Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Crozier and Kyle.

            The minutes of the meeting of 10th September were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on the 1st October, subject to the amendment of the minute under the heading “Clare Tourism Conference” to provide that the Council be not represented at the Conference.

            Due to the absence of any representative from Belfast City Centre Management, the Committee agreed to defer until its next monthly meeting the presentation from that organisation.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that, subsequent to Belfast’s unsuccessful bid to host the 2011 World Transplant Games, the Council had received an offer from Transplant Sport U. K. to host the 34th British Transplant Games in Belfast during the summer of 2011.  She pointed out that the Games, which were held on an annual basis, had previously been held in Belfast in 1998.

            She indicated that the Games would feature twenty sports and would be held over a four day period.  It had been estimated that, in addition to promoting the critical need for organ donation, the event would provide a direct economic benefit to Belfast of approximately £1.5 million and that the media coverage would be worth in the region of £1 million.  She pointed out that, should the Committee agree to host the Games, the process would be subject to completion of a contract between the Council and Transplant Sport U. K.

            To enable the event to be held in Belfast, the Council would be required to pay a rights fee of £50,000 which would be spent directly on the Belfast Games.  In return, the Council would be profiled as a major partner of the Games.  She stated that the overall budget for the event would be in the region of £1 million, with over 70% of this being raised from the participants.  Transplant Support U. K. had undertaken to obtain the remaining 30% from public sector funding and private sector sponsorship.

            She recommended that the Committee agree to pay the sum of £50,000 as a rights fee in order to secure for Belfast the British Transplant Games 2011 and that expenditure of £20,000 be provided to meet the costs incurred in association with the opening ceremony and a reception at the closure of the Games.  The funding would be provided from the Council’s existing events budget.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Managing Director of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls reported that, as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebrations, a national youth project entitled Portrait of a Nation was being organised.  This would explore young peoples’ views on identity, heritage and culture across the United Kingdom and would feature projects from seventeen cities.  He indicated that the Urban Arts Academy, which had been organised by staff from Belfast Waterfront Hall since 2005, had been identified by the organisers of Portrait of a Nation as a suitable project to be included within the scheme.  He explained that the Academy was a creative training project aimed at young people.  Accordingly, forty young people from Belfast would travel to Liverpool to deliver a mini Urban Arts Academy in order to showcase their projects to a wider audience, which at the same time would provide a positive public relations opportunity for Belfast.

            He pointed out that, since the Heritage Lottery Fund and Norfolk Line were meeting most of the costs associated with the trip, the cost to the Council of supporting the event should not exceed £750.  He pointed out that invitations for the Lord Mayor and appropriate Councillors to attend the Portrait of a Nation event in Liverpool on 2nd December would be issued in the near future by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Liverpool Culture Company.

            The Committee noted the comments of the Managing Director of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall and agreed that the Lord Mayor and the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee (or their nominees), together with a maximum of five appropriate officers, be authorised to attend the Portrait of a Nation event in Liverpool on 2nd December, subject to the cost of their participation not exceeding £750.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 16th May, 2007, it had approved the contents of the Council’s Integrated Cultural Strategy.

            The Managing Director of the Belfast Waterfront Hall pointed out that the Council was required to monitor and evaluate the Strategy on an annual basis.  Accordingly, in recent months the Culture and Arts Unit had carried out an internal review to determine whether the Council had met the aims and objectives outlined in the Strategy.  The review indicated that positive progress was being made by the Council.  He pointed out further that the Strategy had suggested that a Steering Panel be established after a period of one year to assist the Council to co-ordinate the implementation of the objectives of the Strategy.  The first meeting of the Panel had been arranged provisionally for Monday 17th November.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that one Member from each of the Party Groupings represented on the Council and three officers represent the Council on the Integrated Culture Strategy Steering Panel.  The Committee agreed also that the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure be each allocated two seats on the Panel.  The Committee agreed further that one place be afforded to each of the following bodies:

an organisation in receipt of Annual Funding, to be selected by the Council

an organisation in receipt of Multi-Annual Funding, to be selected by the Council

Arts and Business

Audiences Northern Ireland

Belfast Arts Marketing Group

Belfast Civic Trust

Belfast Education and Library Board

Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau

Craft Northern Ireland

Community Arts Forum

Festivals Forum

Heritage Fund

Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission

Public Record Office Northern Ireland

Visual Arts Ireland.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Multi-Annual Funding for culture and arts was implemented in 2004 after extensive consultation to inform the process and criteria for assessment.

A two-phase process was adopted:

·         Phase 1 – selection of Multi-Annual Funding clients based on organisational capacity and detailed analysis of the organisation’s strategic direction

·         Phase 2 – application process to decide on apportionment of funding based on submission of three year programme

      11 Multi Annual Funding clients were selected and were awarded 3 year funding from April 2005 – March 2008. The 11 existing Multi?Annual clients have been reviewed as part of an external evaluation conducted by Deloitte. Each of the existing Multi-Annual Funding clients was evaluated to assess the strength of their programme delivery against the criteria under which they were selected and awarded funding. The assessment focused on the objectives set by the organisations as part of the Multi-Annual Funding process. 7 of the organisations consistently met objectives and continued to be awarded funding through a Multi-Annual (3 year) process. Belfast Film Festival was no longer eligible for Multi?Annual Funding and moved to Annual Funding. As three organisations met some but not all of the criteria they were subject to review after one year. These organisations were Belfast Festival at Queens, Linen Hall Library and Lyric Theatre Trust.

      All three organisations have undergone a review based on the findings in the Deloitte report as well as assessment of current activities and future planning. They were invited to make a written response and one-to-one meetings took place with each organisation.

      Also as Members will be aware at Development Committee in May 2008, it was agreed by Members to reopen the Multi-Annual funding (on the basis of providing a 2 year process), but to increase the number of Multi-annual Clients to no more than16.

      A call for expressions of interest was issued to organisations not currently receiving Multi-Annual Funding but who wished to be considered in 2009/20011. 22 organisations responded by the deadline of 8th July 2008. Officers contacted all of the interested organisations to discuss eligibility.  One to one meetings were held with 20 organisations to provide detailed advisory sessions.

      Further information including assessment criteria on the tender process for Multi -Annual Funding was issued, and 13 tenders were received by the deadline of midday 29th August 2008. These organisations were subsequently evaluated against the assessment criteria.

      Phase 2 of Multi Annual Funding will be via a programme application, which will also coincide with Annual Funding, the deadline for applications is 19th December 2008.

Key Issues

      Assessment of Multi-Annual Funding Tenders

      Two organisations scored particularly highly, scoring over 70%, which was the previously applied threshold for Multi-Annual Funding. It is therefore recommended that the two new organisations are admitted to Multi-Annual Funding:

Féile an Phobail

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

      In relation to the three Multi-Annual organisations currently on review, all have undergone assessment and, based on information provided, it has been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            The Managing Director of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 21st February, it had approved a preliminary pricing structure for the Ulster Hall when it reopened in March 2009.  However, it had been ascertained subsequently that the prices proposed might affect negatively the level of business which the Hall could attract.  Accordingly, a revised policy had been prepared.

            After discussion, the Committee approved the revised pricing policy for the Ulster Hall for the period 1st March 2009 – 31st March 2010 set out below:

“ALL CHARGES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF VAT

MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES

1.   Extra Charge for Standing Concert                                                                 £   950

      (All Categories)

ROOM HIRE

Where available, individual rooms may be hired for rehearsals, conferences, talks, presentations, exhibitions, etc.

NOTES:

Note 1             Sessions are 09:00 to 13:00; 14:00 to 18:00; 19:00 to 23:00.

Note 2             First 1.5 hours of get out are included in the basic rate of hire.

Note 3             Events are not permitted to continue after 23:00 without written permission from the Manager.

Note 4             Additional usage surcharge for each full or part hour: £300

Note 5             Main Hall hire charges include the use of Dressing Rooms as available.

Note 6             Standard Box Office Commission charged on ticket sales at 10%.

                        Multi-concert rates are as follows:

                        Up to 5 events - 10%

                        From 6 to 10 – 7.5%

                        From 11 to 19 - 6%

                        20 events and over - 5%

Note 7             Ticket Printing – 21p per ticket.

Note 8             Performing Rights Society charges – at the appropriate rate will be applied to box office receipts.

Note 9             Merchandise and/or programmes sold by Ulster Hall staff are subject to a 25% plus VAT commission charge.

Note 10           Merchandise may be sold by or on behalf of artistes at the Ulster Hall subject to payment of a facility fee.  The fee is charged according to the size of audience, as follows:

                              Up to 500              £100 plus VAT

                              Over 500              £200 plus VAT

Note 11           Gala Dinner Rate includes seat removal and return, tables, chairs, linen. Basic provision sound (1 mic, 1 lectern) and lights (colour wash stage).  Use of Group as private reception area.  Use of 3 dressing rooms.”

            Councillor Ekin declared an interest in this matter in that he was the landlord of the office address of one of the organisations which had applied for co-financing under the European Social Fund scheme and he left the room while the matter was under discussion.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

Co-financing for European Social Fund (ESF) applications

      At the May 2008 meeting of the Development Committee, Members voted to reject three applications for co-funding of European Social Fund projects.  At the June meeting of Council, members voted to re-consider this decision and asked for the report to be taken back to the June meeting of the Development Committee. At this meeting, Members agreed that they would ask for a meeting with the DEL Minister to discuss the matter. This meeting took place on 4th September 2008.

Belfast participation at MIPIM

      MIPIM is the world’s largest real estate trade fair.  The 2009 event takes place in Cannes, France from 10th-13th March 2009.  Preliminary discussions with partner organisations confirm an interest in participating in the 2009 event.

Belfast participation in London Financial Services meeting:

29th October 2008

      Belfast City Council has been invited to participate in an Invest NI led business breakfast in the City of London on 29th October 2008.  The aim of the invitation-only event is to promote the opportunities for outsourcing elements of financial services work from the city of London to Northern Ireland.

Sales Growth Programme

      A sales growth initiative was included as part of the Departmental Plan presented to the Development Committee in May 2008.  A tender for the delivery of this initiative to 20 local businesses was issued in August 2008.

Shopmobility – request for support

      Members will be aware that the Shopmobility scheme has been supported by Council since 1995 as part of its local economic development plan.  To date, funding of over £220,000 has been allocated to the scheme.  A proposal for financial support of £25,000 for the current year of operation has been submitted for consideration.

Key Issues

Co-financing for European Social Fund (ESF) applications

      A meeting took place between a cross-party delegation from the Development Committee and the Minister for Employment and Learning on 4th September 2008 to discuss the requests for co?funding for European Social Fund (ESF) projects received from East Belfast Enterprise and Training for Women Network.

      At this meeting, the Minster confirmed that one of the projects from East Belfast Enterprise was to proceed using its own funds as match funding for this year (although the project promoter has not yet confirmed this with us). He also confirmed that the Training for Women Network was still pursuing a number of co-funding options, including some funding from DEL.  The second East Belfast Enterprise application did not have match funding in place at that time.

      Members are reminded that the match-funding required for all three projects was in the region of £120,000 each year.  The Committee’s decision of May 2008  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Committee was advised that, in response to public advertisement, two tenders had been received for the commissioning of research into the economic flow of spending, knowledge and people in Belfast.  These tenders had been evaluated using pre-agreed criteria.  As a result it had been determined that the most robust and advantageous tender was that submitted by Oxford Economics and Perceptive Insight Market Research, St. Albans, Oxford, in the sum of £40,000.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to accept the tender from Oxford Economics and Perceptive Insight Market Research for the commissioning of research into the economic flow of spending, knowledge and people in Belfast in the sum of £40,000, subject to the completion of a contract to be prepared by the Director of Legal Services.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Department of Education has begun a process to develop Priorities for Youth which build on the current Strategy for the ‘Delivery of Youth Work in Northern Ireland 2005-2008’. It has been proposed that the new Priorities will be set within the existing strategic framework rather than emerging from a review of the overall Strategy.

      In order to inform the identification of the key Priorities for Youth, the Department has issued three ‘Priorities for Youth’ questionnaires, which aim to obtain the views of those with an interest in the youth service including children and young people; youth workers, leaders and volunteers; and managers in youth or relevant children services

      The submission deadline for this consultation is the 15th October, 2008.

Key Issues

      In the absence of any evaluation having been undertaken of the impact of the ‘Strategy for the Delivery of Youth Work in Northern Ireland 2005-2008’, it is difficult to comment on the associated priorities and areas of action to be carried forward.

      Accordingly, the comments contained within the Council’s response provide a strategic overview of what the Council believe to be the key issues impacting upon the Youth Service within Northern Ireland. The comments provided are based on the Councils own experiences, its growing evidence base and reflects the relevant corporate priorities identified for the organisation.

      Supporting Children and Young People has been identified as a specific priority area within the Council and significant investment has been made in services targeted at Children and Young People as well as delivering projects and programmes that focus on the personal and social development of young people.

      Within its new Corporate Plan for the period 2008-2011, the Council has committed to the development of a council wide Strategy for Children and Young People which will be aligned with relevant funding streams. 

      There is considerable affinity between youth services and other services already delivered by the Council.  Local authorities already have responsibility for good relations planning and produce Good Relations Plans for their area.  They are also responsible for the production of Community Support Plans, lead Community Safety Partnerships and provide leisure, sports, cultural and other local facilities.  They will also be given responsibility for neighbourhood renewal and facilitating the community planning process which is designed to allow all sectors to contribute to a plan that will advance the economic, social and environmental well being of its area. 

Recommendations

      Members are asked to note and approve the content of the consultation response which in general welcomes the proposal but outlines some specific concerns and views.”

            Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the following document be forwarded to the Department of Education as the Council’s response to its consultation document regarding Priorities for Youth in Northern Ireland:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Department of Education has begun a process to develop Priorities for Youth which build on the current Strategy for the ‘Delivery of Youth Work in Northern Ireland 2005-2008’.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

World Travel Market

            The Head of Economic Initiative informed the Committee that the World Travel Market, which was the leading international travel and tourism industry event, would be held in London from 10th till 13th November.  She pointed out that attendance at the event, in partnership with the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, would provide an ideal opportunity to promote the new Belfast Brand and to sell Belfast as a tourism destination.  She indicated that the costs for travel, accommodation and subsistence would be in the region of £550 per person.  Accordingly, she recommended that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman (or their nominees), together with an officer, attend the World Travel Market on 10th and 11th November.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

“Go Belfast” Awards

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that a request had been received from the publishers of the “Go Belfast” magazine for the Council to endorse the “Go Belfast” Awards which would be held on 14th November.  She pointed out that the Council had provided a similar endorsement in 2007.  The magazine was an independent publication which promoted events and visitor attractions in Belfast, was distributed free of charge throughout the City and had proved to be very popular with both residents and visitors.  “Go Belfast” had indicated that the new Belfast Brand, together with the Council’s logo, would be used during the Awards ceremony.  She assured the Committee that the Council would not be providing any funding towards the event.

            Following discussion, the Committee agreed to endorse the “Go Belfast” Awards to be held on 14th November through the use of the Council’s logo and the new Belfast Brand.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Community Services Section manages 28 Community and Play Centres across the City the operations of which support the development of a Community Centre Committee at each facility. The Constitution of these Committees was agreed by the former Community & Leisure Services Sub-Committee in February 1999. The Constitution allows for appointees of the Council ‘from time to time, as it considers appropriate. At least one of these will be a member of the Community & Leisure Services Sub-Committee’ [Section (4)(c) (i)]. Currently 24 Centres operate a Community Centre Committee.

      Appointments to these Community Centre Committees were agreed by the former Community & Leisure Services Sub?Committee in September 2005 and ensured the appointment of at least one Member of that Sub?Committee. In April 2007, however, under the Council’s new governance arrangements, responsibility for Community Services moved to the Development Committee.  Current appointments to a number of Community Centre Committees do not reflect this change and a number are without Development Committee representation. The Hammer Community Centre Committee does not currently have any Member representation. There may also be Members of Development Committee who, subsequent to the change in responsibility, would now wish to take up appointment to Centre Committees.

      Membership is normally valid for the term of office of the Council.  The term of the current Council may be extended beyond 2009 under the Review of Public Administration.

      Community Services are currently reviewing delivery models for Community Centres in order to ensure that the resources of the unit are being used to best effect in achieving the overall vision whilst still meeting the needs of local communities and citizens.  A key element of this review will consider the involvement and responsibility levels of Community Centre Committees in future centre programme design and ratification.

Key Issues

      There are 4 Community Centre Committees whose current membership does not include a representative of the Development Committee:

-     Ardoyne

-     Divis

-     Hammer

-     Highfield

      Members should therefore consider the following options in establishing whether there is a need to adjust Council appointees to Community Centre Committees thus reflecting representation from the Development Committee.

Options:

1.   Current appointments remain in operation for the term of office of this Council. Representation from the Development Committee would not then apply in terms of all Community Centre Committees.

2.   That officers seek declarations of interest from the Development Committee with regard to appointment to those Community Centre Committees where no Development Committee representation exists thus ensuring Development Committee representation in regard to all Community Centre Committees.

3.   That in addition to current representation on Community Centre Committees Members of the Development Committee are afforded an opportunity to seek further nomination to any of the 24 Community Centre Committees. Officers would seek declarations of interest from Members and would ensure that at least one Member is nominated to those Community Centre Committees currently without Development Committee representation.

4.   That fresh nominations are sought in regard to all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            Councillor P. Maskey declared an interest in this matter in that he was Chairman of the Andersonstown Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and took no part in the discussion regarding the matter.

            The Committee was reminded that twelve Neighbourhood Renewal Action Partnerships were operating currently within Belfast and that they were each developing Action Plans for their areas.  Each Plan detailed a series of actions and identified the organisations which the Partnership believed could assist them.  In a number of cases the Council had been identified as the lead partner.

            The Director reported that the Council had replied to eleven such Plans and that a response had been prepared recently to the Action Plan submitted by the Andersonstown Partnership, a copy of which had been circulated and which was available on the Modern.gov intranet/internet site.

            The Committee endorsed the contents of the Council’s response to the Andersonstown Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership’s Action Plan.

Proposed Amendments

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      This report provides an update on the general progress of projects under the Renewing the Routes programme and outlines two issues for the consideration by Committee.

      The two issues for consideration relate to the potential reallocation of project funding due to changed circumstances in respect of two approved projects that form part of the Falls Integrated Development Fund (IDF) plan namely Glen Road and Kennedy Way roundabouts.

Key Issues

      Update Shankill Road

      Work along the Shankill Road is continuing with 35 properties fully complete under Brighter Belfast and Integrated Development Fund.  The next phase of the programme is currently being implemented, covering 24 properties, while final designs are in place for another 35 properties as part of Phase III. Projects already delivered in partnership with other Council departments include additional hanging baskets, as an extension of Belfast in Bloom and the introduction of tourism signage at three key sites: West Kirk Church/Shankill Memorial Garden, Shankill Rest Garden and Woodvale Park. The Renewing the Routes Programme has also attracted an additional £300,000 from Belfast Regeneration Office to deliver public realm improvements at three key junctions, Agnes St, Lanark Way and Woodvale.

      Update Falls Road

      24 properties have been targeted under Phase I of the IDF Commercial Improvement Programme in lower Falls.  Construction work for Phase I has commenced and Phase II (Lower Springfield Road) is at final design with works to a further 44 properties projected to begin this month. An environmental scheme, including hanging baskets, has been initiated for Broadway as part of a three part project for the route.

      A public art piece is also being developed with the local resident group and the Health Trust for installation on the Royal Victoria Hospital property.

      The final element of the project includes a cosmetic enhancement scheme through the painting of detail structural elements on individual properties which will contribute to the reinvigoration of this busy route.

      Detailed lighting designs and statutory approvals are being finalised for the prominent features along the Falls Road. The International Wall, Carnegie Library and St.Mary’s University are scheduled to be completed by Christmas 2008. Outline designs for Bog Meadows and Willowbank Youth Club are currently out to final design consultation and the landscape works to the West Circular Roundabout are expected on site in October 2008. The listed St Comgall’s railings and gates have been designed by specialist consultants drawing up proposals with a view to commencing refurbishment works late 2008. The works which will complement landscape works to the school is being funded through Belfast City Council’s Greencare programme facilitated by Groundwork NI.

      Update Crumlin Road

      Phase I Commercial Improvements on the Crumlin Road have commenced at 151-183 Lower Crumlin Road and are due for completion before Christmas. At Glenbank approximately 24 properties have been included in the scheme and works are scheduled to commence in mid-October. The Ardoyne commercial node has been fully surveyed and final proposals  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce had submitted for the Committee’s consideration its retail campaign for 2008 entitled “Feel the Beat of the City”.  The aim of the campaign was to increase footfall and animate the City centre in the period leading up to Christmas and the Chamber had indicated that it would be providing £175,000 towards the campaign.  One of its proposals involved the replacement of the “smiley face” Christmas lighting, following the introduction of the new Belfast Brand.  Accordingly, the Chamber had requested that the Council contribute £20,000 towards the costs of repairing and replacing festive lighting within the City centre.

            In answer to Members’ questions, the Head of Economic Initiatives indicated that the festive lighting located on the City Hall and in the trees within the Grounds were owned by the Council, which also provided the Christmas tree and the associated decorations and lights in front of the City Hall.

            A number of Members expressed the view that they would be more inclined to support the request for funding if the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce were to provide festive lighting on the arterial routes and the main access roads into the City centre, such as North Street and Castle Street, rather than solely within the City centre. 

            The Director of Development informed the Committee that she would negotiate with the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce to ensure that it placed an emphasis on the provision of festive lighting on those streets which acted as gateways to the City centre rather than those streets within the centre of Belfast alone.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to provide a sum of £20,000 to the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce in connection with the festive lighting which it would be providing during Christmas 2008.  The Committee agreed further that discussions be held with the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce to examine methods of ensuring that the arterial routes within the City be made more festive during the 2009 Christmas period.

            The Committee was informed that the George Best Belfast City Airport had a Forum which discussed all issues relating to the development and operation of the Airport.  The Council had been represented on the Forum through nominations which had been made by the Health and Environmental Services Committee.  However, a letter had been received recently from the Chairman of the Forum indicating that the Council’s representation was being increased to two Elected Members and two officers.

            The Director of Development informed the Committee that both it and the Health and Environmental Services Committee would be each entitled to appoint one Elected Member and one officer to the Airport Forum.

            During discussion in the matter, several Members sought information regarding the names of the representatives of the community groups which were represented currently on the Airport Forum and the process by which they were appointed to the Forum.  In response, the Director of Development undertook to provide this information to the Committee at its next monthly meeting.

            Following further discussion, the Committee agreed that it be represented on the George Best Belfast City Airport Forum by the Chairman of the Development Committee (or his nominee), together with an appropriate officer.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      A special Development Committee on 15th May 2007 approved the Gasworks Northern Fringe Masterplan Report prepared by Consarc Design Group.

      The report concluded that the process of the development of these important City Centre lands would be beneficial to the City and the Council and recommended that a team should be appointed to establish a clear direction and consider a planning methodology which would deliver a Masterplan and Planning approval for the development of the site.

      Committee in January 2008 agreed to Officers entering into negotiations with Inislyn the owners of the Radisson Hotel site in a one to one deal for sites C and D adjacent to the Hotel due to the potential to maximise the return on these sites to B.C.C.

      An integrated design team was appointed in April 2008 under the Councils Consultancy Framework Agreements and Select Lists. The Lead Consultants and Architects are Consarc Design Group.

Key Issues

      The design team and the City Council Officer team commenced activity in May 2008. A series of initial consultations with Planning Service, Roads Service and Northern Ireland Environment Agency have taken place.

      Principally it has been confirmed that the only process which will deliver a satisfactory conclusion about the development process is a formal application for outline planning permission for the proposed development project.

      Informal discussions with Planning Service have confirmed that the mixture of land uses comprising offices, hotel extension, multi?storey car park are unlikely to be challenged within Planning Service.

      Early indications are that the issues which will require clarification and confirmation are vehicle access and permeability of the site specifically relating to a secondary access from Raphael Street.

      Proposals for car parking provision will be carefully scrutinised in accordance with current guidelines and policy which are one space per 300 square metres for new developments.

      Consultations with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency have established the need for site investigation works. RPS the environmental consultants for the project have estimated that the completion of these works would be in the region of £45,000 to £55,000. These works are essential as part of the appraisal process which will ultimately inform Council of the viability of the Gasworks expansion. BCC Project Management Unit have recommended that these works are tendered by invitation from a Select List. A budget notation of £1.550m is provisionally included in the capital programme. Capital expenditure if agreed by Development Committee will be sent to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for approval in line with current Council procedures.

      The Interim Progress Report prepared by Consarc Design Group contains a full list of the reports, investigations and appraisals to be completed and is available on Modern.gov.

      The design team will continue to work in close liaison with Council Officers and a further presentation of the proposals will be brought to Members for approval prior to further consultation with the local community and submission of a planning application.

      Council Officers met with the Markets  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.