Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Attwood and Convery.

            The minutes of the meetings of 3rd, 11th and 17th February were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd March, subject to the omission of that portion of the minute of 17th February under the heading “Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce” which, at the request of Councillor Newton, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

            The Committee was advised that Councillor Convery was in hospital and the Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, wished him a speedy recovery.

To consider further the minute of the meeting of 17^th February under the heading “Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce” which, at the request of Councillor Newton, was referred back to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 2^nd March.

            The Committee considered further the minute of the meeting of 17th February under the heading “Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce” which had been taken back at the Council meeting on 2nd March at the request of Councillor Newton.  An extract of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:

      “The Committee was advised that representatives of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce were in attendance and accordingly Messrs. J. Moore, D. Penick and N. Gordon were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman.

      Mr. Moore advised the Members that the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce represented over 500 affiliated organisations and, in addition, it sought to support the interests of those businesses throughout the City who could not afford to be a member.  He stated that the current financial crisis was having a severe effect on the businesses within the City centre and there was a real fear that many could stop trading and shop premises would remain vacant.  He was therefore of the view that there was a need to ringfence and protect the City centre.

      Mr. Penick stated that, it was not only the City centre which was affected by the economic downturn, but other trading locations throughout the City and surrounding cities and towns.  He suggested that the problem would be exacerbated by the development of a large out?of?town retail unit at Sprucefield.  He pointed out that his organisation would welcome the John Lewis company locating in either Belfast or LisburnCity centre, but they were opposed to the inappropriate out?of?town location.

      Mr. Gordon suggested that a weak framework, in terms of the planning and development process, was having a detrimental effect on City centres and on smaller towns and villages throughout the province.  The loss of local shops providing goods and services had an inappropriately detrimental affect on older people and people who could not afford to travel to large out-of-town shopping centres.  He stated that there was a need to work together to encourage the development of the town/city centres throughout the province.

      The deputation then answered a number of questions in relation to the development of out-of-town shopping centres and the likely effect this would have on the City centre and arterial routes throughout the City.

      In relation to a question from a Member, the Principal Solicitor indicated that there was, at this point in time, no reason for the Council to seek a judicial review since no decision had been arrived at in regard to the planning application, and it appeared likely that the application would be subject to a local inquiry.

      In conclusion, Mr. Moore advised the Committee that the majority of the John Lewis Group’s operations were located in city centres throughout the rest of the United Kingdom and that he was of the view that the opportunities offered by the developer at Sprucefield had been made very attractive to the John Lewis Group.  He suggested that the Minister for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

            The Director reminded the Members that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 6th February, had agreed a way forward for the Council to respond to the economic downturn.  She pointed out that, whilst the Council was focused currently on the immediate future for Belfast’s economy in light of the scale and depth of the economic crisis, it would be important that it did not abandon its medium to long term plans.  Projecting ahead and planning for growth and sustainable development should still be pursued as part of the overall City-wide development agenda.  Therefore, whilst the Council should seek to make adjustments and changes to services or initiatives, the overall goals and strategic objectives contained within the Corporate Plan, the City Investment Strategy and other thematic plans should not be forgotten about.  She pointed out that the changed economic climate might require amendments to be made to the original proposals for as long as was necessary in order to underpin and stabilise the local economy.  It would therefore be essential for the Council to undertake continuous monitoring, analysis and assessment in order to keep abreast of those trends and challenges which would require the Council’s attention.

            The Director then outlined key actions which the Committee and Department would undertake in the coming year and pointed out that these would be included within the forthcoming Development Departmental Plan.  She suggested, in order to monitor and develop the work which would be undertaken as part of the Committee’s response to the economic downturn, that a task group consisting of both Members and officers be established.

            During discussion, a Member pointed out that, given the current economic difficulties, those organisations providing advice regarding debt were under considerable pressure and that any assistance which the Council and other agencies could provide to them would be most welcome.

            In response, the Director indicated that officers from her Department would be meeting in the near future with representatives from Government Departments regarding this matter.  However, she reminded the Committee that under current protocol the provision of debt advice was considered as “specialised” which meant that funding provided to the Council by the Department for Social Development could not be used by the Council to grant-aid specialist advice-giving organisations, although this issue would be discussed at the forthcoming meetings.

            Following further discussion, the Committee noted the information provided by the Director and agreed that those actions outlined by the Director be undertaken and included within the Departmental Plan.  The Committee agreed further that a joint Member/officer task group be established as a matter of urgency and that one Member from each of the Party Groupings on the Council be represented thereon.

            The Director reminded the Members that, in November 2008, the Lord Mayor had met with representatives from the Belfast Chamber of Trade, Belfast City Centre Management and the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau in order to examine how the Christmas period could be enhanced to try and counter the economic downturn. 

The meeting had resulted in a number of ideas being developed which had led to the Christmas period being relatively successful for the retail and tourism sectors in the City.  Accordingly, the same organisations had met recently to discuss the creation of a year long campaign for the retail and hospitality sectors and had agreed that the first part should revolve around the Easter period.

            She informed the Committee that the theme for Easter would be “The Belfast Bunny”.  This concept would be used to create media stories, brand the City and promote Belfast as a visitor and shopping destination.  She assured the Members that the branding would be used throughout Belfast and not just in the City centre.  She pointed out that the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and the Belfast City Centre Management would be amending their existing advertising and promotional campaigns to fit with the theme.  In view of this, she requested that the Committee consider contributing a maximum of £25,000 towards the cost of providing additional promotional materials, banners and activities in relation to the Easter Retail and Hospitality Campaign.

            Arising from discussion in this matter, several Members expressed concern that the campaign was being organised too late and that the money spent would not represent good value for money.  Accordingly, the Committee agreed that it would not provide financial assistance to the Easter Retail and Hospitality Campaign.  However, the Committee agreed that it would be prepared to consider the provision of assistance for similar retail and hospitality campaigns during other key seasonal periods of the year.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      BelfastCity Council Community Services currently supports a range of services for children and young people throughout our Play and Community Centres. The Play Development Service provides support to enhance these services, to organise central events and to provide support for the voluntary and community sector. The 6 Playcentres currently provide direct services for children through pre-school playgroups, after school clubs and holiday playschemes.  Examples of the current range of services, their target age group and the support provided by Belfast City Council is available on Modern.gov.

      BelfastCity Council agreed at their meeting on 4 July 2005 to undertake a review of Council-owned Playcentres. The purpose was to:

-     review the benefits against the cost of providing six dedicated Playcentres

-     to relate them to alternative methods of providing a play service

-     make recommendations as to the way forward in relation to the Council’s role in delivering a play service

      The review was undertaken by an independent consultancy, Venturei and involved consultation with a range of internal and external groupings. The report and recommendations were presented to the Development Committee on 11 June 2008.  The report highly commended the quality of work undertaken by the play staff team recognising them as a substantive resource for services for children and young people. The report recommended that the staff team were maintained and that their skills are further developed and maximised.  Furthermore it recognised the value of play and outlined a number of recommendations to extend the impact of the service by widening both the geographical scope and to broaden the age range of the service.

      The Committee accepted the recommendations contained within the Venturei report including a recognition of:

-     the significant role of play in the lives of children and the wider community and the ‘right to play’ as articulated in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

-     the clear fit for play with a wide range of strategies contained within the Corporate Plan including those relating to health & well being, education and learning, citizenship, community development and strategies specifically aimed at children and young people.

-     the strong research and evidence base which supports the positive impacts that result from providing children and young people with enriched play experiences and the significant contribution that BCC has made to positively changing the lives of children in this city through its investment in the provision  play workers and appropriate play spaces / environments.

      Committee however expressed some concern at some aspects of the report including the accuracy of the statistical information in the report which supported the recommendation to cease the provision of a pre-school play service at the remaining play centres which still offered this as part of their menu of programmes.  Committee was also interested in how the play team could increase the level of support to the community sector such as churches and youth organisations who were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Co-Financing for European Social Fund Applications

            (Councillors Cunningham, Lavery and C. Maskey declared an interest in this matter in that they sat on the Board of one of the organisations seeking assistance, Councillor Ekin declared an interest also in his capacity as landlord of one of the organisations and they took no part in the debate.)

            Following a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report regarding applications which had been received from organisations seeking co?financing from the Committee in connection with projects which they organised and which had received assistance under the European Social Fund.

Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that Belfast, for the first time, was now eligible for support under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and, together with Lisburn City and Castlereagh Borough Councils, was working to develop a Rural Development Strategy.  She indicted that a call for projects which were eligible for assistance would be opened shortly and that information sessions to promote the Programme would be taking place in the near future.

Noted.

United Kingdom Business Incubation Conference

            The Committee was advised that United Kingdom British Incubation was the umbrella organisation responsible for providing business incubation support in the United Kingdom.  It was intending to hold its 2009 International Conference in Belfast in November, which it was anticipated would attract up to 250 delegates from across the world.  The Conference would examine the future of business incubation in the United Kingdom and, in particular, the challenges and opportunities which were facing business support organisations during the economic recession.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives pointed out that the items to be discussed at the Conference were relevant to the City due to the plans which the Council had to develop a business centre on the North Foreshore and the transfer, under the Review of Public Administration, to the Council of additional economic development powers and responsibilities.  Accordingly, she recommended that a maximum of £10,000 be provided to support the organisation of two workshops at the Conference and the provision of hospitality for those attending the event on the understanding that United Kingdom Business Incubation obtain funding of at least £50,000 from other sources for the Conference.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee was advised that, in December 2008, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment had launched an Independent Review of Economic Development Policy and had established an independent panel to undertake the review.  As part of the associated consultation process the panel had launched a call for evidence with 27th February as the deadline for submission.  Accordingly, the undernoted response had been submitted with the proviso that it had not been agreed by the Committee:

“1.Introduction

1.1This document incorporates evidence which Belfast City Council considers to be appropriate in the context of the Review of economic policy within DETI and Invest NI launched by the Enterprise Minister in December 2008.

1.2The document has the endorsement of the Senior Management Team within Belfast City Council. Its contents will also be formally endorsed by the elected members of the Council in due course.  Given the tight turnaround of this call for evidence, it has not been possible for this to be formally endorsed at political level. We will confirm with the Review Panel once formal political endorsement has been achieved.

1.3We remain supportive of all efforts to improve the economic performance of the city and the wider region and trust that we can make a useful contribution to the debate on the future economic policy for Northern Ireland. 

2.   Context

2.1In advance of providing the evidence to support our comments, there are a number of points the Review Panel should take into account in their endeavours.  These are as follows:

2.1.1       Belfast City Council is the largest of the local authority areas and the regional capital. It is the location of more than 3 in 10 international investments and provides around one third of all jobs in the region. It is clearly the regional driver and, in terms of economic policy, will require distinct and focused support to ensure its continued development and growth.

2.1.2       Around 35,000 jobs were created in Belfast in the period 1995-2005^[1].  This was set against the backdrop of a decreasing population at that time.  Although more recent figures suggest that the population levels have now steadied, it is nonetheless clear that Belfast is providing employment not only for those living in the city but also for the wider population.  This presents its own challenges in terms of pressure on the city’s infrastructure and it is important that government investment is geared towards addressing this issue.

2.1.3       Through its Corporate Plan, Belfast City Council is committed to improving the quality of life, now and for future generations.  Economic development is clearly an important component part of this challenge. As the city’s only democratically-elected forum, the Council accepts that while economic growth is important in creating a prosperous society, it is important that this development happens in a sustainable and balanced manner and that all citizens have an opportunity to take advantage of the city’s growth.

2.1.4       The current economic downturn has affected the city – and the region  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(Report to follow)

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that, following an approach by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in 2008, the Council had agreed to manage the Community Festival Fund, which had previously been organised by the former Northern Ireland Events Company, in the Belfast area.  The Department had offered the Council an amount of £77,300 on the understanding that the Council would match this sum.  The Committee had expressed the view that this amount was inadequate, had agreed that it would make available the sum of £120,000 for the Fund and had requested that the Department match this amount.  Subsequently, the Department had indicated that it could not do so.  Accordingly, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure had been requested to review the amount which would be allocated to Belfast before the scheme for the period 2009/2010 had been opened.

            She informed the Members that the Department had offered the Council the sum of £77,300 towards the Community Festivals Fund for the 2009/2010 year, which was the same amount as had been provided last year.  She pointed out that a similar sum had been included in the Committee’s Revenue Estimates for the coming financial year and, since the Council was entitled to use 10% of the budget for the administration of the scheme, the total value of the Fund would be £139,140.  She informed the Members that the first tranche of the Community Festivals Fund for the 2009/2010 year had attracted twenty-four applications totally £195,098.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to accept from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure the sum of £77,300 towards the Community Festivals Fund and to provide a similar amount towards the scheme.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that the above?mentioned Programme had been established by the Council in 2005 to assist arts and heritage organisations in Belfast to avail of opportunities which arose during the year which would benefit their group.  She reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 9th April, 2008, it had delegated authority to the Director of Development to award grants under the scheme. She reported that, since April 2008, thirty-one applications for assistance had been received from twenty-eight organisations and that the undernoted groups had received funding as indicated:

            She pointed out, whilst the funding provided by the Committee to arts and heritage groups in Belfast represented approximately 10% of the collective budgets for projects assisted under the Rolling Programme, it had resulted in organisations levering considerable funding from other sources to enable events to be held.  It therefore demonstrated the value for money which the scheme represented to the cultural infrastructure of the City.  In addition, the number of people attending events supported by the initiative during the 2008/2009 year had increased by 13% over the previous year and the number of professional artists employed by such events had increased by 200%.  She therefore believed that the Programme had made a significant contribution to the arts and heritage organisations in Belfast.

            The Committee noted the information provided.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      In 2004 the Client Services Committee agreed to the recommendation contained within the Strategic Review of Council Owned Indoor Leisure Facilities that the Ballymacarrett Leisure Centre be transferred to the community sector. In January 2005, the Committee agreed to hand over management of this facility to Connswater Community and Leisure Ltd (CC&L).  This company was formed by Mersey Street Area Residents Association (MARA) and other local interests in order to manage Ballymacarrett L.C. 

      Following refurbishment, CC&L took over the management of the Ballymacarrett Leisure Centre in February 2006 on a basis of a 3 year lease, that is for the period to Feb 2009.  Community Services has provided regular Community Development Worker (CDW) and Community Services Area Manager (CSAM) support to the group to ease and enable the process of managing Ballymacarrett L.C.

      A preliminary 6 month review was undertaken concentrating on the area of governance and looking specifically at

-     Accountability

-     management structures and processes

-     Financial management

-     Centre usage

-     Complaints received

-     Wider community links

-     Difficulties experienced

      The result showed that CC&L had shown improvement but that further work was required in order to provide a high quality public service.  One of the group’s strengths was that they had a highly committed and motivated manager who had around him a strong team of volunteers.

      The balance between running the facility as a business and still addressing community need became an issue for the Board of Directors.  The resulting conflict led to several resignations notably the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. This has further eroded the management capacity of the group i.e. the issue that had been questioned at the start of the lease.  CSAM and CDW support was again put in place to help the group overcome the difficulties and resulted in the issues being addressed and new Directors appointed.

      During this period, the group has continued to meet its monitoring requirements and since the summer of 2008 has increased their community development activities thus beginning to balance up what had initially been a largely leisure based programme.

      Sadly, in December 2008 the centre manager Mr John Cochrane died unexpectedly.

      His departure will severely impact on the day to day running and management of the Centre. The organisation, coordination and vision for the Centre was largely led by him and the Connswater group will have significant adjustments to make if they are to continue to develop the capacity that Mr Cochrane contributed to the organisation.   

Key Issues

-     The Centre’s programme has only in the last 6 months begun to meet the required standard in terms of both in?centre services and programmes and wider community development support and outreach. MARA, the group which carries out the Community Development work, is based in the Centre and is heavily represented on the board of CC&L ltd.

-     The initial concerns concerning the management capacity of CC&L were compounded when internal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Director reminded the Committee that the Council supported a range of community-based Summer Play Schemes which offered a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities for young persons between the ages of five and fourteen.  She explained that Summer Schemes in directly-managed Community Centres were funded through the Revenue Budget.  In addition, grant assistance was made available to those organisations in the voluntary community sector which met the relevant criteria.  She informed the Members that the Policy and the associated criteria had been agreed by the former Community and Leisure Services Sub-Committee.

            The Director stated that an amount of £94,590 would be available within the 2009/2010 Revenue Estimates for seasonal play schemes.  In addition, an amount of £175,000 had been included in the estimates in respect of grant-aid to be provided to Community Groups operating Summer Schemes.  Grants in this regard would be based on previously agreed criteria and would be at set amounts of either £1,000, £1,800 or £3,000.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that a range of Summer Schemes would operate in directly-managed Community Centres and granted authority for grants not exceeding the amounts set out above to be awarded to qualifying Community Groups on the understanding that the total amount of money available in this regard would not exceed £175,000.

            The Members were advised that a request had been received from the Belfast Media Group suggesting that the Committee support the inaugural Texas Irish American Leaders Awards which would be held on 4th June in San Antonio, Texas.  It was intended that the event would be held on an annual basis and would provide an opportunity for links to be established between Belfast and San Antonio which would complement the Council’s connections in Nashville and Austin.  The Group had indicated a number of ways in which the Council could support the Awards.

            The Director pointed out that over a lengthy period of time the Development Committee had established a linking strategy with a number of American cities.  Currently such work was being undertaken through links with Nashville, which was one of Belfast’s Sister Cities, and concentrated on the creative industry and tourism sectors.  As a result of attendance at recent South by South-West Festivals, links had also been established in Texas and the suggestion from the Belfast Media Group would assist in this regard.

            During discussion in the matter, a Member informed the Committee that, at its most recent meeting, the Board of the Ulster-Scots Agency had deferred consideration of a request from the Belfast Media Group to become involved in the Irish American Leaders Awards event.  It was pointed out that earlier in the meeting the Committee had decided that it would not provide funding for a retail campaign during the Easter period as it did not represent good value for money and, since the request from the Belfast Media Group would not create jobs or a feel good factor in Belfast, the request should be declined.

            Other Members expressed the view that the approach from the Belfast Media Group represented an opportunity which would benefit Belfast and provide an opportunity for the Council to work with a private sector organisation.

            Following further discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor McCausland,

Seconded by Councillor Campbell

      That the Committee declines the offer from the Belfast Media Group to become involved in the Texas Irish American Leaders Awards due to be held in San Antonio on 4th June.

            On a vote by show of hands six Members voted for the proposal and five against and it was accordingly declared carried.

            The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Committee that the Sister Cities International Conference would be held in Belfast from 29th July till 1st August.  This would be the first occasion that the event had been held outside the United States.  It had been estimated that the economic impact of the Conference to Belfast would be £2.5 million and that delegates were expected from America, Africa, China, Japan and Europe.  Given the significant positive impact on Belfast’s economy, she recommended that, under the terms of the Council’s Subvention Policy, £23,000 be allocated to assist with the costs of the organisation of the Conference.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The purpose of this report is to update Members on the planning of the Belfast Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.  At a Special Development Committee in September 2007, Members agreed to Council funding of £1.077m and delivery mechanisms for the event which is taking place between 13 and 16 August. 

      Councillors are reminded that the Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International.  In 2006 STI announced that Belfast would be a host port for 2009 as part of a trans-Atlantic race.  The event in Belfast will take place over 4 days, between 13 and 16 August, at the end of a four month Atlantic sailing that will see ships sail from Vigo, Tenerife, Bermuda, Charlestown, Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Approximately 400,000 people are expected to visit the City during the event, which will cost approximately £3.2 million to deliver.  This will create a legacy £1 million of infrastructural developments required to accommodate the vessels, with the estimated financial return to Belfast being £10 million and a target of 88,000 out-of-state visitors expected.

      The event will be delivered in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commissioners via a specifically created delivery company, Belfast Tall Ships 2009 Limited.

Key Issues

      Contractual Matters

      Contracts have been signed between BCC and STI to deliver the event.  In addition BCC and BHC have a separate agreement regarding their working relationship, along with a funding  contract between the BCC and BTS09 Ltd.

      Governance & Partners

      The Board of BTS09 Ltd has a range of individuals from a number of public, voluntary and private sector organisations, with Councillors McCann and Stoker representing BCC, along with BCC officer support.  The Chair of the BTS09 Ltd is held by Dr Gerard O’Hare, of Parker Green International, based in Newry.  In addition to the Board of BTS09, six sub-committees have been created to assist in the delivery of the event.  Alongside these a Governance Board, headed by the Chief Executives of BCC and BHC supported by senior Directors and officers of both organisations has been established to ensure that all mechanisms are robust and appropriately designed to give the highest level of public transparency and accountability.

      Funding

      As stated above, the overall event will cost £3.2 million to deliver.  Funding has been secured from the following bodies:  BCC - £1.077m; NITB - £500k; DCAL - £400k; BHC - £430k and DSD ? £100k.  The remaining £700k will be secured through sponsorship and income streams created by the event.

      Ships

      In total, 45 to 50 ships are expected to attend, with up to 18 Class A and B vessels. The number of Class A and B vessels is impressive given that the 1991 event had only 2 Class A vessels.  All the ships will be open to the public during the event.  The following ships will be in Belfast, subject to contractual arrangements, and others are currently being targeted.

Ship                               Country of Origin             Class

Europa                          Holland                              A

Captain Miranda          Uruguay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      This report provides an update on the general progress of the Integrated Development Fund (IDF) Renewing the Routes programme and clarifies ongoing issues relating to the commercial improvement programme and the funding provided by the Department of Social Development.

Key Issues

      Shankill Road

      The main emphasis for the regeneration activity on the Shankill Road remains the commercial frontage improvements. Over sixty premises have now taken part in the scheme, with a further 50 businesses in line to benefit from future phases. The block-by-block approach means that businesses and residents can immediately see the enhancement from the improvements works on the road, contributing to attractive places to work and shop.

      The ongoing complementary activity has seen the completion of additional public realm improvements, funded by Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO), at the Agnes Street and Lanark Way junctions. This work, coordinated by the Unit on behalf of BRO, is continuing in the Woodvale Park area with improved pedestrian crossings and additional resurfacing. The project will also include feature embellishments to street lighting alongside the installation of several benches, with the work being completed by March 2009.

      Completed IDF funded projects include railings and granite entrance features at West Belfast Orange Hall, floodlighting to Woodvale MethodistChurch and new railings at West Kirk Presbyterian Church.  Projects delivered in partnership with other Council departments include floral baskets, tourism signage and lighting to the Woodvale Park ‘Family Tree’ sculpture.

      By March 2009 works should be substantially complete on several sites of architectural merit including the listed Shankill RestGarden’s perimeter wall, stonework restoration to Shankill Library and landscaping at Woodvale Presbyterian Church. Following refurbishment it is proposed that the Shankill RestGarden wall will be lit by recessed up-lighting, this project is currently at design stage.

      Upper Springfield Road

      The designs are now being finalised for an environmental project to improve the road frontage and upgrade an open space area to reduce the potential for anti-social behaviour and misuse at Springhill Park ‘funnel’. Renewing the Routes, Parks & Leisure and Groundwork NI have worked with the local community over the last year and works are scheduled to begin on site in February 2009. New railings, paths, landscaping, planting and future artworks from the community will bring this green space back into community use by summer 2009.

      Commercial improvements have now been designed to complement previous schemes in the area and will be presented to owners/occupiers for final approval this month with work scheduled to commence in March 2009. DRD Roads Service has approved the installation of street lighting embellishments to compliment these improvements.

      An artist has been appointed to make a feature of the highly visible wall on this main arterial road at the JP Corry Ltd, near the entrance to Sliabh Dubh estate. The artist will work with the residents to produce a mosaic style piece on Industrial Heritage, Natural Environment or Families & Stories. The piece will be installed by April 2009.

      Planting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

City Centre Traffic Management Proposals

            The Head of Economic Initiatives informed the Committee that, as part of the Streets Ahead project, the Department for Social Development had appointed consultants to deliver proposals in connection with the removal of all northbound traffic from Donegall Place.  The consultants were keen to discuss the matter with the Council and had requested permission to make a presentation to the Committee.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to receive a deputation in this regard at a special meeting.

Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland

Consultation Document

            The Committee was advised that the Department for Regional Development Roads Service had issued a consultation document in connection with proposals to set local speed limits in Northern Ireland.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that the undernoted document be forwarded to the Roads Service as the Council’s response to the consultation process:

“Roads Service – Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland – Consultation on Draft Policy.

      Having considered the consultation publication – Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland – Consultation on Draft Policy and the accompanying Draft Policy Document, the Council would take the opportunity to comment in respect of general and specific issues.

      General

      It is welcomed that the Department for Regional Development has stated that its principal objective is ‘balancing the need to travel with the need to improve quality of life’. This latter element to improve the quality of life is a core objective that would be shared with the Council.

      The document refers to a range of issues and considerations in respect of the wider localities and the communities through which roads pass. The document should contain overt recognition of the importance of road infrastructure as a significant part of the local environments. In addition to their role in enhancing connectivity, it should be recognised that there can be significant severance implications related to road infrastructure (Para 28). Whilst it is recognised that the document is inherently technical in nature and focus, there are elements of the processes or consideration in respect of locality or community that will be more subjective.

      This recognition of the wider function and the potential impact on communities would contribute to the balanced consideration of proposals and suggests a formal requirement for earlier engagement and consultation in respect of proposals. The consideration of the ‘improved quality of life’ (Para 22) and the acceptance that speed limits are only one element of speed management places an onus on the Department to formally engage with Council at an early stage of the process. This engagement would also facilitate the consideration of the potential for such traffic measures to contribute to broader strategies or initiatives. The importance of the road infrastructure and operation to local environments contributes to the potential for their modification or management to make a positive contribution to broader agendas to enhance community well being.  

      In respect of the potential requirement for a range of calming or other measures (Para 72  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.