Agenda and minutes

            The minutes of the meetings of 12th and 25th January were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      To update Members on the bid to host Europe’s biggest music awards event, MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA).  The original permission to bid was previously presented and agreed by Members in August 2010.

      It has been provisionally confirmed that Belfast has won the bidding process to host the 2011 MTV EMAs.  The event, if agreed by Council, would be co-funded with NITB (subject to contractual arrangements between MTV and BCC) and take place in the Odyssey Arena, along with satellite events leading up the EMAs.

      The event would take place on Sunday 6th November (Sunday evening is the peak viewing time across the MTV European network) and would be broadcast live across Europe and also be seen by global audiences.  The Belfast event would involve a series of activities in the week leading up to the awards culminating with the main event, which would be staged in the Odyssey Arena.

      In March 2010 Member’s agreed to fund and deliver an MTV Music Week in conjunction with MTV Europe.  This event ran from the 13 to 20 September 2010 and culminated with a Mark Ronson concert at the Belfast Waterfront and generated in excess of £1.6m for the Belfast economy. 

      The proposed 2011 events would have a week long series of events and smaller concerts that will showcase the city and also provide a substantial platform to profile the Belfast music industry. The proposed staging of this major event is inline with the Council’s Integrated Strategic Framework for Belfast Tourism (2010-2015) as the document identifies high profile events as a development opportunity that will allow the city to continue to build a strong reputation as a vibrant location with unique and exciting experiences that encourage new and repeat tourism visits. 

      In addition at the Development Committee in December 2008, Members noted that Visit Britain’s research showed that 21% of potential visitors were inspired to choose a destination because of the music or bands of that country, and approved a Music Tourism Action Plan in order to celebrate Belfast’s rich musical heritage.  Due to the work of the Council and partners over the last number of years Belfast’s music has received international praise and the latest generation of Belfast musicians are playing a crucial role in revitalising the city. In addition music tourism has also been identified as new product that should be developed, packaged and promoted by cities.

      It would be proposed that lead in events for the EMAs would see the Council’s Tourism, Culture and Arts and Economic Development Units (along with the Belfast music industry, NITB, ACNI, BBC and Tourism Ireland) creating a number of music related products to ‘show-off’ the city’s cultural music base.  These would include, but would not be limited to: the Belfast Music Coach Tour; the Belfast Music Exhibition at the Oh Yeah Centre; the creation of one-off unique gigs; the promotion of Belfast’s music listings website, Belfastmusic.org;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

In accordance with the Committee’s decision of 10^th November, to receive a presentation from representatives of the Belfast Civic Trust.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 10th November, it had agreed to receive a presentation from representatives of the Belfast Civic Trust in relation to its proposals for the establishment of a Belfast History Centre.  It was reported that Messrs W. Dickson, F. Bell and D. Flinn were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman.

            Mr. Flinn outlined the aims and objectives of the Belfast Civic Trust and explained that it sought to preserve the Victorian and Edwardian architectural heritage of Belfast.  The Committee was advised that the Trust held regular meetings with planning, environmental and cultural groups in respect of the preservation of important buildings and organised lectures on the historical heritage of the City.  Mr. Flinn explained that the Trust aimed to establish a Belfast History Centre within which a historical project known as ‘The Belfast Story’ would be a focal point.  He indicated that the Trust was in discussion with a number of bodies, including the Ulster Museum, in respect of acquiring items pertinent to the City’s history which could be displayed as part of ‘The Belfast Story’ and stressed that the Trust wished to work in partnership with the Council in the development of ‘The Belfast Story’.  Mr. Flinn then thanked the Committee for receiving the deputation.

            The representatives of the Civic Trust then answered a number of questions from the Members and retired from the meeting.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that officers from the Department contact the Trust to outline the various Council funding initiatives which might be relevant to the organisation.

            The Committee agreed to hold a special meeting at 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 24th March in order to consider a draft response to the Regional Development Strategy Consultation – 10 Year Review.  In addition, it was agreed that an invitation to attend this meeting be extended to all Members of the Council.

(report to follow)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       The purpose of this report is to seek agreement on the membership of steering groups to oversee –

1.   The Titanic Centenary, the Olympic celebrations and the associated promotion of the City to the international tourism market;

2.   The ongoing development of Titanic Quarter

1.2       The report will also update Members on progress in the development of the NI 2012 business case to the N.I. Executive.

1.3       At a meeting of the Development Committee on 5th November 2010 a report was brought forward on Belfast and Northern Ireland 2012.  The report highlighted the fact that 2012 would be marked by a number of high profile events, which provided an opportunity to market Northern Ireland and Belfast in the international market place and in doing so create a step change in the contribution which international tourism could make to the economy of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

            The events include –

-     The centenary of RMS Titanic

-     The opening of the Titanic Signature Project

-     The opening of the MAC

-     The 50th anniversary of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s

-     The 150th anniversary of the Ulster Hall

-     The opening of the SS Nomadic

-     The completion of the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre

1.4       The report also highlighted that in addition to those events, the staging of the 2012 Olympic Games in London presented significant opportunities for Belfast to become involved in the wider activities relating to the Games including:

-     the installation of a ‘live screen’ in the grounds of City Hall;

-     participation in the Legacy Trusts Community Celebrations via  the Land of Giants proposal; and

-     the staging of the Olympic Torch Relay.

1.5       Following discussion, the Committee agreed that:

-     an All-Party Steering Group be established to oversee the Council’s input into the 2012 Programme and the development of the Titanic Quarter;

-     authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive, to sign a legal agreement in regard to facilitating the Olympic Torch Relay; and

-     to allocate, in principle, the sum of £600K to a Land of Legends Programme for Belfast in 2012 subject to a further report providing a more detailed analysis of the Programme and a breakdown of the costs being submitted to the Committee and the allocation of a further £200K be considered by the aforementioned Steering Group.

1.6       In the course of the discussion of the report, a number of Members indicated there would be a number of historic centenaries occurring over the period 2012/2022, which the Council would need to consider in addition to those identified in the report.

1.7       At the Council meeting of 1 December, 2010 it was decided that an All-Party Steering Group be established to oversee the Council’s input into the 2012 Programme and the development of the Titanic Quarter; that the group consider the issue of the decade of centenaries and that a core  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       Legacy Trust UK

            The purpose of this paper is to seek direction from Members on issues of funding and personnel input to the Land of Giants event, which been successful in securing  £750,000 from the Legacy Trust (see attached Land of Giants Project Plan in Appendix 1). This event will be a significant part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.  In February 2010 the Legacy

            Trust UK publicly announced the Community Celebrations programme.  This programme provided an opportunity for four projects to access up to £4 million of finance and to link with other cities, regions, festivals to create unique celebrations building up to the 2012 Games. The Legacy Trust’s vision is to support community celebrations that identify a moment that deserves enhancing – a chance to do something spectacular, extraordinary and innovative connected to the staging of the Olympic Games.

1.2       Belfast Consortium

            In September 2010 Council approved that Officers should provide administrative support for the locally based consortium which consists of: Belfast Circus School; the Beat Initiative and Belfast Children’s Festival in their bid to secure £750k to stage a large scale community focused cultural event in Belfast in 2012.  This bid has now been successfully made, and the Belfast consortium is now in the position to access up to £750,000 from the Legacy Trust, but this is subject to securing both BCC and NITB financial contributions to the project.

1.3       The proposed event would combine carnival, circus, music and spectacle with local and international artists, underpinned by a substantial 18 month community engagement and education programme.  The proposal has the potential to build the capacity and confidence of the creative industries in Belfast by harnessing indigenous talent for future work on a regional, national and international scale. The Belfast project also has the prospect to create jobs and grow the creative industries in the city. It presents a unique tourism offer, tying in with Northern Ireland’s signature projects, the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic in 2012, while generating substantial visitor numbers, bed nights, employment and generating a positive international profile for Belfast and contributing to the growth of cultural tourism.  The successful project draws its inspiration from the many Giants of our regions shared and diverse history e.g. Jonathon Swift’s Gulliver & Cave Hill, Finn MacCool, Cuchulainn, Samson and Goliath, Titanic and Giant’s Causeway.  The project is designed to capture a vision of the city and its population as being ‘giant’ in our ideas, our talent and our heritage.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Project/Business Plan

            In order to obtain a release of the first tranche of Legacy Trust finances, it is a condition that a definite commitment of financial support from key stakeholders is obtained.  BCC has been identified by the consortium as a potential key funder, alongside DCAL/ACNI & DETI/NITB.  A full breakdown of costs is contained in the Project Plan attached to this Committee Report as Appendix 1, to which BCC is now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       Northern Ireland Context

            The current NITB Business Tourism Plan for 2010 to 2013 includes the objective to increase both volume and value from Business Tourism.  In addition, the NITB Business Visitor Attitude Survey in June 2010 highlighted the following:

1.2       ‘The lack of large scale fully integrated conference facilities conference and exhibition space under one roof, is viewed as the cause of lost conference/meetings/exhibition business.  This lack of large scale capacity at conference venues was also highlighted in the earlier 2005/06 survey.’

1.3       Among suggested improvements, was the need for a new purpose built large, integrated conference and exhibition space that can cater for large conferences and also for large gala dinners.

1.4       Traditionally many national associations chose the locations of their conferences on a rotation system and increasingly they demand high quality conference venues with state of the art facilities and high levels of service.  Their requirements include adequate provision of electronic communications technology, flexible space for syndicate/breakout rooms and there is now a greater need for exhibition space.  This is an area in which NI is currently finding difficult to provide as the current facilities offer limited integrated conference and exhibition space.  Organisers also look for high quality transport systems to and within a destination, plus venue, accommodation, restaurants and post conference entertainment in close proximity.

1.5       However, the Association Conference market, both national and international is becoming increasingly competitive, and NI is currently unable to compete for a percentage of this market due to the limited product capacity, in particular conference venues that can house 800-2000 delegates under one roof, including main auditorium, break out spaces, exhibition and dining facilities.

1.6       Most of the conferences held in NI, in particular in Belfast, currently fall into this sector.  For example, in 2009 Belfast welcomed a total of 59 Association conferences, 36 of which were National Associations, generating £17million for the economy.  Ambassadors play a big role in the success of bringing these conferences to NI with 70-78% of all wins being connected with an Ambassador.  NI’s particular strengths lie in attracting Association Conferences with links to the skills and industries associated with specialist fields of academia and medicine.  Within the bidding process, NI cities compete with cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester.  NI has been successful in this sector due to its high quality product provision, strong Ambassador Programme, compact cities

            and personal services.  The Business visitor Attitude Survey 2006, indicated that NI was perceived as a ‘new’ business tourism destination.  However, as the dynamics of the sector have changed, a reliance on subvention and significant exhibition space with integrated conference and break out facilities is apparent.  As NI currently has only a modest subvention programme and lacks integrated exhibition facilities, business is being lost and Belfast in particular is experiencing an erosion of its conference market share.

1.7       Belfast Context

            In July 2008, Belfast City Council commissioned a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.   Relevant Background Information

1.1The purpose of this report is to update members on the current position with EU funds to support development activity and to advise of the ongoing discussions with DETI and Invest NI to maximise the drawdown of funding from the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme. 

1.2The main EU Structural Funds programme in Northern Ireland for the period 2007-2013 – the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme – includes a measure which is nominally ring-fenced to support Council-led local economic development (LED) activity.  This measure has a budget of around €25million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  It is expected to be match-funded by a similar amount from councils (or by councils in conjunction with other match-funders).  The programme is managed by DETI (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) through its European Programmes Branch.

1.3To date, 14 councils are in receipt of letters of offer totalling around €3.3million. Of this amount, Belfast City Council has 13 letters of offer totalling £1.4million ERDF, operating over a number of financial years.  This support is match-funded by council resources to deliver a range of enterprise development support initiatives.

1.4DETI  and Invest NI have been engaging with councils in recent months to highlight the potential underspend in the programme and to identify how the commitment might be delivered through a range of capital and revenue expenditure at both individual council level and also through collaborative initiatives at a sub-regional/regional level.

      Both DETI and Invest NI have suggested that they would welcome a number of capital schemes, in keeping with the overall programme objectives.  These are attached as Appendix 1. 

1.5There is also considerable interest in developing collaborative revenue projects, principally those which will support micro and small businesses not currently being supported by Invest NI.  There is an opportunity to draw in additional match funding from Invest NI for projects which they deem compatible with their objectives.  This means that an investment of £1 from the council can lever match funding of £3 from other public sources for these types of initiatives.   Councils are also being encouraged to look at collaborative schemes e.g. with neighbouring councils and other partners. 

1.6There is a rolling deadline for the submission of applications.  However the funding has to be allocated by December 2013 and spent by June 2015. 

1.7In order to get a perspective as to what levels of funding councils will draw down to support development activity in their area, DETI have asked all councils to consider a financial profiling exercise.  This exercise will identify a range of scenarios from realistic/confirmed commitments to potential funding available, pending further political endorsements and other approvals.

2.   Key Issues

2.1Invest NI has been engaging consistently with councils in recent months to explore opportunities for collaborative projects at a council or sub-regional level which they could match-fund, in addition to attracting European funding through DETI for these initiatives.  This match funding commitment from Invest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Committee agreed to defer, to a future meeting, consideration of a report in respect of requests for match funding from the Council for a number of projects throughout the City which had received funding from the European Social Fund.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.         Relevant Background Information

1.1       Members will be aware that the Economic Development Unit delivers a range of support initiatives to support business start-up and growth as well as a range of employability activities.  These are approved by members on an annual basis as part of the Departmental Plan and at other stages during the year, as new initiatives are developed. 

1.2       At present, over 200 companies are taking part in a range of programmes to support issues such as sales growth, strategic development, franchising, marketing, procurement and sustainable development.  We are also delivering a range of sectoral development initiatives in the independent retail, creative industries, advanced manufacturing and environmental technologies sector.  We are about to launch

            a range of new programmes focusing on export development, access to finance and supply chain development, related to some of the major investment programmes in the city.  Last year, we supported 1400 companies through 50 business programmes and 70 events.

2.         Key Issues

2.1       Smarter Procurement Programme

            Members will be aware that, at the Development Committee of 13 May 2009 and 9 March 2010, approval was given to develop and deliver initiatives to support enhanced access to public and private sector procurement opportunities through the Smarter Procurement Programme.

2.2       Two waves of the programme have been delivered to date supporting 23 small businesses and social enterprises in the council area with little or no experience of trading within the public sector. 

2.3       An interim evaluation undertaken amongst participating companies on the programme has identified a total of £250,500 of new contracts secured to date and job creation resulting in one full time and one part time post.  The programme was delivered at a cost of £15,000 to BelfastCity Council. 

2.4       Previous waves of the programme have been match funded by Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), using European funding.  An application for two further waves of the programme was recently submitted to DETI for match funding and this has been approved. 

2.5       Demand for this programme has been high with both waves of the programme delivered to date being oversubscribed.  In addition, a further seven businesses have since expressed their interest in participating in a future wave of the programme, without any promotional activity being undertaken to date.

2.6       Findings from our 2010 business survey highlights the demand for procurement initiatives within the council area, with 44% of respondents requesting support to assist them in selling to the public sector.  Survey findings also identified 50% of respondents were interested in initiatives aimed at developing their sales.  It is therefore proposed that an additional two waves of the programme be commissioned from April 2012 onwards, targeting up to 24 new companies. 

2.7       Exploring Export and Access to Finance programmes

            Our business survey identified the need for targeted support for first-time exporters to help them identify new markets and provide support to attend promotional events and undertaken market visits.  In conjunction with Invest NI, we developed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Director of Development informed the Committee that the International Conference on the Manufacturing of Advanced Composites would be hosting its annual conference at the Belfast Waterfront Hall from 22nd till 24th March.  He pointed out that advanced manufacturing had been recognised as a key sector for development within the Council’s Economic Development Strategy and that the conference had previously been held in Belfast in 2009.

            The Committee was advised that this year’s event would attract approximately 150 delegates representing companies such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Boeing and Fokker.  In addition, the United Kingdom Trade and Investment Group would send a twelve-strong trade delegation to the conference which would seek to develop partnerships and supply-chain relationships and forge strategic alliances with local businesses.  Accordingly, he recommended that, under the terms of the Council’s Conference Subvention Policy, £1,500 be allocated to assist with the costs of the hosting of a reception in the Waterfront Hall on Wednesday, 23rd March.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1One of the key visionary drivers within the Belfast Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework 2010 – 2014 is Titanic/Maritime Heritage. To progress this theme, Belfast City Council, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Department of Social Development, commissioned a study to map current assets and provision in the area of maritime and Titanic heritage and identify possible future developments and provision. 

1.2A progress report was taken to Committee in August.  The contract was awarded to a consortium with a wide range of expertise led by CHL Consulting.  Specifically the consultancy team was asked to consider the future of HMS Caroline to inform an appraisal process being led by DCAL. 

1.3The report provides an executive summary, action plan (short term up to 2012, medium term and longer term), an audit of current attractions and assets linked to Belfast’s Maritime Heritage and an overview of current and future developments including Titanic Quarter, Odyssey Complex, City Quays, Sirocco Works, Donegall Quay, Lanyon Place, Central Station and the Gasworks.   A copy of the draft executive summary and action plans are attached as Appendix 1.  As well as on ground work, desk research was carried out on all major plans relating to the waterfront areas and review of best practice in Glasgow, Liverpool and Bristol was also completed.

1.4The suggested vision to guide the work is ‘to preserve, enhance and promote Belfast’s Maritime Heritage as a foundation of the city’s historic and dynamic character, as a source of pride for its people and as a defining and compelling experience for its visitors.’

2    Key Issues

2.12012 Priorities & Delivery

      Whilst the report lists short, medium and long term actions, there are a number of immediate priorities that need to be addressed prior to 2012. These include completing key capital projects such as Titanic Belfast and the Slipways, producing directional and interpretative signage, integrating ticketing between key maritime / Titanic attractions and developing a Titanic Trail linking to the rest of the city. 

2.2The study proposes that the Belfast Tourism Forum, identified in the Belfast Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework 2010 – 2014 and approved by Development Committee in November 2010, should be tasked with overseeing the implementation of these actions. 

2.3Members will be aware that there is also a requirement to establish a TQ Tourism group under the BCC/TQL Memorandum of Understanding.  Having reviewed the roles and compositions of both groups, there is significant duplication and it is recommended that the role of the TQ Tourism group is fulfilled by into the Belfast Tourism Forum. The focus of the Belfast Tourism Forum in 2011/2012 period will be ensuring that the tourism priorities outlined in the Belfast Titanic and Maritime Heritage study or raised as part of the wider TQ/BCC MOU discussions with stakeholders across the city, are implemented.  

2.4A copy of the Terms of Reference, proposed membership and draft short term action plan for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Members were reminded that, in November, 2006, a Lagan Canal Restoration Trust had been established. In August, 2009, the Development Committee had agreed to provide funding to the Trust, in the sum of £50,500 per annum, until March 2011.  Accordingly, it was pointed out the Trust would be seeking the same level of funding from the Council for the three year period from 2011 till 2013.

            It was reported that, given the ongoing spending review within the Northern Ireland Executive, there had been a delay in the confirmation of funding commitments which the various bodies and agencies could commit towards the future of the project.  The Director of Development reminded the Committee that Ulster Garden Villages had provided £50,000 assistance to the Council to employ a Lagan Corridor Officer within the Development Department. However, correspondence had been received from that body seeking to clarify the Council’s intentions, financial or otherwise, in respect of the future of the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust. It was reported that Ulster Garden Villages had indicated that it intended to reconsider its proposed allocation of £1 million in funding towards Phase 2 of the project viz., the Stranmillis Gateway Project, which was to be made available to the Council on the basis that match funding was provided, unless the Council clarified its position with regard to the Trust by 31st March.  It was pointed out that the Director would be meeting with the Mr. T. Hopkins, Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages, and Mr. E. Holmes Board Director, to discuss the matter.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and deferred consideration of the Council’s contribution to the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust to allow the Director of Development to meet with the representatives of Ulster Garden Villages and report back to the Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that a number of new partnerships had been created to deliver the Belfast Nashville 2010/2011 Action Plan which had been enhanced to address a wider range of issues in order to strengthen further the relationship between the two cities.  Accordingly, the Director of Development outlined the principal aspects of the Belfast Nashville 2010/2011 Draft Action Plan.  He pointed out that additional areas had been identified for further investigation following consultation with Members.  These areas included:

·         the development of new partnerships with cultural organisations across the City, including those who supported Irish language and traditional music;

·         working with the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival to ensure wider access to communities across the city;

·         investigating the links and synergies between the Nashville and Belfast Civil Rights Movements, including the Nashville Public Library exhibition and Queen’s University;

·         researching the potential of exhibition exchanges between Belfast and Nashville and the touring potential of existing exhibitions, for example, the Linen Hall Library; and

·         investigating further musicians from Belfast who have worked in Nashville across all genres.

            The Director added that the Plan would be presented to the Belfast Nashville Sister City Steering Group for consideration and thereafter the final draft would be presented to the Committee for consideration.

            The Committee noted the information provided.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1    Relevant Background Information

1.1Members’ will be aware that Annual Funding for Culture and Arts aims to assist professionally managed, Belfast-based, arts and heritage organisations deliver annual programmes for the benefit of the city.  Multi-annual Funding was established to provide a number of Belfast’s flagship arts organisations with longer-term security to enable them to deliver activities that substantially benefit the city.

1.2In 2010–11 Belfast City Council’s Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit invested just over £1.4m in arts, heritage and culture organisations, helping support our vision of Belfast as a prosperous and vibrant cultural city, engaging everyone that lives in, works in and visit the city.

1.3This investment has helped to support an audience of 5.8m; 100,000 participants in culture and arts projects; 263 full?time jobs; 102 part-time jobs; 1,396 freelance contracts; and 777 volunteering opportunities. It accounts for approximately 11.4 per cent of the organisations’ collective turnover, with a direct return on investment of 1:9.

1.4This report provides the Development Committee with recommendations on Multi-Annual Funding and Annual Funding for the 2011–12 financial year.  

1.5Multi-Annual Funding for Culture and Arts

      At the Development Committee meeting of 14 November 2007, Members’ agreed the selection of 14 Multi-Annual Funding clients. These clients entered into a three-year funding agreement at a minimum value of £30,000 per year. On 11 February 2009 the Development Committee agreed the selection of two additional Multi-Annual Funding clients.  These clients entered in to a two-year funding agreement at a minimum value of £30,000 per year.

      At the Development Committee of 15 September 2010, Members’ agreed that the current funding agreement for the existing Multi-Annual Funding clients be extended for an additional year until 31 March 2012. As in previous years, the continuation of funding was subject to receipt of a satisfactory monitoring report for 2010–11 and a one?year plan, including programme and budget, for 2011–12.

1.6Annual Funding for Culture and Arts

      The Annual Funding criteria for decision making (included in the guidance notes and application form, Appendix 1) were approved by Members’ at the Development (Arts) Sub?Committee in September 2004. The criteria were devised in order to assist Council to work in partnership with arts and heritage organisations in achieving its objectives.  They reflect the themes of the Development Department and the Integrated Cultural Strategy.

1.7Principles of the Reporting Process

      Officers undertake a lengthy assessment of all applications, scoring them against each of the criteria identified for the scheme. FGS McClure Watters was engaged to undertake a detailed assessment of each applicant’s management and governance.

      A summary of scores and recommendations are included at Appendix 3. A detailed assessment of each application is included at Appendix 4. These assessments:

-   highlight the main strengths and weaknesses in the application under each criterion;

-   ensure optimum transparency as to how decisions on applications have been reached; and

-   familiarise Members’ with the nature and variety of arts and heritage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee was advised that the Belfast One City Conference, which would be hosted by the Belfast Media Group, would take place in An Culturlann and the Belfast Waterfront Hall on 10th and 11th March, 2011.  It was reported that the theme of the conference would be ‘Unlocking the Potential of a City on the Rise’ and one key element of the conference programme would examine the issue of ‘Tomorrow’s Belfast’ and would receive presentations in respect of the Connswater Community Greenway, the Conway Mill, the MAC and the Lyric Theatre.  The Director informed the Committee that a request had been received for the Council to provide a contribution in the sum of £500 towards the cost of hospitality and the hire of the venue.  In addition, he requested if the Committee wished to be represented at the conference.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to make a contribution of £500 as outlined and agreed further that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman (or their nominees) be authorised to attend the event at a cost of £125 per delegate.

            The Committee was advised that the next in the series of the State of the City Development Debates would take place on 7th March in the Banqueting Hall, City Hall.  It was reported that Mr. John Palmieri, Boston Redevelopment Authority, and Mr. Bruce Katz from the Brooking’s Institution would be the speakers at the event.  The Director outlined the proposed programme for a Belfast workshop, which would be facilitated by the London School of Economics City Reformers’ Group, and was scheduled to take place on 23rd March.  A study tour of the City would be organised prior to the holding of the workshop.

            Accordingly, he requested that the Committee agree to provide financial support in the sum of £1,500 towards the hosting of the workshop, study tour and provision of hospitality. 

            After discussion, the Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report on the proposed scale of charges for 2011/2012:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       The purpose of this report is to consider the annual review of prices for hire/rental charges at the Belfast Waterfront, Ulster Hall, St George’s Market and Community Centres and to agree an implementation with effect from 1 April 2011.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Belfast Waterfront / Ulster Hall

            Following a standard 2% price increase in 2010/2011 it is recommended that Members give approval to retain existing prices for hire charges relating to all areas of the Belfast Waterfront, including Main Auditorium, Studio, Meeting Rooms, Exhibition areas including Concourse, Gallery Levels 1 and 2, Bar Levels 1 and 2 and also the Ulster Hall and, where appropriate, event services hire charges, for 2011/2012.

2.2       It is suggested that the proposed “no price increase” for 2011/2012 is necessary to keep hire fees at both venues competitive in what will inevitably be a very difficult trading environment over the next 12 months.

2.3       St George’s Market

            In January 2010 Members approved an increase in stallage and hire charges for a 2 year period from 1 April 2010 – no increase is therefore proposed.

            The Development Committee also approved in October 2004, a 25% incentive discount for those paying in advance. It is proposed that as a result of the high cost in administering the scheme and to simplify and introduce daily market reconciliations that the 25% payment in advance incentive discount scheme is now discontinued. The issue has been raised with traders’ representatives and to date no issues have been raised

2.4       Community Centres

            Following a standard 2% price increase in 2010/2011 it is proposed to increase prices in 2011/2012 by just over 2% to take account of the VAT increase from 17.5% to 20% which changed on 4 January 2011.

            The proposed schedule of prices for each of the Community Centres is detailed at Appendix 1.

3          Resource Implications

3.1       Financial

            The recommendations above have all been factored into the Departmental Revenue Estimates for 2011/2012 approved by Committee in January 2011.

3.2       Human Resources

            There are no additional human resource requirements in relation to implementation of the proposed Pricing Policy.

4          Equality and Good Relations Considerations

4.1       There are no equality implications in agreeing the 2011/2012 Departmental Scale of Charges.

5          Recommendations

5.1       It is recommended that Members note the contents of the report and approve the following :

1.      No increase in hire charges at Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall

2.      No increase in stallage or event hire fees at St George’s Market

3.      The removal of the advance discount scheme at St Georges Market

4.      An increase of just over 2% in Community Centre pricing as a result of the recent VAT increase

5.      An effective date of 1 April 2011 for all areas

6          Decision Tracking

            Further to approval the recommended actions will be completed .

            Time line:   1 April 2011  Reporting Officer:  David Orr

            Documents Attached

            Appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       Belfast City Council has been a member of the Eurocities network since the early 1990’s. The network now consists of over 140 large European cities work is focused around the following fora:

            - Economic Development

            - Social Affairs

            - Culture

            - Mobility

            - Knowledge Society

            - Environment

            The Secretariat for the network is based in Brussels with a staff and Executive Board of elected members from cities throughout Europe.  Meetings are held three times a year in rotated venues aroundEurope and each forum has a maximum of eight working groups.  An AGM is held each November and is attended by BelfastCity Council’s Chair and Deputy Chair of Development.

            Eurocities allows Belfast City Council to develop and strengthen its role in city leadership, reflecting the values and messages contained in the corporate plan. This platform has consistently opened avenues of policy development, funding and legislation dissemination, allowing Belfast a stronger voice both regionally and in Europe.

1.2       During 2010 Belfast City Council was active in the following fora:

Economic Development Forum

Chair of Economic Migration working group

Member of creative clusters working group

Member of entrepreneurship working group

Member of employment working group

Social Affairs Forum

Member of social inclusion working group.

Member of urban security working group

Member of the health and well being working group.

Environment Forum

Chair of the clean cities working group

Member of the noise working group

Member of the greening local economy working group

Member of the waste working group

Culture Forum

Member of the youth culture          )

working group                                   )   virtual

Member of the resources for         )   engagement

Culture working group                    )

            During 2010 Belfast City Council also attended two meetings of the Knowledge Society Forum with an officer from ISB.  The aim of this was to explore the potential for BelfastCity Council to engage fully in the forum and pursue funding, project and best practice opportunities for Belfast.

2.         Key Issues

2.1       Each year Belfast City Council experiences very positive gains from participation in the Eurocities network and importantly the council contributes to policy influencing at the EU Commission and Parliament levels and is currently engaging actively to ensure maximum EU funding for cities and an enhanced delivery role with respect to structural fund spend post 2013.

            The council also engages in European projects within the network and sources best practice that can be transferable to the city of Belfast.  Critically the council works with other cities to track EU legislation and lobby heavily to influence this and ultimately create savings for the city eg EU Services Directive.

            Appendix 1 outlines the key work areas and outputs achieved through BelfastCity Council’s engagement in the network in 2010.  It also outlines the intended work plans specifically for BelfastCity Council in 2011.  Each area has been discussed and deemed appropriate at relevant directorate levels within council departments. Highlights of the 2011 work plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

The Committee was advised that Manifesta, which was a biennial exhibition of contemporary art involving a wide range of European artists, had requested that the Council, in conjunction with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, consider supporting the establishment of a post of ‘Manifesta Bid Co-ordinator’, who would be based in the Belfast Exposed Gallery, to assist in the development of a bid to host the Manifesta exhibition in either Belfast or Londonderry in 2014 or 2016.  He reported that the bid would be presented to the Manifesta organisation in December 2011 and that the benefits to the local economy arising from a successful bid would be in the region of £2.5 million.  Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee consider contributing the sum of £10,000 financial assistance towards the costs of establishing a Manifesta Bid Co-ordinator.  He pointed out that £10,000 had been secured from both Derry City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with Belfast Exposed Gallery providing in-kind support of £7,500.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the following requests for assistance which had been received under the Support for Sport Scheme in relation to events and promotions:

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report and agreed that the attached comments be forwarded to the Department of the Environment as the Council’s response to the consultation:

“1           Relevant Background Information

1.1       The Department of the Environment published a consultation document on the 10 December 2010 seeking views on the proposal to introduce Taxi Operator Licensing in Northern Ireland.

1.2       The proposed Regulations will introduce:

-     Taxi operator licensing for both private and public hire vehicles;

-     Make provision for offences; and

-     Establish the penalty system for the provisions of the Act. 

1.3       The Department considers that the introduction of Taxi Operator Licensing will help to modernise the industry and introduce a regime comparable to the other administration in Great Britain and Ireland. This will contribute to the provision and management of a fair and safe transport industry by enhancing the role of taxi operators and ensuring that taxi services are more effectively regulated. This should contribute to a reduction in illegal taxi operations and greater certainty for the users of such services.

1.4       The Department intends to put in place transitional arrangements to allow existing taxi service providers to continue to operate in the period when the new regulations are being introduced. During a two month transitional period, taxi operators will be required to apply for a license and can operate under the application process until the license is granted or refused by the Department.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Currently neither taxi operators nor their bookings offices in Northern Ireland are subject to any regulation. The licensing regime is different in Great Britain although private hire operator licensing has been in place since 2000.

2.2       It should also be noted that a separate review of Taxi Regulations covering fares and taximeters, hiring of taxi at separate fares, is being carried out by the Departments.

2.3       The general requirements of this Legislation are as follows:

-     The new regulations will apply to all taxi operators within Northern Ireland.

-     It will make it illegal for an organisation or individual to operate a taxi service without having a license. (The legislation outlines information to be contained in the application for the license.) 

-     Drivers will be required to hold a taxi drivers license in addition they must hold an Operator License if running their own taxi business or be named on a Taxi Operators License.

-     All licensed operators must ensure that taxis operating within their Taxi Operator License are licensed taxi vehicles, driven by licensed taxi drivers. It will be an offence to provide a taxi service without a Taxi Operator license.

-     Drivers will only be allowed to be named on one license at any one time and work for one licensed operator at any one time.

-     The Department proposes that the License will be valid for a maximum of five years from the date granted. The proposal also contains provisions for shorter license periods can be issued at the discretion of the Department.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

            The Committee was reminded that the contract for the provision of catering, bars and restaurant services at the Belfast Waterfront would expire in September, 2011.  The Head of City Events and Venues provided an overview of the current arrangements in operation and reported that, due to the current economic climate, the catering service provider had reported a sharp decline in the demand for corporate hospitality.  In addition, it was reported that there had been significant changes to the range of catering and hospitality products which conference organisers and the general public were requesting, which suggested that a full reappraisal and review of the contract’s specifications be carried out prior to the contract being put out for tender.

            Accordingly, in order to facilitate a full review of the specifications of the contract, the Committee acceded to the following course of action:

·         that a full management review be carried out of the contract specification and catering product relating to catering, bars and restaurant provision;

·         that the current catering contract be extended for an initial period of six months, with effect from 1st October, 2011, with the potential to further extend on a monthly basis up to a maximum period of one year; and

·         that authority be delegated to the Director of Development to appoint a successful applicant on the completion of the contract review and the subsequent tendering process.

            The Committee agreed to adjourn its business and agreed further that the undernoted items be placed on the agenda for its meeting on 22nd February:

·         Business Improvement Districts – Consultation and Proposed Seminar

·         Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Inquiry – ‘Enterprise Zones’

·         Northern Ireland Economic Strategy

·         Employability Support – Proposals Received and Proposed Approach

·         North Belfast Advice Partnership – Proposed Expenditure Variance

·         Lower Castlereagh Area Proposal

·         Advice Services – Volunteer Training Programme

·         Office of the First and Deputy First Minister – Child Poverty Strategy

·         Office of the First and Deputy First Minister – Play and Leisure Consultation

·         Generalist Advice – Consultation

·         Community Services Grant Aid.