Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee agreed to hold a special meeting at 5.30 p.m. on Monday, 25th March, to consider the draft Belfast Community Investment Programme prior to it being issued for public consultation.  In addition, it was noted that Party Group Briefings would be provided on request prior to the meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that at the Council meeting on 4th February the  undernoted notice of motion, which had been moved by Councillor Corr and seconded by Councillor McVeigh, had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

      “One of the most significant challenges facing our city is the issue of social deprivation. Across Belfast there are concentrated areas of poverty, health inequalities and long-term unemployment.  We must address these scourges as urgently as we would other pressing issues.

      Accordingly, the Council agrees to establish and lead both an anti-poverty task force and an anti-poverty forum.  The task force should have representation from all political parties on the Council and relevant statutory and voluntary organisations and would work to identify measures that will at last begin to tackle these problems.  The forum, working in parallel with the task force, would bring together community representatives from the most deprived communities, anti-poverty organisations, trade union representatives and business leaders etc. to discuss a strategy to tackle poverty and deprivation.

      The time has come for Belfast City Councillors to give leadership on these issues and to do everything that we can to address these fundamental inequalities.”

            In the absence of Councillor Corr, Councillor McVeigh provided an overview of the aims and objectives of the notice of motion.  He stated that the issue of poverty was one which the Council should aim to consider by formulating a strategy which could address need across the City.  Accordingly, he indicated that it would be prudent for the Council to establish a multi-agency task force, together with a community-based forum, to ensure that any initiatives which might be undertaken would be inclusive and developed in partnership.

            A Member suggested that the Committee should exercise caution when addressing the matter of poverty and should not seek to raise expectations that the Council, as a body, could resolve the far-reaching problems associated with inequality in Belfast.  He indicated that, whilst the sentiments expressed within the notice of motion were commendable, the effectiveness of the mechanism suggested for the delivery of a strategy, viz., a forum and a task force, had been attempted previously by other agencies with limited success. In addition, he pointed out that that the issue of an anti-poverty strategy was one which the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee might be better placed to consider, given that it was responsible for corporate policy and financial management. 

            After discussion, it was agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would outline the steps which the Council might take in addressing poverty and social deprivation in Belfast. 

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 5th February, it had agreed to receive a presentation from representatives of the Belfast Advice Group regarding its current workload and the impact thereon of the Welfare Reform Act.  Accordingly, Ms. S. McKinley and Mr. G. Tubritt, representing the Group, were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman.

            Ms. McKinley outlined the problems which the Belfast Advice Group had encountered in addressing the increase in demand for advice services as a result of the introduction of the Welfare Reform Act.  She indicated that the economic downturn had created uncertainty in many households which had resulted in an increase in the number of people accessing the services of counselling agencies, particularly in relation to debt management.  She reported that advice service providers were finding it difficult to accommodate clients and to deal with more time consuming and complex cases.  She pointed out that the Group would be seeking the Council’s financial support to ensure that it could meet the demands of clients who would wish to challenge decisions regarding benefits and who had requested the Group to represent them at hearings. The Chairman thanked Ms. McKinley and Mr. Tubritt for their presentation and they retired from the meeting.

            The Committee noted that a report in respect of the Council’s future support for advice service providers would be considered by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 22nd February.

            The Committee noted the contents of a Quarterly Finance Report which indicated that there would be an estimated £175,000 Departmental underspend at the financial year-end.

            In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, the Director sought the Committee’s authority to have a number of outstanding accounts amounting to £11,837.56 written-off, a schedule of which had been submitted for the Committee’s information.  He pointed out that all reasonable measures had been undertaken to recover the debts.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Committee agreed to adopt a scale of charges for the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls and Community Centres for 2013/2014, a copy of which was available on the Council’s modern.gov system. The principal aspects of the proposed changes are set out hereunder:

Waterfront Hall - Conference and Business Sales

It is recommended that charges for all spaces except front of house areas in the venue remain the same and therefore attracted a zero increase for 2013/2014. The charges for the Bar and Gallery areas and Arc should however be adjusted in order to ensure that these spaces remain competitive against city hotels and other local venues. The price adjustments detailed also take account of the potential loss of the Studio space as a result of the construction and build works required for the new extension.

Waterfront Hall - Entertainment and Miscellaneous Events

It is recommended that room hire for the Auditorium, Studio and Mezzanine dressing rooms  remain the same as 2012/2013 rates. However, it is recommended that the charges for the Bar, Gallery and Arc spaces are adjusted, in line with business hire pricing.

Ulster Hall

Client feedback would suggest that the Grand Hall is an expensive option for commercial promoters therefore it is proposed that the entertainment hire rate for the Grand Hall be held at the 2012/2013 rates. It is also recommended that the Grand Hall rates across all remaining pricing categories (B-D) also receive a zero increase. See appendix 2 for Ulster Hall pricing.

It is, however, recommended that the Group and meeting room hire fees are increased in order to recoup a greater share of the operational costs associated in facilitating events in these areas. Members will see that the seating removal and return fee is also held at the 2012/2013 rate.

Community Centres

Prices have remained the same since 2010/2011. It is recommended that this policy continues for another year and that no price increases should be applied for 2013/2014.

            The Director provided an overview of the performance figures for both the Waterfront and Ulster Halls for the period from 30th September till 31th December, 2012.  He outlined the programme of events which had been staged at both venues during that period and provided figures in respect of the income derived through conference and box office sales.

            The Director indicated that, despite the current economic conditions, the performance figures for both the Waterfront and Ulster Halls had been encouraging.  He pointed out that gross turnover at both venues had increased slightly when compared to the same period in 2012 and indicated that actual operating expenditure, as at year-end 2012, stood at almost 6% below the estimated figure for both facilities.

            The Committee noted the information provided.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     Council have received a request from OFM-DFM to provide initial pre-consultation views on an early draft strategy for the development of the Crumlin Road Gaol. The vision for the strategy is ‘to rehabilitate Crumlin Road Gaol as a public asset which helps transform North Belfast’s physical appearance, and contributes to that part of the City and wider Northern Ireland in terms of economic prosperity, improved social conditions and community confidence and cohesion; while balancing the historical and architectural importance of the site with current and future society needs.’

1.2     The purpose of the draft strategy is to guide future developments at the Gaol, including high level development objectives which will form the criteria against which future potential developments will be considered. A strategy for developing the Gaol is designed to ensure that any new works have an appropriate focus and direction.

1.3     Various stakeholder organisations have been listed as key stakeholders to consult. These include: Sites Oversight Board; Belfast City Council; DSD; Crumlin Road Gaol Community Engagement Group; Belfast Distillery Company; Belfast Tours Ltd; St Malachy’s College; Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; and other interested parties.

1.4     The consultation request was received on the 24th January, with a deadline of 8th February 2013.  Council have stated that given the significance of this development and its potential to contribute to the development of the North Belfast Cultural Corridor that a response will be provided to OFM-DFM in early March.

2       Key Issues

2.1     The Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre at the Gaol opened to the public on 19 November 2012 and a preferred developer has been announced to transform A wing into a boutique distillery.  A number of uses are currently being investigated for the unrestored areas of the Gaol including a digital/creative industries hub, museum and a boutique hotel.  Work is also ongoing to take forward a feasibility study and pilot research project on the history of the Gaol.  

         A feasibility study into traffic management and parking arrangements is also planned to address issues arising from the increasing number of visitors to the site.

2.2     The draft strategy will provide a basis for co-ordinating future developments. It has five main elements:

1)      Clarifying how the Gaol redevelopment links to the wider development in the area and the Programme for Government. The development of the Gaol was an integral part of the Draft Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Barracks Masterplan (July 2007) which focussed on tourism and hospitality as the preferred theme within the regeneration of Girdwood.  The Master Plan however did not enjoy community or political consensus; as a result, it was agreed that development of the Gaol site should be progressed despite the Girdwood hiatus. The draft Masterplan has now been superseded by a DSD review of its implementation and a subsequent Ministerial announcement which did not include the Crumlin Road Gaol.

2)      Recognition of earlier research and plans such as the Buro Hoppold Study of 2005  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

The Committee was reminded that the year 2013 marked the 400th anniversary of the awarding to Belfast of its Town Charter and the establishment of its Corporation. The Director outlined the principal aspects of a programme of events which would mark the event throughout 2013, an overview of which is set out overleaf:

            During discussion, a Member suggested that the programme should, perhaps, seek to be more ambitious and far-reaching in its scope and that it could consider issues such as symbolism, peace-building and diversity, together with the associated historical background of the Plantation and the decline of the Gaelic ascendancy in Ulster, which occurred around the time of the granting of the Charter.

            After discussion, during which the Director undertook to explore the feasibility of enhancing elements ofthe programme as suggested, the Committee endorsed the series of events and agreed that officers would continue to engage with outside bodies and agencies to secure additional funding to enhance the outward scope of the programme. 

            The Director informed the Committee that the current contract for the provision of an extensive marketing research campaign to monitor the tourism performance in Belfast was due to end in July.  Accordingly, he recommended that tenders be invited for the provision of tourism and research services for the following three-year period ending in 2016 and that authority be delegated to him to accept the most advantageous tender received. He indicated that the evaluation criteria would be based on both cost and quality.

            The Committee agreed that tenders be invited for the provision of tourism monitoring at a cost not to exceed £80,000 per annum during the three-year duration of the contract and agreed also to delegate authority to the Director to accept the most advantageous tender received.

The Committee was reminded the Council had, over the past number of years, commissioned the undertaking of a Belfast Business Survey which analysed the trends and patterns of business activity in the City.  Previous surveys had established a baseline and rationale for Council interventions and business support initiatives. Accordingly, the Director recommended that the Committee authorise the undertaking of a further piece of work to update the database. He explained that, in light of the current economic climate, the survey would provide a valuable overview of the current trading conditions in the City and would help to clarify the economic outlook over the next twelve months. The 2013 survey would sample 500 businesses which would be reflective of the various locations, size and sectors of enterprise across the City.

            The Committee agreed to the undertaking of the research as outlined and authorised expenditure in the sum of £17,000 for this purpose.

            The Director reminded the Committee that the Council had been a member of the Eurocities Network since the early 1990s. He outlined the benefits which membership of that network had brought to the Council and how it had been able to influence and contribute to policy debate within the European Commission and Parliament. He reported that the Council’s annual membership subscription to the network for the financial year 2013/2014 would be €15,820 and pointed out that this figure had remained unchanged since 2009. Accordingly, he sought the Committee’s authority to pay the subscription as outlined.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Director informed the Committee that the annual Eurocities conference would take place in Ghent, Belgium, from 7th till 10th November.  He explained that the theme for the event would be ‘A New City Politics’ and it would examine how cities could use innovative methods to engage with its citizens and encourage them to partake in local politics.  He provided an overview of the keynote speakers, together with the range of topics which would be explored at the various sessions and workshops.  He added that the highlight of the conference, which would be attended by over 400 delegates, would be the Mayors’ debate which would explore the issue of political renewal in cities.  He indicated that the conference would provide valuable opportunities for the Council’s representatives to discuss with key partners the range of funding opportunities which could be applied for through future European initiatives and afford also an opportunity for the City’s representatives to bid to host the Eurocities Social Affairs Forum in 2013 and the Culture Forum in 2014.

The Committee authorised the attendance at the conference of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, together with the Director, or their nominees, the total cost of which was approximately £3,840.

            The Committee was advised that the Northern Ireland Local Government Association would be holding its Annual Awards Ceremony as part of its Annual Conference and Exhibition on Thursday, 28th February, 2013 in the Everglades Hotel, Co. Londonderry.  The Committee was advised that a number of Council-led initiatives had been nominated including the Belfast Investment Programme, the Belfast Enterprise Academy and the Super Connected City initiative.  He emphasised that, should the Council be successful in one or more of the categories, it would be important that it be represented at the event on a political level and, accordingly, he recommended that the Chairman, or his nominee, be authorised to attend. 

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

The Committee considered the undernoted report which included a list of recommendations for funding under the programme:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      At the Committee meeting of 18 September 2012, Members agreed a Cultural Framework for Belfast 2012-15.  This Framework complements the Council’s Investment Programme 2012-15 which states that we will invest over £4.5 million in enhancing cultural and arts sectors to create a dynamic and vibrant city.  

1.2      In 2012-13 Belfast City Council’s Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit invested just over £1.4m to support arts activity.  The majority of this funding was distributed through the Annual and Multi annual Funding schemes which gave core support to 53 local arts organisations and in addition there were three other grant schemes. 

1.3      One of the targets of the Cultural Framework was to streamline and simplify our funding processes by December 2012.  Within the Cultural Framework, Core Multi-Annual funding replaces the previous Annual Funding and Multi-annual Funding. 

1.4      The purpose of the new Core Multi-annual Funding is to support core costs and associated programme costs, offering longer term sustainability for Belfast based arts or heritage organisations that have full time staff and ongoing annual costs, and that produce work which substantially benefits the city. 

1.5      This report provides the Development Committee with recommendations for Core Multi-annual Funding for 3 years, from 2013-14 to 2015-16. 

1.6      Organisations were able to apply for up to £50,000 towards core support.  Organisations with a turnover greater than £1m and a year-round programme were permitted to request more than this.

1.7      The new Central Grants Unit has undertaken the grant administration so far and will continue with more efficient and effective management and monitoring of this grant.    

1.8      Funding agreements are subject to receipt of a satisfactory monitoring report for 2012-13 (where relevant).  Further conditions may be attached to letters of offer as deemed necessary.

1.9      Funding agreements are also subject to the submission of an updated budget reflecting the actual level of award offered, a viable and satisfactory revised programme, and evidence of funding from other key funders, as applicable.

1.10    In some cases, funding agreements will also be subject to clarification of operational budgets and an upper limit of funding may also be set, in order that our funding does not exceed the percentage of turnover agreed at the outset of the offer.

1.11    Applications received

           The fund opened on 8 October 2012 and was publicised via newspapers and websites, and several email notifications were circulated widely.  Over 70 organisations attended information sessions which were held on 19 & 26 October at City Hall.  Officers also gave 43 one-to-one advice sessions to organisations seeking further guidance and support. 

1.12    The closing date for receipt of applications was 16 November 2012.  We received sixty eight applications, three of which were ineligible.  Sixty five applications were assessed.  Fifty two applications are recommended for support.  Thirteen applications scored lower than the threshold and are not recommended for support. 

1.13    Criteria for Decision making

           Organisations were invited to show how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Committee endorsed the undernoted comments as the Council’s response to the above-mentioned consultation:

Council Response

      The Council welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the respective development proposals and encourages early engagement with the Council for future development schemes of this nature. The Council would encourage future development schemes, such as BT1 Gateway and Library Square, to be considered in the context of an overall strategic plan for future development city development.

BT1 Gateway Site Development Proposal

      The BT1 Gateway site is at a critical location for this part of the City. Realising the potential of this site through redevelopment can lead to a number of positive impacts on the locality including improved connectivity to the city centre, provide local job opportunities and help capitalise on the anticipated investment from University of Ulster Greater Belfast Development on nearby lands.

      The Council acknowledges the importance of this site for the area and welcomes the intent from DSD to develop this site. The Council has considered the content of the Site Development Proposal and identified a number of issues in the response below.

The Site

      The BT1 Gateway site is located at the boundary between the city centre and the west of the city. Physical constraints to the site include the 4 lane Inner City Ring Road which forms the western boundary of the site coupled with the poor environmental quality of the area and its immediate surroundings and contributes strongly to the disconnection between adjacent communities and the western edge of the city centre.

      The existing car park on part of the site increases the site’s effect as a barrier rather than acting as a connection to the city.

Successful development of this site will enable it to perform a critical function in connecting the city centre fringe to the outlying areas of the city.

      In draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (dBMAP) the site lies within the City Centre and the site is partially zoned as a City Centre Gateway. The site in its entirety is zoned as a Development Opportunity Site CC40.

      The only Key Site Requirement provided by Draft BMAP Zoning CC40 Development Opportunity Site is to consult with Roads Service and agree access arrangements. The City Centre Gateway designation recognises this location as a key entrance point to the city centre which can present the visitor with an initial impression.

      The site is located in the Scotch and Cathedral Quarters as designated in dBMAP. This designation outlines some specific criteria for this location:

·         Development which fronts onto Carrick Hill… shall be set back 1.5 metres from the footway...

·         On the key gateway sites at the intersection of North Street and Carrick Hill…building height shall be a minimum of 4 storeys and a maximum of 7 Storeys

Design Concept

Proposed Mix of Uses

      The Council welcomes the concept to develop the BT1 Gateway site into an iconic, well recognised structure which forms a positive relationship with the surrounding area.

      The proposed mixed use development will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     Members will be aware of the stadium developments at Casement Park and Windsor Park and that the potential for comprehensive regeneration at both sites is  complementary to both the aims of the Council’s Investment Programme, as well as the principles underpinning the leisure estate transformation.

1.2     Council is therefore committed to working with both stadia developers, in order to provide direct benefit to the city and its ratepayers in terms of the promotion of the city, as well as social and economic regeneration benefits.  The new stadia will impact on the entire city, however members have emphasised their aspirations that the Council works to ensure enhancements for communities adjacent to both stadia. This is an opportunity to realise the potential socio-economic benefits and work towards an enhanced community provision.  

1.3     The new iconic stadia are on an aggressive timeline for delivery. There is a limited window of opportunity for the Council to take advantage of the potential regeneration opportunities arising from these massive projects.

1.4     DCAL has recently insisted that both major refurbishments demonstrate strong community benefits and has now approached the Council for support.  In anticipation of this, the Council has been working on potential options for the sites. DCAL will need details of any inclusive Council regeneration and a decision on any agreed funding commitment for new centres and associated works by the end of May 2013.

1.5     A potential inclusive strategy is dependent on decisions regarding the future of Olympia Community Centre, the leisure requirements for Olympia and Andersonstown, land agreements with Linfield and arrangements with IFA and GAA on potential public use of the stadia.

1.6     This paper is to note for members the proposed engagement programme to inform the comprehensive development with particular reference to future community services provision at the Olympia site.

2       Key Issues

2.1     As per Committee direction, progression of options for the two Council assets is ongoing as Phase 1 of the emerging Leisure Review. Work on Windsor Park / Olympia is however more developed at present due to the advancement of the stadium’s planning application process and the proximity of Council property.

2.2     The council commissioned Hamilton Architects, who are also architects for the stadium, to carry out a feasibility study on a range of options that would allow for a more integrated approach and improved access. Options range from simply providing an enhanced pedestrian access to the side of the existing leisure centre, through to an integrated sports village concept with new public leisure and community facilities within the west stand of the stadium.

2.3     Community Services are working alongside officers in Property & Projects and Parks & Leisure on the recently established Stadia Project Board to inform the plans for community services provision on the Olympia / Windsor site.

2.4     Members have agreed that the potential opportunities for the Council could include:

?  Delivery of a range of potential social and economic benefits for the surrounding communities and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the improvements and initiatives which had been undertaken at St. George’s and Smithfield Markets. The Director explained that, arising from the recent disruption in the City, a deputation of traders had met with the Lord Mayor on Monday, 11th February, and had raised concerns in respect of the impact which the disruption had had on trading within the markets. Accordingly, the Committee was advised that the traders had submitted a formal request seeking, as a goodwill gesture, an eight-week rent-free trading period to compensate for any loss of trade which had arisen as a result of the disruption.

            The Director pointed out that, should the Committee accede to the request, the estimated loss of income to the Council would be £65,179. He explained that, as a gesture to the traders in light of the impact of the current economic recession, the cost of hiring stalls at the Council’s markets had not increased since 2010.  He indicated that, if the Committee were to agree to the traders’ request, the Council could be setting a precedent which could encourage further requests to be submitted from other traders in Belfast.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed not to accede to the request from the market traders for an eight-week rent-free trading period. It was agreed also that hire fees for stalls at Council-run markets would not increase during the financial year 2013/2014. 

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      Committee agreed a programme of expenditure in November against the offer of additional in-year Community Support Programme funds secured from DSD.  The offer is conditional on full expenditure before 31 March 2013. 

1.2      One element of the agreed programme was to invest in a network of public access computer suites across the city in support of the community outreach and capability strand of the Super Connected Belfast programme.

1.3      Working with ISB, officers anticipated that the allocation of £162,780 would resource the hardware, software and networking set-up costs of twelve quality ICT suites across our BCC community centres, that is, the upgrade of the current out of date suites and the identification of further locations to ensure equity of access across the centre network. An outline of the resource investment is attached at Appendix 1. 

1.4      These quality ICT suites would then facilitate a community focused capacity programme, designed to promote and enable social inclusion amongst our citizens by enhancing access to broadband services and providing a platform for training for individuals who lack digital literacy.  Working with the community sector and other training providers, these suites could facilitate the development and delivery of knowledge-based skills to help people get online; carry out more transactions online; use the internet to find employment and develop basic skills required for the current market place.

2         Key Issues

2.1      In establishing the list of recommended community centres, officers have considered the following:

·         Current established infrastructure: both BCC and community sector provision

·         Geographical coverage

·         Available centre space to accommodate the installation

·         Internet Survey with community centres

2.2      At present there are 5 established computer suites within our BCC community centres.  We recommend these are included in the project and a further 7 new suites identified. 

2.3      The 12 recommended sites are spread across BCC centres, and community owned and/or managed facilities: 8 of the suites would be in directly managed community centres, 2 in independently managed BCC centres and 2 in voluntary community centres.

2.4      The 2 voluntary community centres, the Frank Gillan Centre and Short Strand Community Forum, were selected because of their substantial expertise in computer training and a lack of suitable space in our Divis CC and in the Short Strand area.

2.5      In order to further maximise access, 12 Laptops have been included to provide a mobile training resource for use within areas not close to an IT suite.

3         Resource Implications

3.1      The set up costs of £162,780 will be resourced via the additional in year DSD grant.

3.2      Officers will need to quantify and identify a related budget to cover programme costs, IT service support costs, insurance costs and replacement liabilities for the 2013/14 financial period, from within the current revenue budget.

3.3      The training and support programmes will be accessed through the super connected Belfast project.

4         Equality and Good Relations Implications

4.1      The sites identified for the computer suites offer a spread across the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

            The Committee agreed to undertake a study visit to the MAC on 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th March, in order to view the facilities thereat together with the ‘Andy Warhol at the MAC’ exhibition.