking financial support for the installation of blue plaques at various locations throughout the City, in recognition of the contribution to the development of Belfast made by:

James Bryce (Viscount Bryce of Dechmount), academic and diplomat;

Sir Joseph Larmour, academic and politician;

Thomas Russell, United Irishman and librarian;

Frances Joseph Bigger, archaeologist and librarian;

Mercy Hunter, calligrapher and designer;

Francis Joy, newspaper proprietor and entrepreneur;

Patrick Neill and James Blow, printers;

William Rodgers, broadcaster and poet;

The Maritime Club, the location of the birth of the Blues in Belfast.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives advised the Members that the costs associated with the erection of each individual blue plaque would be £700, provision for which had been made within the Department’s budget.

            The Committee agreed to provide the funding necessary for the erection of the nine blue plaques.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives advised the Committee that, in accordance with its decision of 13th May, a Symposium which examined options for commemorating the 400th anniversary of the awarding of Belfast’s Charter had been held on 4th November.  At this event, a distinguished panel of speakers and contributors had discussed the issue and agreed that:

·         the anniversary of the Charter was important;

·         people were interested in and wanted to learn more about the period but felt that they should have been made aware of some of the issues around the Charter when they were at school; and

·         the Charter was shared history which needed to be examined holistically and in context.

            She recommended that a small internal working group be established to examine further how the Anniversary could be commemorated.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 16th September, having been advised that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure had a small surplus in the Community Festivals Fund, it had agreed to provide match-funding.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reported that a sum of £8,213 had been secured from the Department.  This had resulted in an amount of £16, 426 being added to the sum of £29,140 which had already been available for the fourth and final tranche of the fund giving a new total of £45,566.  She pointed out that the entire amount had been fully committed.

            The Committee noted the information provided.

            The Committee agreed to receive at a future meeting a presentation from the Chief Executive of the Lyric Theatre to enable him to bring the Members up-to-date on the plans for the Theatre and how it could assist the Council to deliver its objectives.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th August, it had agreed to continue to assist the development of Belfast’s independent retail sector by offering support to local trader groups to develop collaborative marketing campaigns in order to raise the profile of their retail offerings and to increase footfall in their respective areas.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reported that the campaigns would be aimed at promoting the clusters of independent retail businesses which existed across Belfast and to improving the recognition of the importance of the independent retail sector in the City.  She pointed out that the marketing support for the campaign would depend on the specific needs of the local area.  Accordingly, she recommended that, in the current financial year, the support be focused on trader groups in West Belfast, Greater Shankill, Lisburn Road, parts of East Belfast and the City centre. 

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      “Members will be aware that at the Development Committee on 14 May, 2008 Members agreed to support Council participation at the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference for 2009 and 2010.  South by South West (SXSW) remains the key US showcasing, deal striking, networking and media forum for the international media industry and attendance at the event remains a key priority for all of those interested in the business of media and creativity.

      Participation at SXSW in 2008 and 2009 generated over $500,000 of new business for participants and profiled Belfast as a creative city to the global entertainment industry. 

      Given the contacts built up in the two previous years, it is considered that there is merit in examining the wider support infrastructure for the creative industries in Austin and to look at how this might be transferred to Belfast.  In light of this, it is proposed that a civic itinerary be added to the business trip.

      In addition to attendance at the Belfast SXSW music showcase and the Belfast/Austin business networking event, meetings will be organised with a range of key contacts in areas of interest, including the following:

-     Kevin Johns, Director of Economic Development, City of Austin

-     Dave Porter, Senior VP/Economic Development, Austin Chamber of Commerce

-     Jim Butler, Music, Film and Technology Industries Development, City of Austin

-     Governor Rick Perry, Texas Music Office

-     Vincent Kitch, Cultural Arts Programme Manager, City of Austin

      In order to maximise the impact of this visit and to raise its profile, it is proposed that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of Development Committee (or nominees), Head of Economic Initiatives, Creative Industries Officer, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Arts Manager (or nominees) attend SXSW in 2010.

Resource Implications

      No additional resources required.  £40,000 approved by Development Committee in May 2008.

Recommendation

      It is recommended that Members agree to attendance at the event by the Chair and Deputy Chair (or nominees), Head of Economic Initiatives, Creative Industries Officer, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Arts Manager (or nominees). 

Decision Tracking

      Post event feedback report to be presented to Committee by June 2010

Time line:  August 2010                Reporting Officer:  Lisa Toland”

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that the City of the Isles Partnership was a small network of six City Councils in the United Kingdom and Ireland, namely Belfast, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool.  Since 2000, these Cities had come together annually to share urban regeneration experiences, develop joint projects and establish a co-ordinated approach to issues of strategic importance.  In October, representatives from the Council had attended the annual Conference in Edinburgh.  At the conference it had been proposed that Belfast act as host city for the 2011 event. She indicated that approximately thirty representatives from the various cities would be attending and the two-day event would include a welcome lunch, tour of Belfast regeneration sites, a dinner at the City Hall, individual Council presentations and the City of the Isles Annual General Meeting.  She pointed out that it was anticipated that the costs associated with hosting the event would not exceed £3,000.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that Belfast should host the Cities of the Isles Conference in October, 2010 and agreed that an amount of £3,000 be set aside towards the costs.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 11th November, it had agreed, as part of the process of relationship-building with the local business community, that it should undertake a programme of site visits to the Port of Belfast, Stenna Line, George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport and the Northern Ireland Science Park. 

            The Head of Economic Initiatives recommended, in order to ensure that maximum benefit was achieved from attendance at the visits, that they be held over two days in either February, March or April.  She assured the Members that they would be given a minimum of six weeks notice of the date and times of the meetings.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee agreed to receive at a future meeting a presentation from British Telecom regarding the development of its superfast broadband and its potential impact on businesses in the City. 

            The Committee noted that it would be receiving at a future meeting a draft copy of the new local Economic Development Plan.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that, on 27th January, 2010, the European Parliament, in partnership with the Parliament and Urban Intergroup and Eurocities, would be holding an event entitled “Cities 4 Europe”.  This would provide an important opportunity for elected representatives to engage in direct dialogue with Members of the European Parliament in relation to the already initiated negotiations concerning future funding and urban policy for regions and cities post 2013.

            She pointed out that, at the recent Eurocities Annual General Meeting, cities had been encouraged to attend this event in order to mobilise and champion the city agenda, particularly at a time when future European funding would be limited and increasingly focused on central and eastern Europe.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee further that, on 28th January, 2010, the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau would be hosting a Belfast Tourism Showcase in the new offices of the Northern Ireland Executive Bureau in Brussels.  The aim of this event would be to maximise the opportunity of having a high-level gathering in Brussels for the “Cities 4 Europe” event.  The Visitor and Convention Bureau has invited the Chairman of the Development Committee to host jointly the showcasing and promotional event.

            The Committee approved the attendance of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, the Head of Economic Initiatives and the European Manager (or their nominees) at the “Cities 4 Europe” event and agreed to co-host the Belfast tourism promotional event in Brussels in January at a cost not to exceed £3,000.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 16th September, it had agreed that officers should further investigate financing options for the operation of the Sunday Market at St. George’s and report back to a future meeting.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that it had been ascertained that funding might be available from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board under its Tourism Innovation Fund for 2010-2011, which was a competitive process where funding was requested but not guaranteed.  She reminded the Members that the cost of operating a Sunday Market would be approximately £1,550 per week as it would have to be covered by staff on overtime payments.  However, discussions with the staff at the Market had ascertained that only two of them would be willing to work on a Sunday, which would result in long-term operational issues.  She informed the Committee further that the National Market Traders’ Federation had been requested to ascertain how many traders would definitely be interested in the Sunday Market so that accurate costings could be calculated.  To date, no written list of traders had been received, although there had been 70 verbal indications of interest.

            The Committee noted the information received and agreed that the officers investigate further the costs which would be involved in staffing the proposed Sunday Market, confirm the number of interested traders and report back to a future meeting.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from a local businessman who wished to operate a traditional style market and a mini car boot sale on Sundays on the site of the former Balmoral Fruit Market on Boucher Road.  However, given the ongoing discussions within the Council regarding the possibility of a Sunday Market operating in St. George’s, he had indicated that he would not, at present, pursue this proposal until the Council had reached a decision in that regard.

Noted.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 22nd September, 1999, it had granted authority for the Director, in consultation with the Chairman, to approve the terms of future lettings at Smithfield Market, subject to those terms being reported retrospectively to the Committee.  The Head of Economic Initiatives reported that Unit 20 had been let to Ms. S. Gorman, 21 Walnut Road, Larne, at a cost of £190 per month for the purposes of operating a travel agency.

Noted.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that Mr. Adam Fullerton-Healey, who operated a pharmacy in Unit 6 at St. George’s Market, had requested rent-free period for one quarter of the year.  She pointed out that this person had benefited from a previous rent reduction which had been applied to all the units at St. George’s due to the difficulty in letting the units following the refurbishment of the building.  She pointed out further that a considerable number of new office developments in the vicinity of St. George’s were now occupied and, if the request were to be acceded to, it would be likely that other tenants of Council property would seek a similar reduction and, since the Council received approximately £5.5 million in rental income per annum, this would have a significant impact on the Council’s budget.  The person in question had also suggested that the Council should offer all tenants a one-month free period at the end of five years’ tenancy.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives recommended that the Committee make no changes to the rental charge and that no rent-free period be granted.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that, on two recent occasions, it had requested that a deputation from the Committee meet with the Minister for Social Development to discuss the Royal Exchange scheme.  She advised the Committee that the Minister had acceded to this request and that the meeting would be held on 13th January.

Noted.

            The Head of City Events and Venues referred to recent press articles regarding the damp problem in some of the walls within the Ulster Hall and informed the Members that, following recent investigation works by the Consarc Design Group, it had been ascertained that those walls which had been suffering from dampness were drying out and that, following the refurbishment works, no new water was getting into the building.

Noted.