Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Campbell and Councillors Mallon and Reynolds.

            The minutes of the meetings of 10th and 23rd 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 amendment of the minute of the meeting on 23rd August under the heading ‘Tall Ships Event – 2015’ to provide that the Council’s maximum financial contribution towards the event be increased from £1,150,000 to £1,300,000; and

(ii)  the amendment of the minute of the meeting of 23rd August to under the heading ‘B-Team’ to reflect the fact that two officers from the Council would accompany Elected Members on the Dissemination Event in Ruda Slaske, Poland, on 5th and 6th September.

            The Democratic Services Officer reminded the Committee that a period of consultation was ongoing in respect of the Council’s revised Integrated Cultural Strategy, which was due to be presented to the Committee for formal consideration in due course. He reported that a briefing session in respect of the Strategy was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 20th September at 5:15 p.m. in the Lavery Room and he requested the Committee’s authority to extend an invite to the event to all Members of the Council.

            The Committee agreed to extend an invitation to the briefing session to all Members of the Council.

            The Committee agreed to receive, at its meeting on 25th October, a deputation from the Lisburn Road Traders’ Association to discuss matters relating to the regeneration of the Lisburn Road.

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

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       At the end of July 2010 and 2011 Belfast City Council hosted, in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the European Pipe Band Championships. The venue for these events was NICSSA sports grounds in Stormont Estate. The staging of the championships is part of a three year programme, with final year scheduled for 2012. Other key partners in the planning and delivery of these events were: NICCSA; DFP Stormont Estates, and NITB. On average the events attracted 120 bands and 47 drum majors from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America.  The events also attracted audiences of approximately 10,000 each year.

1.2       Belfast has now been invited to bid for the World Pipe Band Championships to be held in July 2013, 2014 and 2015. This event annually involves about 230 bands, and attracts over 40,000 spectators. While the event is usually a one day event, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is keen to trial a two day project in 2013. Belfast has previously, unsuccessfully, bid for the World Championships, with Committee approval, back in 2008.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Location

The event would require a space capable of catering for an audience of in excess of 40,000 people.  Currently City of Belfast Playing Fields, OrmeauPark and NICSSA are the only city venues capable of holding the scale of the event.

2.2       Economic impact

This is estimated at £10 million based on data from GlasgowCity Council in 2010. 

2.3       Bed nights

Again these are difficult to quantify but it would be estimated that the event would fill all current bed spaces in the city.

3                    Resource Implications

3.1       Cost to stage the event

The bid for the event would have two cost elements.  The first is the RSPBA fee; this must be paid directly to the organisation.  It is estimated that in order to be successful that the RSPBA fee would be an estimated £120,000 per year.  The second element of the cost would be for logistical and site requirements that the event would require, which are now required over a two day event period.  This is estimated at £280,000 per year. Therefore in total, annual cost would be £400,000, or £1.2 m over a three year period.

3.2       BelfastCity Council Contribution

It is suggested that Belfast City Council contribution would be £200,000 per year.  Other sources of public funds would need to be sought to meet the remaining cost.  These organisations would include the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, NITB and the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Members are asked to note that a cheque, payable to the RSPBA, of £1,500 must accompany the bid documentation, and that this a non-refundable administration charge.  This money would be used by the RSPBA to undertake a site visit.

3.3       Financial

Members are been asked to agree to a commitment of £200,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       Members will be aware that the Committee has recently identified the need to focus its work around a number of key themes.  These include the Belfast Economy, Marketing the City and Shaping Belfast. 

1.2       As part of the work associated with Marketing the City, there are a number of upcoming opportunities to establish and develop linkages between Belfast and the United States for the promotion of tourism and economic development.   These include three visits to the city by education and business groups as well as participation in an invitation-only event in New York hosted by Mayor Bloomberg, focusing on exploring opportunities to encourage innovation and create new employment opportunities in an increasingly competitive global environment. 

2          Key Issues

2.1       Visit by New York state legislators delegation –

            18 October 2011

A delegation comprising over 20 New York state legislators will visit Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in mid-October 2011.  The representatives will arrive in Belfast on the morning of 18 October and will attend a lunch organised by Invest NI and the Law Society of Northern Ireland.  In the afternoon, they will attend a seminar on legal issues in Northern Ireland.  In the evening, they will be hosted at Stormont and will return to Dublin in the early morning of 19 October.

2.2       There may be an opportunity for a number of BelfastCity Council representatives to meet the delegation late morning on 18 October.  If this fits with their schedule, it may be appropriate to make a presentation on the regeneration opportunities and challenges within the city and to draw attention to the growing business services sector, particularly the recent investments by international legal businesses and the opportunities that this presents for further development.

2.3              Irish Technology Leadership Group visit –

4th– 6th November 2011

The Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) is a group of Irish and Irish American senior executives based in Silicon Valley who are active in the global technology industry.  They work to promote industry linkages between USA and Ireland through a range of collaborative initiatives including trade visits, award ceremonies and events in both USA and Ireland.  The next event will take place in HollywoodUSA in mid-September.  Entitled “Innovation in Entertainment”, it will bring together international media groups and business leaders from multinational businesses.  The First and Deputy First Ministers will make a presentation at the event, outlining the opportunities and business potential in Belfast and Northern Ireland in this area of business.

2.4       ITLG leaders are proposing a visit to Belfast in early November 2011.  The delegation is likely to comprise up to 10 key business contacts who will come to the city to explore opportunities for business and investment and present their technology showcase.  Their visit is scheduled to coincide with the MTV Awards and to capitalise on the increased media presence in the city at that time. 

2.5       Delegates have been in contact with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Committee agreed to defer, until its meeting on 27th September, consideration of the aforementioned report to enable detailed maps regarding the placement of the signs to be circulated to the Members for information. 

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       A paper noting the positive impact of the first three State of the City: Development Debates in 2010/2011 was presented to Development Committee in June 2011. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the content was interesting and all and agreed or strongly agreed that that the content was relevant.

1.2       The fourth State of the City: Development Debate was held on the 28th June 2011. Neil Gibson from Oxford Economics presented research commissioned by Belfast City Council (and presented to Committee in June 2011) on Belfast’s competitiveness. The event was extremely well attended and has supported Members’ later deliberations on the strategic direction of the Development Committee and the wider corporate planning debates, particularly in terms of economic development.

1.3       The State of the City: Development Debates are there to support and move forward the wider work of the council. During the recent workshops with Members the need for city leadership, a focus on city marketing and tourism and the need to sell and strong brand to international partners were all raised as key challenges for the council. To this end it is proposed that the next three State of the City: Development Debates focus on city marketing. 

2          Key Issues

2.1       The suggested dates for the next three SOTC seminars have been revised to October/November (this depends entirely on speaker availability – we would hope for October but may need to go with November) and December 2011/January 2012

and March 2012. Typically the speakers for these events need considerable notice to ensure availability.

2.2              October 2011

            European wide example

Dr John Heely, Chief Executive of European Cities Marketing. He also runs his own company, Best Destination Marketing. 

2.3       European Cities Marketing provides a platform on a pan-European basis for cities to perform better in their convention and tourism activities through the exchange of knowledge and best practice within a city marketing framework. European Cities Marketing is promoting and linking the interests of more than 120 members from more than 100 major cities in 32 countries.

2.4       ‘Dr. John Heeley is an excellent lecturer and I am happy that he is one of our regular speakers on city marketing. His academic background combined with his 20 years experience in leading destination marketing organisations makes him one of the highest rated lecturers by the students in our international postgraduate MSc in Urban Management’ Dr Erik Braun, Lecturer, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

2.5       December 2011

            Manchester

            Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive, Marketing Manchester

2.6       Andrew joined Marketing Manchester in 1999 as director of destination marketing and became chief executive in November 2001. Originally from London, Andrew studied in Liverpool and began his career in the theatre sector, at The Liverpool Playhouse and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society. This was followed by a move back to London to the Royal Albert Hall and later appointment as director of sales and marketing for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Andrew  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee was informed that Belfast City Centre Management, on behalf of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, would be organising the above?mentioned conference at the Stormont Hotel on 5th October. The conference programme would address a range of topics including high street retailing and digital marketing to improve business opportunities within a trading environment. The Director pointed out that the conference would be attended by independent traders, multi?national retailers and representatives from various shopping centres, together with representatives from the private and public sector.  He added that the keynote speakers at the event would include Mr. Sammy Wilson, M.P., M.L.A., Minister for Finance and Mr. Alex Attwood, M.L.A., Minister for the Environment. 

            The Committee was advised that the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce had requested that the Council consider providing sponsorship towards the event in the sum of £5,000.  It was reported that in return for its contribution the Council would be provided with a number of promotional opportunities, prominent corporate branding on all the Conference literature, together with a range of networking and speaking opportunities.  Accordingly, the Director requested that the Committee provide sponsorship in the sum on £5,000 towards the event.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to provide sponsorship towards the conference in the sum of £5,000 and agreed that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, or their nominees, be authorised to attend the conference, together with two officers from the Council. 

            The Committee was advised that the 16th Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference would be taking place in the Culloden Hotel, Cultra, on 4th October.  It was reported that the main theme for the conference would be ‘Rebuilding and Rebalancing’ and would consider a range of issues relating to economy in Northern Ireland.  It was pointed out that a range of prominent speakers, including Neil Gibson, Oxford Economics and Mr. Mike Smyth, University of Ulster, would be delivering keynote speeches on the latest economic initiatives within Northern Ireland.  The Director reported that the cost per delegate of attending the conference was £165 and it was recommended that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, or their nominees, together with two officers from the Council be authorised to attend the event. 

            The Committee adopted the recommendation. 

            The Committee Considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       St George’s Market currently operates three very successful markets each week, Friday, Saturday and the new Sunday. The three markets vary greatly from the traditional variety market on Friday, with the assorted mix that attracts thousands of visitors each week.  The award winning Saturday Food and Garden market has a fusion of tempting speciality foods from around the world as well as high quality handmade crafts, flowers, plants and local artwork. The Sunday Market, which is relatively new and started in July 2010 has a special emphasis on local arts and crafts, offering more local crafts people the opportunity to show off and sell their talents.

1.2       The three market days support around 350 small independent businesses, which create approx 500 jobs each week and welcome an estimated 600,000 shoppers every year. St George’s hasan estimated annual income from trader stallage to Council of £360,000, and an estimated economic benefit to Belfast City of over £15m.

1.3       The markets are also a base to promote local musicians, artists and crafts. They are also a regular meeting place for thousands of customers and visitors each week from various generations, cultures and backgrounds.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Since the renovation of St George’s Market in 1999 it has also been used as a venue for a variety of events.

2.2       Currently no bookings have ever been taken for Friday or Saturday as regular market days preference was always being given to these days over any event, nor have bookings been taken for a Thursday due to the Friday Market having to get set up and be ready for the early start on Friday morning which opens its doors at 5.30 a.m.

2.3       The Sunday market is relatively new, starting 4 July 2010, and as such any pre-booked and confirmed event bookings for 2010/2011 were honoured.

2.4       Officers though are aware that requests for events to be held on St George’s market days, especially a Sunday may increase; and there could be the potential for such requests to also include a Friday and/or Saturday market days. Therefore going forward it is felt there is a need for Council to articulate a clear policy on the usage of St George’s Market.

2.5       Officers are conscious that offering any of the markets days out as hire are very contentious with both the traders and their representatives. Regular meetings take place with traders representatives and they, along with the traders regularly voice their concerns. One of their main concerns is that the inconsistency of any market day may lead to loss of regular income and traders may then prefer to leave the Market, (especially Sunday), if there is not the consistency of the regular weekly market, as there currently has been for Friday and Saturday.

2.6       St George’s Market currently has 350 traders over the three days with the Sunday market accounting for 120 traders and with employees the total employed for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       The Belfast City dressing campaign which is a key output of the Belfast Integrated Strategic Framework Action Plan was launched in July 2011.  This campaign has animated the city centre with 400 banners decorated with patterns inspired by objects and locations unique to Belfast.  The campaign to date has attracted very positive press and support.

1.2       Communities across the city have participated in the campaign by suggesting what places and objects in the city they would like to see developed into the colourful designs. This has been progressed by a competition promotion in City Matters for Christmas inspired banners.

1.3       The City Dressing Presentation campaign is a 2 to 3 year campaign initially to maximise opportunities arising and animate the city for 2012,/2013 in partnership with Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM), Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau (BVCB), Department of Regional Development (DRD), Department of Social Development (DSD), Festivals Forum and other stakeholders.

2          Key Issues

2.1       To add to this and build on the concepts of the patterns of the city campaign for 2012 and encourage even more participation from local neighbourhoods as has been maximised in other cities (see appendix 1) an opportunity has been presented by Asitis Consulting who have secured to the license to bring a major public art event called ‘Cow Parade’ to Northern Ireland in 2012.  Full details of the initiative are attached to this report as appendix 2 and 3.

2.2       The Cow Parade public art event is:

-   The largest and most successful public art event in the

     world

-   Over 10 years, over 50 cities with global audience

-   Raising over £25 million for charity partners in the process

-   Alongside a £5+ million contribution to arts communities

-   Tried and tested and the original model

2.3       The economic and tourism benefits for Belfast

-   Increase tourism visitation – estimating 200,000 unique visitors throughout Northern Ireland

-   With increased visitors comes increased expenditure – spread throughout the region

-  Edinburgh attributed 28% revenue increase to hosting Cow Parade

-  Margaret RiverAustralia, a small event with huge impact – 65,000 trail maps sold first weekend

-   Enhance cultural tourism experience that already draws visitors to Northern Ireland

-   Bring communities across the city together for an all-inclusive fun experience

-   Gain international media exposure through existing Cow Parade network

-   Highlight strength of both arts and agriculture throughout the region

2.4       This will be the first time that Cow Parade will take over an entire region rather than just one city. 

2.5       Participation is an opportunity to enforce Belfast’s role as the gateway to Northern Ireland, to strengthen the Council’s community engagement role as well as an opportunity to work in partnership with Derry City Council.

2.6       DerryCity Council is keen to progress and participate and have had a number of meetings with BelfastCity Council to explore maximizing opportunities and economic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1      The purpose of this report is to further update members on progress against actions agreed at the January and March meetings of Development Committee relating to Connswater Community and Leisure Services Limited (CC&LS) and the future management arrangements for the BCC owned Ballymacarrett Recreation Centre.

1.2       During the interim period to September 2011 committee had agreed that:

·         No lease or contract would be offered to CCLS

·         BCC Community Services officer support would remain in place

·         CCLS to produce a proposed programme of activities, itemised and costed

·         BCC will release funds on a monthly basis based on a schedule of expected transactions and satisfactory verification of expenditure

1.3       Members will recall that concerns had been raised regarding certain historical transactions at CCLS.  Officers within Community Services and Audit, Governance and Risk Services have now compiled the relevant information for the Legal Services Manager to recommend appropriate action in relation to these probity issues. 

1.4       During this period to September 2011, officers would also work collaboratively with CCLS to address identified strategic and operational management challenges in the following areas:

1.      monitoring and financial control arrangements and 

2.      organisational capacity.

2          Key Issues

2.1       During the review period, CCLS have continued to work in a voluntary capacity alongside BCC to provide a full service from the Ballymacarrett Recreation Centre.  In the absence of a formal tenancy agreement or lease and without independent grant support this has shown a high level of commitment.

2.2       Dedicated staff support has been provided via a Community Development Officer (CDO) with further monitoring and support maintained by direct involvement of the CSUM.  In addition, and in line with council having assumed interim management control, a supervisory staff presence has been maintained.

This level of facilities management and developmental support has allowed the committee and volunteers to develop an increasing proficiency in doing the work.

2.3       Monitoring and Financial Control Arrangements

In response to a number of concerns regarding probity issues, the Council’s Audit Governance and Risk Services (AGRS) section undertook further work to review three specific areas, namely:

·         the purchase of a minibus in 2008;

·         capital asset acquisitions during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010; and

·         the payment of volunteer expenses during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010.

2.4       The audit review concluded that the control arrangements at the Centre during the period 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 had been weak.  This had created the conditions that could lead to fraud or financial mismanagement taking place.  However, the auditors found that  the lack of robust financial procedures, poor quality of written evidence and changes at the Centre Manager level, meant that there was a weak audit trail and clear explanations around the three areas highlighted above.  This would make it potentially very difficult for authorities to successfully investigate the probity issues further and take any additional action.  AGRS have consulted with Legal Services on this review.

2.5       Further to the requirements listed in para 1.2 BCC community services officers have continued  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.