Agenda and minutes

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Webb.

No declarations of interest were reported.

            The minutes of the meetings of 4th and 20th June were taken and read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st July.

            The Committee agreed that a letter of condolence be forwarded on its behalf to the family of the late Mr. Joe Watson expressing its deepest sympathy at the news of his untimely passing. 

            The Committee agreed to receive, at its meeting on 17th September, a presentation from representatives of Advice NI in relation to debt management issues in Belfast.

The Committee agreed to hold a special meeting on Monday, 23rd September, at 4.30 p.m., at which a presentation would be received from representatives of Dublin City Council in respect of its Public Hire Bike Scheme.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 4th June, it had agreed to defer consideration of the Departmental Plan for 2013/2014 to enable party briefings to be provided to those parties who so wished to receive them. Accordingly, the Committee reconsidered the contents of the Departmental Plan for 2013/2014 and, after discussion, endorsed its contents, a copy of which was published on the Council’s Mod.gov website.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1      Members will be aware that the Council has been awarded £13.7 million by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of its Super-Connected Cities initiative.  This is one of the key Investment Programme initiatives that aims to develop Belfast's economic infrastructure, promote growth and attract inward investment for the city.

1.2      A key objective of the Super Connected Cities initiative is to ensure that Belfast-based businesses have access to high speed fibre connections to enable them to do what they did before but more efficiently, and to allow them to explore new ways of doing business. The infrastructure provided under this initiative will also provide opportunities for new business development and will provide non-technical businesses with the opportunity to implement a broadband solution to support business growth and identify new markets.

1.3      Many areas of Belfast have access to broadband with speeds of up to 24 Mbps (megabits per second). By mid-2015 (completion date of the Super Connected Cities initiative), we aim to enable city-wide access to a network providing speeds of at least 80Mbps. Speeds of at least 100 Mbps will also be available for businesses that require it, such as those in creative industries, that send large volumes of data.

1.4      While the funding from DCMS can only be used for infrastructure costs, experience from elsewhere, and feedback from early engagement with local companies, suggests that businesses require support to help them maximise the potential of the infrastructure. 

1.5      As part of the Council’s Investment Programme, we are committed to pursuing funding from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in support of the city’s economic development plans. One of the key opportunities identified has been the need for a demand stimulation programme to supplement and support the investment in telecoms infrastructure, helping local businesses to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

1.6      An economic appraisal on the ERDF Super Connected Cities demand stimulation activity application is currently under way and is expected to be completed by September 2013. Subject to a positive outcome of the appraisal, a letter of offer is likely to be issued by October 2013. 

2   Key Issues

2.1      While the original confirmation of funding from DCMS was issued some time ago, a legal challenge to Birmingham’s funding bid on the basis of State Aid issues meant that DCMS were forced to review the programme guidelines. The upshot of this is that the majority of the connections are now to be “demand-side” measures (i.e. the business has to make a direct application for support) as opposed to “supply-side” measures (i.e. the Council funds suppliers to provide connectivity at agreed locations across the city, without necessarily scoping out the demand in the area).

2.2      In order to test this approach, DCMS asked Belfast, along with three other cities (Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh) to become involved in a market testing phase. This meant rolling out a connection voucher scheme on a time-bound basis (1 August  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1        Conference Subvention

     Members will be aware that at the Development Committee Meeting of 10 September 2010 that the Council in conjunction with Northern Ireland Tourism Board (NITB) and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) adopted a new Conference Subvention Scheme for Belfast which superseded the previous policy.

1.2      Aligned to priorities in the draft Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework, NITB, BVCB and the Council developed this Conference Subvention Scheme with a total funding budget of £435,000 over three years, with the Council contributing £70,000 per annum and NITB £75,000 per annum. 

1.3      At the Committee Meeting of 22 May 2012 Members agreed to extend the Conference Subvention funding period from 31 March 2015, until 31 December 2018.  Because of the considerable time-lags between subvention approvals and completion of payments, long lead times, and the trend of later booking of venues.

1.4      Members will be aware that at the Development Committee Meeting of 5 February 2013 it was agreed, in light of the recent disruption which the City had been experiencing, that Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau were given permission to use up to £30,000 within the sum allocated to it by the Council for the purposes of a subvention fund, to enable specific interventions to be made to secure any pre-arranged conference bookings in 2013 which might be placed at the risk of being cancelled as a result of disturbances.

1.5      The Conference Subvention Scheme was established in 2010 and to date, twenty two applications have been received, resulting in the issue of 14 letters of offer for total funding of £265,000 (£10k of this not subsequently required due to a lost bid) of which £36,788 has been paid.  The economic impact of the 14 conferences supported through the subvention scheme to date is estimated at £14.5m, delivering a return on investment of 1:55.

1.6      The objectives of the Conference Subvention Scheme are;

-       To raise the profile of Belfast and Northern Ireland as a leading business and conference destination

-       To consolidate existing investment in Belfast and Northern Ireland hotel and conference infrastructure

-       To increase the contribution of Business and Conference Tourism to Belfast and Northern Ireland economy

-       To change the international perception of Belfast and Northern Ireland

-       To encourage inward investment to Belfast and Northern Ireland

-       To grow the number of leisure visitors by encouraging conferences to run partner and extender programmes

-       To develop a partnership approach to promoting Northern Ireland as a business and conference destination

1.7      The criteria for subvention is summarised below;

-       The conference should be based in Belfast and include use of overnight accommodation in the Belfast area.

-       The conference should preferably have a minimum of 300 out of state delegates and accompanying partners staying for two nights in the Belfast area.  However a conference with a smaller number of out of state delegates staying for multiple nights will be considered if there is evidence that this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Committee was advised that the MBA Association of Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Invest NI and the University of Ulster, would host a major Digital Summit, viz., Digital DNA, in Titanic Belfast on 13th September. The Director reported that the event would attract a wide range of renowned speakers, including representatives from Facebook, Google and the New York Stock Exchange. Those in attendance would include locally-based businesses, international companies, business support organisations and key bodies in the software, IT and digital media fields.

            The Director reported that an opportunity existed for the Council to sponsor the event by purchasing a delegate package and he outlined the advantages which would be derived, including the securing of a number of delegate places, together with branding and networking opportunities. In addition, the Council’s support for, and participation at, the event would promote its role in delivering the Super Connected Cities project to a wider audience.

            The Committee agreed to provide sponsorship for the event in the sum of £2,500.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1      Members will be aware that under the Review of Public Administration, the responsibility for enterprise will transfer to local councils. With this in mind the Economic Development Unit has begun to scope out potential enterprise initiatives to pilot prior to the transfer. Demand from businesses has highlighted a need for greater access to Council’s services and easier access to the programmes and advice that are offered in the city.

1.2      One such pilot initiative is to provide a dedicated information resource in the city centre to deal with business start and development enquiries and to link businesses with council services including Building Control and Environmental Health as well as the suite of programmes provided by the Economic Development Unit. The space would also serve as an area to facilitate workshops, outreach development, showcasing venue and meeting space.

1.3      As part of our engagement with partner organisations on this issue, a number of organisations have confirmed that they would be supportive of this approach.  In addition, one organisation has confirmed that it was also considering this approach and has identified the opportunity to collaborate on a pilot project in this field.  This could provide an opportunity for Council to support a model to test a city-centre business information point.

2   Key Issues

2.1      Feedback from businesses and start ups in the city has identified that it can be difficult to obtain all the information needed to start up, grow and develop a business in the city. While there are numerous sources of information, there is not one central information point. As clients can have enquiries as wide-ranging as business planning, environmental issues, planning issues, recycling queries, building control matters and information on forming companies, it can be challenging for entrepreneurs to access all the information they require.

2.2      The recently commissioned Integrated Economic Strategy has identified a range of key issues facing Belfast post-RPA. Currently businesses in Belfast look to both BCC and Invest NI for advice, guidance and support. Post-RPA the great majority by number of businesses will look to the council alone. Forthcoming research suggests that many businesses are unaware of the breadth of services offered by the council or are unclear as to who they need to contact regarding the wide range of challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis in their business. The Council’s 2013 business survey (report currently at draft stage) also notes that while businesses continue to be interested in programmes like business planning and sales development there is also significant demand for advice on Building Control issues, Health and Safety and Licensing. 

2.3      A centrally placed information point could provide an opportunity for proactive outreach to the business community, facilitate engagement with potential start-up entrepreneurs and give council a visible presence with local communities.

2.4      As part of our discussions with enterprise support partners, ORTUS have identified plans to consider the opening of a pop-up business information resource in a city centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1Relevant Background Information

1.1      At the March 2013 meeting of the Development Committee, Members agreed to support a Council led trade mission for Belfast based digital and tech companies up to a maximum of £20,000, to the west coast of America.

1.2      The Belfast Tech Mission 2013 is aimed at providing an opportunity for up to 20 companies to travel to San Francisco and San Jose to showcase and network with leading companies, investors and venture capitalists from the West Coast of America. The Mission is aimed at Belfast based Digital Media, Software and Hi-Tech IT companies who offer a globally focused product or service and are considering expansion or increasing sales and investment opportunities in the west coast of America.

1.3      The Belfast Tech Mission is designed to showcase the new technologies and products currently being developed by Belfast based companies and to promote Belfast as one of the leading digitally connected cities in Europe and a prime location for international investment.

2   Key Issues

2.1      The Belfast Tech Mission is led by the Council  in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and will take place from the 14 October–18 October 2013.

2.2      Due to the interest and scope of the project, additional funding has been secured from Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (£40,000) to help support up to 20 Belfast based companies attend and to procure additional event management and business support on the ground in the United States.

2.3      The main aim of the mission is to:

-        Increase the number of Belfast technology companies selling and doing business in the US.

-        Increase the knowledge of Belfast Tech companies in what it takes to establish and secure VC funding in the US.

-        Improving the business networks and partnerships with companies in Belfast and the US.

-        Raise the profile of Belfast as an investment location and digitally connected city in the US.

2.4      The Council has been working in partnership with, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Northern Ireland Science Park and Digital Circle in the recruitment and promotion of the Belfast Tech Mission, and over 45 applications have been received.

2.5      A selection panel made up of key staff from Invest NI, Northern Ireland Science Park and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has been established to help score and select the applicants, with the selection of the final 20 companies to be completed by the 12 August 2013.  Council officers are working closely with Invest Northern Ireland staff based in San Jose to develop and co-ordinate the itinerary which will consist of three key strands – business to business, civic and city and university programme.

2.6      The programme will consist of a series of parallel strands made up of 3 days of showcasing and one to one meetings for the participating businesses and those based on the West Coast, a civic and city programme between the Council and the City of San Francisco, Irish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Committee was advised that the third Women in Business Awards ceremony would take place in the Culloden Estate and Spa on 21st November.  The Director indicated that an opportunity existed for the Council to sponsor, at a cost of £3,000, the ‘Best Small Business’ category at the event.  He outlined the benefits which the Council would accrue should it agree to sponsor the award, which included significant publicity and the promotion of the Council’s role as a supporter of small businesses in the City.  He added that the sponsorship package would entitle the Council to avail also of a number of free places at the ceremony and he recommended that the Committee authorise the expenditure as outlined.

The Committee agreed to sponsor the ‘Best Small Business’ category at the event at a cost of £3,000.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 4th December, 2012, it had agreed to commence a tendering exercise, to a maximum value of £25,000, to appoint a suitably-qualified organisation to provide City centre accessibility services for the Council during the financial year 2013/2014. It was reported that, subsequently, Shopmobility Belfast had been appointed by the Council to deliver the service.

            The Director reported that one of the key components of the procurement exercise had been a condition that tenderers would submit also an evaluation report on the level of support required to enhance accessibility within the City and to establish a framework to collect and monitor information in this regard. The Director outlined the principal findings of the report which had been submitted by Shopmobility Belfast and recommended that, in light of the development of the Belfast City Access Strategy, together with the requirement to address further the full range of accessibility requirements within the City, the Committee would agree, in principle, to allocate a sum of £25,000 to support City centre accessibility services in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided in respect of the procurement exercise for 2013/2014 and agreed, in principle, that a sum of £25,000 be allocated to support City centre accessibility services in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which outlined the progress which had been achieved to date in respect of the various capital programmes for which the Department had assumed responsibility under the Investment Programme. 

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1      The ongoing Renewing the Routes Programme has delivered local regeneration projects at targeted locations across the arterial routes of Belfast since 2004. The Programme has facilitated the investment of approximately £6.5 million across these key routes and neighbourhoods.

1.1        The purpose of this report is to provide updates and seek approval for a number of proposals linked to the ongoing programme.  The updates are in respect of:

-       Progress of works under our current agreed programme in Ormeau and Newtownards Roads

-       Progress on the development of the DSD funded local regeneration programme on Lower Ormeau incorporating Cormac Street and Newtownards Road

1.3      Following on from the programme approved in February 2012, Committee support is sought in relation to the proposed local regeneration action plans for Andersonstown Road and Oldpark Road.

1.4      The support of the committee is also sought in relation to the approval of continued partnership working with Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO) and Department for Social

2   Key Issues

2.1      Newtownards Road Update 

     The commercial improvement programme is the main emphasis of work on the Newtownards Road (from Bridge End to Witham Street). The Newtownards Road scheme is being delivered in two phases, the Council funded programme (£150,000) with over 40 units signed up for cosmetic updates is due for completion in Autumn 2013; and the DSD funded programme (£155,000) covering approximately 30 further businesses carried out in the period up to the end of March 2014.  As part of the wider local regeneration activity on the road, a number of vacant sites have been identified and council is working with local stakeholders and statutory partners in developing projects to address the issues presented by the underutilised areas. 

2.2      Ormeau Road Update

     Work on the commercial improvement programme is underway on Ormeau Road (from Ormeau Embankment to Ravenhill Road Roundabout) with 35 properties participating in the improvement programme. The work to the commercial properties will be supplemented by environmental improvement schemes have been agreed with some of the road’s prominent buildings including Ballynafeigh Orange Hall and Ballynafeigh Community Development Association.

2.3      Proposed Regeneration Action Plans for 2014/15 Programme

     Since approval in February 2012, work has continued on the development of plans for the agreed target areas. Extensive scoping and engagement work with relevant statutory and community contacts, including elected representatives for the area was carried out as part of the plan development process. This activity has informed the development and prioritisation of the local regeneration work summarised in the regeneration action plans included with this report for endorsement by committee. The proposed plans also identify a longer list of additional projects that could form the basis for further work should increased resources become available (through external sources currently being actively pursued with potential project partners) or modifications are required for existing plans.

2.4      The key common themes emerging from the scoping work with local Councillors and stakeholders were identified as:

-        Environmental improvements - major issues facing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Committee was reminded that the Council, in conjunction with Castlereagh Borough Council and Lisburn City Council, had, in 2007, established the Lagan Rural Partnership in order to secure funding from the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme to redevelop the Lagan Canal. The Director informed the Committee that a further application for assistance under the programme, which had been led by Castlereagh Borough Council, had been successful. He reported that the finance secured would enable enhancement work to be carried out to allow for the installation of bike docks at the Malone House, the Clement Wilson Park and the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Accordingly, he reported that Castlereagh Borough Council had requested a contribution of £9,475 from the Council towards the cost of the installation of interpretative panels and bike docks at those sites within the Council boundary.

The Committee acceded to the request.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1      Members will be aware that one of the key commitments in the Council’s Investment Programme 2012- 2015 is that the Council will work with city partners to promote Belfast proactively on the international stage to attract trade and investment, increase visitor and student numbers and build the networks necessary to support growth. 

1.2      Within Belfast, the Council is one of many city stakeholders with established connections across the world for a range of purposes.  All of the city’s key stakeholders engage internationally to market their product and develop supportive relationships. There is considerable scope to co-ordinate the international promotional efforts within Belfast between stakeholders so that the city is presented positively, consistently and effectively. In order to win new investment, attract talent and visitors, push forward our indigenous businesses and connect our communities to the world, Belfast must present a united proposition that enables all stakeholders to fulfill their own goals - in short, city stakeholders must speak to the world as one city, with one voice.

1.3      Over the last year work has been undertaken to develop a draft International relations framework that seeks to shape how city stakeholders can work together in a stronger and purposeful way to maximize the economic impact for Belfast as a whole. Following extensive research and analysis, stakeholder engagement and feedback from Committee and political parties, this report sets out the process adopted, the proposed market segments and the key geographical locations considered appropriate for Belfast.   Further consultation with stakeholders is required to refine the targets and joint projects within the detail of the Action Plan which will follow formal adoption of the Framework by Council.

2   Key Issues

2.1      During the last year significant consultation with over 20 key stakeholders has been undertaken to establish the international relationships that city stakeholders are already engaged in, to generate a common understanding of what Belfast has to offer and to identify opportunities to build on existing relationships.   Based on this consultation, a draft international relations framework to position Belfast as a strong, attractive and competitive destination of choice for those who trade, invest, visit and study. This was initially considered by Committee in May 2013 and subsequently was discussed through party briefings. The appended Framework is now the proposed revised version following the political parties’ feedback. 

2.2      The feedback from Committee and party briefings highlighted

-           the need for a prioritised and focused approach; 

-           the inclusion of UK and Ireland links;

-           a short-term action plan for the period 2013-2014; and

-           an assessment of the potential to reignite Friends of Belfast

2.2      In summary, the proposed aims of the International Relations Framework are as follows:

-           To maximise economic return of development for Belfast.

-           To increase the economic benefits of marketing Belfast internationally.

2.3      The following objectives are proposed to help increase the economic benefits of developing a city-wide approach to proactively market Belfast internationally:

-           Deliver increased economic return  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      The purpose of this report is to provide an update on international marketing opportunities that have been identified there.  Key future actions are outlined for consideration and approval.

1.2      The implementation of our Investment Programme and commitment to develop an International Relations Framework provided the impetus to explore international marketing opportunities in China.  This included a review of our Sister City relationship with the city of Hefei which BCC signed a Sister Cities Agreement with in 2005. 

1.3      This agreement committed our two cities to a number of actions in relation to business development and investment, education and training.  BCC’s outward visits to Hefei provided local companies with opportunities to link up with counterparts there and a cultural delegation also participated in Chinese New Year celebrations. 

1.4      Visits from Hefei to Belfast included student delegations and visits from officials who have been interested in learning about infrastructural developments such as Titanic Quarter and North Foreshore, the Waterfront, our cultural tourism offer and care for the elderly.  The last visit from Hefei officials took place in September 2012.

1.5      However, our relationship with Hefei has not yielded anticipated results. Research and exploration of international marketing opportunities in China have identified other more beneficial activity for our city to engage in.  Findings to date are detailed in the following section.

2         Key Issues

2.1      Over the past 8 months relationships have been developed with a number of key stakeholders who have provided advice and guidance on international marketing activity and who have helped identify potential opportunities for our city.  Stakeholders have advised that China is a very political country and that ‘Guanxi’ must develop to build relationships and this can only be done over time.  There are no quick wins in China and a 5 year strategic plan has been recommended with a reasonable budget.  Branding and communication also need to be considered with Belfast as the economic driver of the region.  A plan of proposed actions has been developed with stakeholders.

2.2      Stakeholders have also highlighted the importance of understanding culture, language and customs.  Support for cultural learning has been offered by the University of Ulster’s Confucius Institute.  The Institute can provide workshops for staff and Councillors as well as an opportunity for one or two people to take part in a study visit to Shanghai or Beijing.  A Shanghai based company headed by Stephen McCartney (originally from Northern Ireland) has also offered a week long placement with his company to support cultural learning as well as the opportunity to develop contacts.  Both organisations offer financial support to cover costs.

2.3      Support is also welcome for local activity promoting Chinese culture such as Chinese New Year.  We have worked closely with the Chinese Welfare Association (CWA) and Chinese Chamber of Commerce to help co-ordinate a very successful Chinese New Year in 2013.  Support and guidance has already been given to help with plans for 2014 and the CWA  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th September, 2008, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee had agreed to accept an invitation for the Council and the City to become formally associated with the HMS Duncan, one of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers.  It was reported that work on the ship had now been completed and the Council had received an invitation to attend the formal handover ceremony, which would take place in Portsmouth on 26th September. The Director outlined the promotional and marketing activities which would be undertaken to promote Belfast at the event and, given the significance of the City’s maritime heritage, he recommended that the Committee agree to authorise the attendance at the event of the Lord Mayor, the Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, together with the Director (or their nominees).

Moved by Councillor Maskey,

Seconded by Councillor Ó Donnghaile,

      That the Council agrees not to be represented at the handover event for HMS Duncan. 

 On a vote by show of hands seven Members voted for the proposal and twelve against and it was accordingly declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed to adopt the recommendation of the Director.

The Director informed the Committee that Rock in Rio was one of the world’s largest music festivals and would take place in Rio de Janeiro in September.  He indicated that an opportunity existed for Belfast’s music industry to be promoted at the event through a new partnership which had been established between Visit Britain and the organisers. He reported that a key element of that agreement had been the creation of ‘Rock Street’, which would showcase bands and promote music from throughout the United Kingdom.

The Committee was advised that Belfast and Northern Ireland would be represented at ‘Rock Street’ and, accordingly, a number of locally themed events had been proposed. These would include performances by Belfast bands and the promotion of Belfast Music Week.  The Northern Ireland Bureau, which acted as the lead partners on the initiative, had confirmed financial support of up to £6,000 towards the event, whilst Tourism Ireland had agree to sponsor a competition, with a first prize of a return trip to Belfast Music Week. The Director reported that the Council had been requested to make a contribution of £2,000 to assist in promotion and branding.

            The Committee agreed to contribute £2,000 towards the event for the purposes outlined.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“2 Key Issues

2.1      The programme of civic meetings included Mayor Dean of Nashville, Music City Council, Metro Council, Warren Center for the Humanities, Curb Centre for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy, Nashville Convention Bureau and meetings with the Director of Economic and Community Development and Sister Cities.

     Outputs from the visit are as follows:

-       Following an invitation from the Council Elected Members, a delegation of up to 15 industry professionals, elected officials and community members have confirmed attendance at Belfast Music Week (13–17 November 2013).  There is further potential for Mayor Dean to attend with the confirmed Metro Council Members.  Members will be aware that Belfast Music Week, which included over 250 events in 70 venues, had an economic impact of over £2.08 million for the city and is a celebration of local bands and venues, featuring live music performances, workshops, seminars and networking events.

     The delegation will include the following who will deliver industry programmes:

1.    Randy Goodman, Co-Chair (with Mayor Dean) of the Music City Council and former Global President of RCA Records with key US industry representatives from the Music City Council including Ken Levitan, founder and president of Vector Management (Kings of Leon and Emmylou Harris).  The Music City Music Council is an association of business leaders charged by Mayor Karl Dean with developing strategies toward heightening the awareness and development of Nashville as a global music city and is a partnership between the Nashville Mayor's Office, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau.  This includes the development of creative enterprises, publishing, artist development, technology, media and cultural tourism.

2.    Key representatives from Google and YouTube to present Google for Creators, an initiative to empower cultural industries to better create, expose and promote their art, build bigger audiences and monetize content.

3.    Nashville Industry businesses who support creative and cultural industries both in traditional and technology infrastructure.  Further outputs include:

-       Queen’s confirmed a plan to host a festival of creativity of the Creative Arts and Collaborative Humanities in relation to linkages between the two universities.  This includes cultural tourism products developed in partnership with Belfast City Council, including the new Belfast Soundwalks project linked to Literary Belfast, Dept of English, Sonic Arts Research Centre, through the Institute of Collaborative Humanities.

-       New Creative Industry linkages with the Nashville International Film Festival who will include a Belfast premiere in their 2014 programme.

3   Resource Implications

3.1      A cost of no more than £5,000 for a Civic Itinerary for the delegation and reception at Belfast City Hall to be found within the Tourism, Culture and Arts 2013/14 budget.

4   Recommendations

     It is recommended that Members:

-       Receive a presentation from the Co-Chair of the Nashville Music Council

-       Approve Officers putting together a Civic Itinerary for the delegation and to host a reception at Belfast City Hall at a cost of no more than £5,000

-       Approve including key partners such as the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Committee was reminded that Belfast would host the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia in May, 2014. It was pointed out that the international launch of the event would take place in Milan on 7th October. The Director reported that an invitation to attend the ceremony had been extended by the Mayor of Milan to the Lord Mayor.

The Committee agreed that it be represented at the event by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (or his nominee) and that one officer would be authorised to attend also.

(Mrs. C. Taggart, Community Services Manager, and Mr. C. Campbell, Principal Solicitor, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1        This paper is to seek Members’ approval for:

-       A revised governance structure for the Belfast Community Investment Programme (BCIP)

-       The approach to be taken in the provision for Community Services grant aid for the period 2014 to 2015.

1.2      The ‘Building Better Communities - Belfast Community Investment Programme’ (BCIP) began in 2012 as a joint project between the council and DSD to create a single £5.4 million community development fund for Belfast. Under the original plan BCIP would have opened for applications in October 2013 and make awards for the period 2014 to 2015.

1.2        At Development Committee on 25 March 2013 Members approved a draft BCIP programme as a basis for public consultation and asked officers to prepare:

-       A draft equality impact assessment on the proposal (EQIA);

-       A report considering the approach to budget allocation; and

-       Finalised materials for the public consultation to begin in May 2013.

1.4      Following this meeting (and reflecting concerns raised by a number of community organisations regarding the BCIP timeline) it was agreed there was not sufficient time to deliver the project by 2014.  As a result DSD recommended to their Minister in June that DSD withdraw as a joint partner in the project. This was based on the argument that, by moving BCIP’s start date to 2015 the project had become a transfer under RLG and was thus the sole responsibility of council.

1.5      A paper explaining the situation was presented to Development Committee on 23 April.  A subsequent options paper in June provided Members with alternative timelines for the implementation of BCIP.  Members approved April 2015 as a revised timeframe for delivering BCIP, while noting that resourcing for the option was still a matter of discussion between council and DSD.

1.6      It was also brought to Members’ attention that all of council’s existing grant schemes for community development are scheduled to end in March 2014 and were due to be superseded in 2014 by BCIP. However, with BCIP’s start date being deferred, interim arrangements now have to be established for the financial year 2014 to 2015.

1.7      At June 2013 Committee, Members agreed to receive a further paper in August once officers had discussed the issues with Legal Services.

2   Key Issues

2.1      The key issues considered below are:

-       The revised governance arrangements for the BCIP project

-       Implications for 2014/15 grant awards

2.2      Revised governance arrangements

     As BCIP is no longer a joint DSD/Council initiative the project’s governance structure will need to be reconstituted as a council-only project. A new project board will be established comprising appropriate Council officers.

2.3      As Members will note that, given its fairly unique position in being one of the earliest transfers under LGR, and the fact that it includes a significant re-design of a function, the BCIP project presents a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 7th May, it had agreed that the Prince’s Trust be authorised to administer the Council’s Bursary Scheme during its second year on the basis that a sum of £30,000 be made available initially and that the remaining sum of £20,000 be withheld pending a request to that organisation to review its estimated administrative costs of £9,484, which would be met from within the fund. The Director reported that officers had since met with the Trust to discuss in detail the costs for the administration of the fund. 

The Director outlined the principal aspects of a report which outlined the work which the Prince’s Trust had undertaken, together with the projects and programmes which it would deliver on behalf of the Council through the Bursary Scheme in 2013/2014. He reported that the Trust remained confident that it would meet its 2013/2014 target by delivering support to 200 young people. However, the Trust reemphasised had that, whilst it had identified a sum of £3,962 from within its own resources to assist in the administrative costs associated with the delivery of the Scheme, it would be necessary to address the remaining funding shortfall of £9,484 from within the fund. The Director indicated that that figure represented an overhead cost of approximately 19% of expenditure, which was in adherence with standard governmental guidelines.

After further discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a sum of £9,484 be utilised from within the fund by the Prince’s Trust for administrative costs.

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the initial plans which had been formulated for the hosting of the second annual Lord Mayor’s Belfast Day, which, it was agreed, would take place in the City Hall and its grounds on Sunday, 29th September

The Committee noted the contents of report which provided an update on Culture and Arts Flagship Fund which would be opened to applicants from 3rd September until 29th November, recommendations in respect of which would be submitted to the Committee in February, 2014. In addition, the Committee endorsed an associated terms of reference and draft funding criteria to oversee the administration of the Fund, copies of which were made available on the Council’s Mod.gov website.

The Committee was reminded that a mural at Bridge End which had depicted the opening line of The Undertones’ 1978 debut single Teenage Kicks, viz., “Teenage Dreams, so hard to beat”, had been removed in June by the Department of Social Development (DSD). The removal of that mural had been the subject of widespread criticism and the DSD had indicated that it would consider replacing the mural, together with providing an additional mural on the opposite side of the bridge.

The Director reported that officers from the Department had, in conjunction with local community groups and representatives from a range of agencies, developed a proposal to bring together teenagers from the Short Strand and Newtownards Road areas to design alternative community artwork at the site of the former mural. It was anticipated that a small project would be established also to enable local young people to learn about Belfast’s musical heritage and to attend professional workshops which would provide an overview of the music industry. In addition, young people from the area would be afforded free access to a number of events throughout Belfast Music Week in November.

The Committee agreed to contribute a sum of £2,000 towards the project as outlined. 

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1 Relevant Background Information

1.1      BCM has operated for over three decades and 2014 will see the 33rd staging of the biggest mass participation event in the city.  In 2013 just over 18,000 marathon and relay runners took part in the event.  Since 2007 the event has been managed by a limited independent not-for-profit company set up by the Council.  The company is overseen by a board with representation from Council (two Councillors), Sport NI, and Athletics NI and with input from the Council’s City Events Unit and Corporate Communications section.  Currently the Council funds the Belfast City Marathon to the sum of £42,000 per annum.

2   Key Issues

2.1      There are two BCM full-time and one fixed-term contract staff who oversee the planning and delivery of the race. There has also been a significant level of input from the Council’s City Events Unit since the creation of the limited company.

2.2      The skill set and knowledge of BCM staff involved has developed extensively since the creation of the company.  In fact the level of experience has reached a point where it is evident that there is no longer a requirement for Council direct input to the planning and delivery of the event.

2.3      Therefore, it is suggested that the Council’s input from the City Events Unit and Corporate Communications would cease come September 2013, while annual funding would continue as normal.  This would allow BCM to plan towards 2014 and beyond. 

2.4      The rationale for such a move is threefold:  the delivery and planning structures of BCM are such that direct input from Council is no longer required – Officers have discussed this with the Chair and Manager of BCM.  BCM now have in place experienced and knowledgeable staff to deliver the event and the freeing up of Council staff will allow them to work on significant event related projects such as the Giro d’Italia 2014, Tall Ships 2015, the annual events programme and bidding for future international events.

2.5      In addition BCM company intend, in the near future, to develop a strategy document that will see the development of the marathon alongside amendments to its delivery structures and the development of a series of new initiatives.

3   Resource Implications

1.1        Financial

     Currently the Council fund BCM to the sum of £42,000.  Members are asked to note that this sum of finance is essential to the operation and delivery of the event and without this the company and event could not function.

4   Recommendations

4.1      Members are requested to approve the withdrawal of Council personnel from the delivery of BCM.  This will free staff to work on significant event related projects, such as the Giro d’Italia 2014, Tall Ships 2015, the Council’s annual events programme and bidding for future international events.”

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

(Ms. N. Largey, Solicitor, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee was advised that the Council had received two applications from external organisations to hold variety markets in the City, the details of which are set out hereunder:

1.1        Folktown CIC.

     Folktown CIC, is registered as a ‘social enterprise’ not-for-profit organisation who wish to encourage and facilitate the revitalisation and regeneration of Folktown in Bank Square, Belfast City Centre.

1.2      It wishes to hold 42 weekly markets per year in Bank Square. These will take place every Thursday, from 5 March to 17 December 2015, opening hours will be from 12pm to 8pm. There will be a minimum of 25 stalls up to 31 stalls each week.

1.1        Fine and Dandy

     Fine and Dandy is a new company and recently operated a small market of 18 traders on Sunday 30 June 2013 in The Crescent Arts Centre, University Road, Belfast.  Permission for this small market was granted under ‘Delegated Authority’ by the Director as there were less than 20 stalls, thus classed as ‘deminimus’.

1.4      Due to its success, Fine and Dandy has requested permission to hold some additional markets.  Two will be in July and August and will be under the 20 stalls limit and so can be granted under Delegated Authority.  However, demand for extra stalls has been made for markets that will run from September to December 2013.  These will have between 25 and 30 stalls, which is over the ‘deminimis’ level and requires Council approval.

2   Key Issues

2.1      Folktown -  Bank Square

     The Regeneration of the Bank Square area by the Department of Social Development (DSD) should be finished by November 2014.  The market will have a mixture of crafts and food and in year 1 they plan to have between 25 and 31 stalls in attendance.  Folktown CIC hopes to start their markets on Thursday 5 March 2015 and operate the 42 markets weekly taking them to 17 December 2015 and then operate approximately at least 42 markets each year thereafter.

2.2      Discussions have taken place between Folktown CIC, DSD, Department of Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service and BCC Officers on the regeneration of Bank Square and ideas such as underground electrical power points have been planned as part of the refurbishment.  These power points will assist in feeding electric not only to any planned market but also other forms of entertainment.  Folktown have received verbal and written support for this market from retailers, restaurants and churches in the immediate vicinity.

2.3      As part of assistance in a start up of this market, the DSD have agreed to make a £8400 contribution in kind; offering free rental of Bank Square (in light of the CIC’s not-for-profit status).  There is also an estimated contribution of £10k (which DSD might be asked to contribute for the promotion of community related activities, including the markets in the Square), although this has not been secured at this point.  Folktown CIC is not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the progress which had been achieved to date regarding the strategic review of St. George’s Market. In addition, it was agreed, as part of the ongoing consultation process, that briefings would be provided to those parties who so wished to receive them.

            The Committee endorsed the undernoted responses to consultation exercises as outlined:

1.Introduction

1.1      The Council welcome the opportunity to respond to the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) consultation on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

1.2      The Council recognise that BIDs have been a positive mechanism for the promotion and regeneration of town centres and other business areas. The Council has active experience of supporting businesses across the City, most recently in the “Backin’ Belfast” initiative in early 2013, but also through our support for Trader’s Groups and from our physical regeneration programme “Renewing the Routes”. the Council welcome the introduction of BIDs as a further way to enhance the partnership between the public and private sector; and will support any business area that comes forward to lead and develop BID proposals.

1.3      However, the Department will be aware that a significant period of Local Government Reform is currently underway. Elections to Shadow Councils will be held in May 2014, with new Councils taking legal form on 1st April, 2015. It is unclear at present as to how the Shadow Council will be administered and how decisions will be taken.  The existing Council will, at that stage, be winding down, and it is questionable if the outgoing or Shadow Council will be best placed to deal with any BID proposals during that time.

1.4      Evidence from England and Scotland suggests a 12-18 month timeframe to fully develop a BID. If a business body starts their development work now, then the electoral procedures could take place within, or towards the end of, the Shadow BID period. This will be an extremely demanding period for Local Authorities – in particularly our democratic, financial, and legal services. DSD may therefore wish to stipulate in the Regulations that the commencement of electoral procedures will not occur prior to the 1 April 2015, at which point the Shadow Councils will take legal form.

1.5      If this stipulation is not made, then the Council would welcome further guidance and legal assurance around the process for Shadow Councils to respond to BID proposals, and administer relevant procedures.

2.  Is there an adequate level of prescription in the Regulations to ensure effective governance while still allowing for local flexibility in putting together a BID process?

2.1      As part of the previous consultation in Feb 2011, the Council  suggested that ratings information should be provided by DFP. The Council welcome the fact that DSD have incorporated this suggestion at Regulation 2, and are content that this approach is a sensible way to initiate the development of BID proposals. the Council is also content at the concept of a BID proposer drawn from the business community, which is outlined at Regulation 3.

2.2      The Council are also content with subsequent processes, outlined at Regulation 5, which require a business and financial plan, and evidence of appropriate stakeholder consultation, before any commitment to an electoral ballot is made.

2.3      The Council note that many BIDs in the UK and Ireland, as part of their Governance procedures, have included formal Boards, both  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

The Council understand that a number of plans have been submitted which explore the development of a new airport capacity in London.  The Council wishes to comment in relation to the longer term proposals as these are considered to offer the greatest potential to resolve the long standing issues around the guaranteed connectivity for the Belfast and the wider region. 

The Northern Ireland Context 

In a geographical context, the city of Belfast occupies an isolated and peripheral location from the rest of the UK and the wider European region.  With no options for direct surface travel between Belfast and cities/ markets in Great Britain, Belfast city and the wider region are more heavily reliant on the two regional airports (George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport) for connectivity to within the UK, Europe and other International destinations. 

Air travel remains the most common means of entry into Northern Ireland, with almost three quarters (74%) of overnight visitors and a third (34%) of day trippers arriving by plane (PWC, 2011).  Belfast also differs from other regional cities, across Great Britain, in that largest neighbouring airport at Dublin is operated within a separate tax regime with different operating targets linked to the development of its own national economy. 

Whilst the proximity of Dublin can offer access to a broader long haul market this provides a greater direct competitive advantage to businesses operating in the airports own local economy.

The development of a new UK hub airport could offer longer term benefits to Belfast by way of convenient and integrated access to Northern Ireland with smoother transfer through a common UK gateway, the development of stable inter-connection services and potentially quicker transfer arrangements. 

The current capacity constraints at the main London hubs have resulted in increasing pressure on fixed landing slot allocations and competition between regional and long-haul services. This competition and the longer term uncertainty in relation to the availability of sufficient access to support regional access from Belfast to a full range of long haul connections could limit the potential for future economic growth.

The Council would welcome the introduction of short and medium term measures to maximise capacity as an interim to the adoption of a longer term solution that would provide the potential for growth that meets the needs for the expansion of secure regional connectivity alongside the increased capacity for long haul routes. This balanced approach to the development of future capacity is critical for Belfast and local region to be able to compete and secure the potential for recovery and longer term growth. 

Economic Growth

The continued enhancement and refinement of Belfast’s potential for connectivity must be linked to the future economic opportunities arising from the changing global conditions such as the growth of new and emerging markets. A significant element of the future growth potential for the local economy has been linked to the emerging economies, many of which are only accessible through long haul flight connections. 

To maximise accessibility and reduce the adverse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.