Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Aldermen Ekin and Stoker and Councillor Mallon.

            The Chairman (Alderman Stalford) declared an interest in respect of item 7(a), viz., ‘Gilpin’s Development’ in that he had acted as Chairman of the steering group which had been set-up to oversee the formulation of the economic appraisal of the site. In addition, in respect of item 4(i), viz., BBC Proms in the Park, Councillor Spence reported that he was a member of the Board of the Ulster Orchestra.

            It was noted that both the Chairman and Councillor Spence had been nominated by the Council to represent it on the bodies mentioned.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.  Background Information

1.1     At a special meeting of Development Committee on 25 March, Members approved a draft programme proposal in principle but requested that officers prepare a draft equality impact assessment and consider approaches to budget allocation.

1.2    Members requested that a report on this work be brought back for consideration by Committee in April prior to the planned launch of a full public consultation in May. Similar parallel arrangements were also agreed for DSD political approval.

1.3     There have been a number of developments since the March Committee meeting which will have a critical impact on the progress of the programme.

2    Key Issues

2.1     From its initiation the Council and DSD made a strong commitment to engaging fully on the design and implementation of BCIP. This was based on the recognition that a new approach to community development in the city can only be successful with the active and positive involvement of the community and voluntary sectorand other stakeholders.

2.2     As part of a sustained level of pre-consultation from summer 2012 the project team organised a series of engagement activities that included workshops, briefings and information sessions with Members, officers and representatives from the community and voluntary sectors. This has been a time-consuming process but has ensured that stakeholders have been involved in the development of BCIP from the outset. The most recent engagement event was a large workshop at City Hall in early February, attended by over 150 representatives of the community sector, which considered the initial ideas around grant design.

2.3     The pre-consultation engagement proved to be a fruitful process and greatly informed both the outcomes framework and the draft grant design adopted by Committee last month. There is genuine enthusiasm for the concepts behind BCIP and its outcomes. The sector in particular has been encouraged by the long term public sector commitment to community development that BCIP represents. Material for the pre-consultation work contributed to the proposed approach to formal consultation that was presented to members at Development Committee in March.

2.4     Working back from the planned open call for applications in October 2013, the current project plan calls for a public consultation on the programme proposal and the EQIA to begin no later than 8 May 2013 following approval by Council and the DSD Minister and submission to the Social Development Committee. If the start of consultation is delayed beyond this date then it is unlikely that the project will make its open call.

2.5     DSD officials considered this timescale for public consultation, and have concluded that they believe the available window of three weeks to analyse the consultation responses and amend the grant stream is too short to be viewed as credible. They therefore believe the project would not be in a position to meet its open call in October and implement the planned pilot funding year. They are preparing to engage the Minister, who will decide if these are unacceptable risks, given this timescale.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Arising from discussion, it was reported that a request had been received from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action seeking permission to address the Committee in order to raise a number of issues relating to the Belfast Community Investment Programme. 

The Committee agreed to receive the deputation at a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 3rd April, had referred the undernoted Notice of Motion, which had been was proposed by Councillor A. Newton and seconded by Councillor Haire, to the Committee for further consideration:

      “November will mark the 50th anniversary of the death of C.S. Lewis.  Clive Staples Lewis was born in East Belfast on 29th November, 1898; his family home was on the Circular Road in the east of the City.  He attended Campbell College before enrolling in Malvern College in 1913 and went on to receive a scholarship at University College, Oxford. After the outbreak of World War I, he enlisted in the Army in 1917.  He was wounded at the Battle of Arras on 15th April, 1918 and was subsequently discharged from the Army in 1919.

      C.S. Lewis is rightly considered to be one of the intellectual giants of the 20th Century and, arguably, the most influential Christian writer of his day.  He is world-renowned for his writings and in particular the Chronicles of Narnia which have charmed generations of children across the globe.

      This Council acknowledges the fitting tribute to be paid to C.S. Lewis by the erection of a memorial stone at Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner and agrees that we, as the elected representatives of the City in which he was born, should not allow the landmark 50th anniversary of his death to pass without marking it in a fitting way.  This Council is proud to claim C.S. Lewis as one of our most famous sons and, accordingly, agrees to give early consideration as to how this noteworthy event should best be marked.”

With the permission of the Chairman, Councillor A. Newton outlined the importance of the anniversary of the death of C.S. Lewis and requested that the Committee agree that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would outline the options available for the Council to mark the event. He requested also that consultations be undertaken with the Friends of Belmont Park, the East Belfast Enterprise Park, the East Belfast Community Development Association and a range of local residents’ groups prior to any report being formulated.

The Director pointed out that the Head of Economic Initiatives and International Development had been due to meet with the East Belfast Partnership Board regarding a proposed C. S. Lewis Festival and he undertook to consult with the groups identified by Councillor A. Newton.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to the course of action outlined and noted that a report in this regard would be submitted for consideration at the meeting scheduled for 21st May.

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 4th February, had referred the above-mentioned Notice of Motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Corr and seconded by Councillor McVeigh, to the Committee for consideration.  Accordingly, whilst there had been reservations expressed in respect of the Council’s ability to address meaningfully the issue of social deprivation, the Committee, at its meeting on 19th February,  had agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would outline the steps which the Council could take on a corporate level to address the issue.

The Director indicated that the matter had been considered by the Party Leaders at its forum on 13th February and they had agreed, given the Council’s role in, amongst other things, employability initiatives, early intervention schemes, neighbourhood renewal and fuel poverty, that a corporate mapping exercise be undertaken to assess how the Council could address the issue in a coordinated manner. In addition, the Party Leaders had agreed that the implementation of the Review of Public Administration would provide additional opportunities to strengthen the Council’s ability to address the issue.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed, as an initial step in the corporate mapping exercise, that Party Briefings be provided, to those Parties who so wished, in order to ascertain Members’ views in respect of the Council’s future role in addressing social deprivation.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 5th March, it had been advised that a full evaluation of the Council’s Retail Support Plan for 2012/2013 would be undertaken to enable it to be amended to address the evolving retail sector across the City.  The Director pointed out that over the past year there had been a significant growth in the number of active traders’ groups and such a development had impacted on the Council’s ability to deliver support to, and manage the expectations of, the various traders’ groups. Accordingly, as part of the re-evaluation process, the Director suggested that Party Briefings be provided during May to ascertain Members’ views in respect of the contents and scope of the Council’s Retail Support Plan for 2013/2014.

The Committee agreed to this course of action.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     At the Development Committee 22 May 2012, Members agreed to support Belfast Restaurant Week for a three-year period commencing in 2012.

1.2     Belfast Restaurant Week 2012 attracted match funding from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland, the Pork and Bacon Forum and the private sector.  Additional support was delivered via social networking, marketing and communications.

1.3     The success of Belfast Restaurant Week 2012 which took place from 6 to 13 October has been measured by: the number of participating restaurants, the success of the sell out events delivered during the week as well as the excellent positive PR it generated for Belfast and our world class food offer.

1.4     In summary:

·               82 restaurants registered to participate offering special menus and added value offers.

·               30 highly popular events were delivered by the sector, attracting significant media interest and coverage.

·               Two showcase events were hosted in BCC venues including the ‘Battle of the Chefs’ at St George’s Market and ‘An Evening with Charles Campion’ at the City Hall.

·               Public feedback has been extremely positive and there is a clear indication that food tourism is a very important, sustainable product to capitalise on.

·               Innovative and high profile marketing campaign delivered

·               BRW2012 has established a strong sector working group with a commitment to ensuring the food offer and service in the city is world class.

·               The PR value generated from the Belfast Restaurant Week campaign is valued at £151,000. 

1.5     The aim of Belfast Restaurant Week aligns with the pledges contained in the Investment Strategy and the Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework 2010 to 2014.  Belfast Restaurant Week is also integral to the development of the Food Tourism product, increase trade, encourage excellence in service, celebrate the importance of the restaurant/food sector for the local economy and employment, and to showcase the best of local food, producers and fresh produce.

1.6     The objectives of the Belfast Restaurant Week 2013 are to:

·               Increase the number of culinary events

·               Increase footfall and mid week dinning

·               Promote eating out as an activity during that week

·               Showcase new and cultural food offering

·               Promote dining experiences for a range of lifestyles

·               Promote local produce, excellent chefs, skills and wealth of the food offer

2       Key Issues

2.1     It is crucial to build on the success of BRW2012 and ensure that BRW2013 creates more economic impact and support for the restaurant/hospitality sector. It is therefore necessary that adequate resources and support are in place to achieve the aims and objectives.

2.2     BRW 2013 (5 to 12 October 2013) – year two planning is underway and it is proposed that additional funding will be sought to support BCC investment.

2.3     A key stakeholder Steering/Working group has been established to implement the plans as well as a Sector Steering Group to ensure that BRW2013 delivers for the industry.

2.4     To instigate registration it is proposed that BRW2013 will be launched to the industry on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.     Background Information

1.1     Members will be aware that at a meeting of the Development Committee in March 2012, approval was given for the sum of £60,000 to deliver Belfast Music Week 2012 in order to achieve a legacy from the MTV EMA Awards, give a concentrated focus on the promotion of indigenous musicians, to show Belfast’s rich musical heritage, thriving contemporary musical scene and promote and highlight the city’s distinctiveness.  This included appointment of a coordinator to promote equality of opportunity, good relations to ensure clarity of vision.

1.2     Visit Britain’s research shows that 21% of potential visitors are 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.  The Music Sector in Belfast has grown significantly over the past three years and now plays a key role in the overall economic development of the city.  With a rise in musicians and bands making headlines in the international marketplace and new and innovative music businesses based in Belfast, BCC is playing a significant role for this industry.

1.4     The aims of Belfast Music Week are:

·               To increase the profile of Belfast as an exciting weekend break destination to actively travelling young adults across UK, ROI and Europe and maximise the economic return from music tourism.

·               To showcase and strengthen Belfast’s position on the world stage as a primary destination for music, entertainment and culture.

·               To increase the number of musicians doing business internationally.

·               To promote and enhance a confident, positive, exciting image of Belfast through delivering world-class events.

·               To bring together all sectors of the community from Belfast and across the region whilst improving community cohesion.

1.5     Tourism Ireland (TI) and Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) are committed to developing the music offering and tourism access to both live music and additional product development.  To this end, they work with Belfast City Council to maximize the tourism industry opportunities and ensure they are visitor ready. Belfast Music Week is in line with Tourism Ireland new target market for Belfast following the recent segmentation exercise ‘social energizers’ and ‘culture seekers’, and the NITB brand in delivering an event that is ‘uniquely NI’ and promotes the best of indigenous music. The event meant that Belfast’s local scene could target demographics both internationally and locally that we have not had the opportunity to reach before.

Key Issues

2.1     Belfast Music Week 2012

         Belfast Music Week (winner of Best Event at the NI Tourism Awards) took place from Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 November 2012 and had a total economic impact of over £2.08 million for the city as compared to £1.86 million in 2011 (Millward Brown Ulster). The celebration of local bands and venues, as well as the wider music industry and community, featured live music performances, workshops, seminars and networking events and gave a chance to see legends and breaking talent, and to appreciate the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

            The Committee was reminded that the 2012 Belfast Business Awards had been held in the City Hall on 8th November. The ceremony, which had been attended by 330 guests, had included eleven categories and attracted over 120 entries. The event was delivered on behalf of the Council by Belfast City Centre Management and income had been generated by sponsorship and ticket sales for the event. However, in net terms, the cost incurred by the Council in delivering the ceremony was in the region £20,000, with an additional £9,000 being paid as a management fee to Belfast City Centre Management. 

            The Director reported that, given the current economic climate, it had proved difficult to secure private sponsorship for the 2013 awards. He pointed out that, whilst the event had been delivered on the Council’s behalf, there remained a significant level of internal administration associated with the awards. He explained that, given the current range of activities carried out by the Economic Development Unit as part of the Investment Programme, it had become increasingly difficult to allocate sufficient resources to oversee the Council’s remit in the delivery of the event. Accordingly, the Director outlined the undernoted options for the Committee’s consideration: 

Option 1

·         Consider refocusing the awards to promote a distinct aspect of business in the City, such as the Digital Belfast. Such an option would reflect the growing importance of technology-focused growth and would be in line with the super-connected Belfast initiative, together with innovation-led developments such as the Digital Hub.  Should the Committee endorse this option, consideration might be given to working with a relevant partner in the delivery of the event.

Option 2

·         Proceed as in previous years and work with Belfast City Centre Management in organising the awards and take the lead role on communication, registration and judging as well as overall project delivery responsibility, which would include financial management; and

Option 3

·         Agree not to become a lead partner in the event in 2013 but request that Belfast City Centre Management organise the awards using Council branding.

            The Director explained that the costs associated with each option would vary, however, options 1 and 2 would be likely to involve a commitment of approximately £30,000, in addition to the use of significant staff resources.  In respect of option 3, a request would, most likely, be submitted for financial support from the organising partner, but there would be limited implications for staff resources.

            Discussion ensued in respect of the options outlined and Members expressed concern that, given that there had been income derived from sponsorship and ticket sales for the event in the past, the Council was still incurring significant costs in hosting the ceremony despite the fact that it was being delivered by an external organisation. The point was made that there existed a plethora of similar-type events in Belfast and, accordingly, the Council might wish to reassess, over an interim period, the specific value of the event in light of the significant costs incurred in its delivery.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.     Background Information

1.1     Members approved the Patterns of the City - Belfast City Dressing Plan in December 2011.  The plan was commended as Tourism Partnership Initiative of the Year at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2012.

2       Key Issues

2.1     BCCM has contracted Image Zoo to proactively sell sites specifically under BCCM remit.  To ensure that commercial hire does not have a detrimental effect on the look of the city and there is a consistent approach to city dressing design, a policy has been developed and endorsed by the City Dressing Steering Group  

2.2     It should also be noted that BCCM and Image Zoo generate income from the hire of sites.  In these cases BCC will recoup a percentage of the hire fee which will be used for ongoing city dressing maintenance.

2.3     Flag fields have been sited at key locations which offer the festivals forum a cost effective opportunity to promote their festivals/events.  There is an opportunity to streamline the administration and hire of these sites and potentially to generate income to help support the maintenance and ongoing costs of city dressing.

2.4     BCC has been approached by several Community Groups (Ormeau Road and Shankill/Donegall Roads).  They are keen to explore the possibility of city dressing being implemented in their specific areas.  The approach to the Patterns of the City concept is to engage with community groups through workshops and developing patterns unique and inspired by their area.  There is an opportunity to further use the concept of city dressing to build a collection of patterns that can be integrated into the Belfast Story and Belfast brand identity.

2.5     It is proposed that the ongoing city dressing plan will continue to roll out city dressing to new locations and ensure that key events are showcased at specific times.

2.6     The concept of city dressing extends to dressing/wrapping dilapidated buildings which have been led by Building Control during 2012. The Court House has already been identified as a site which would benefit from hoarding/wrapping to enhance the look of this area of the city.  With Crumlin Road Gaol open as a visitor attraction it is important that the general area is enhanced and attractive to visitors.

3       Recommendations

3.1     The Committee is requested to:

1.         Approve the City Dressing Policy and agree a budget of £80,000 in both 2013/14 and 2014/15;

2.         Approve to ring-fencing a portion of the city dressing budget to dressing the Court House, Crumlin Road;

3.         Approve working with community groups to implement city dressing workshops and branding in their areas;

4.         Agree that officers seek opportunities by quotation to streamline the work involved in the management and hire of flag fields with key festivals and event organisers.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations and it was agreed that consideration be given to providing additional banners to mark the 25th anniversary of the holding of Feile an Phobail in August, 2013.

The Director reminded the Committee that Belfast City Centre Management’s Public Space Action Group had, in conjunction with a range of partners, including the Council, launched the initial Belfast City Centre Access Guide in November, 2011. That initiative had sought to promote accessibility to the City centre and had made a number of recommendations in that regard.

Accordingly, the Director reported that Belfast City Centre Management had proposed that the second phase of the study be undertaken and, to this end, the Department for Social Development and Translink had agreed to provide funding to assist in the undertaking of that study in the sum of £6,000 and £3,000 respectively. It was reported that the total cost would be £12,000 and Belfast City Centre Management had approached the Council to make a contribution of £3,000 towards the costs.

The Committee agreed to authorise expenditure in the sum of £3,000 towards the costs of undertaking the study.

The Director informed the Committee that the Council had been afforded an opportunity to host the Eurocities Social Affairs Forum on 17th and 18th October, 2013. He explained that the event, which would attract approximately 80 delegates from across Europe, would focus on the issue of social innovation and would afford the Council an opportunity to showcase its achievements in this regard, as well as providing a valuable opportunity to discuss key issues relating to social affairs and emerging European Union funding opportunities. It was reported that the costs associated with hosting the Forum would be £3,000 and that a steering group would be established to oversee preparations in this regard. 

The Committee agreed to host the Forum as outlined and authorised the associated expenditure.

            The Committee was advised that the BBC was proposing to host its Annual Proms in the Park at the Titanic Slipways on Saturday, 7th September. The Director reported that the total cost of hosting the event would be £410,000, the Council’s contribution to which would be £100,000, provision for which had been included within the events’ budget. The ‘Proms’ would be broadcast live by the BBC and had, in 2012, attracted an audience of 8,000 to the outdoor event. It was pointed out that free tickets would be distributed by way of an open public call by the BBC. 

A number of Members expressed concern that BBC Northern Ireland had, in previous years, not broadcast the finale of the event, which included renditions of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’, ‘Jerusalem’ and the National Anthem, to the outdoor Belfast audience. Further concern was expressed that, given the significant demand for free tickets for the event, the BBC might consider charging a nominal fee in order to recoup its costs, which, in turn, would reduce the Council’s contribution.

      The Committee agreed to provide support in the sum of £100,000 towards the hosting of the event and the City Events Manager undertook to convey the specific Members’ concerns to the organisers.

            The Director reported that the official launch of the RaboDirect PRO12 Celtic League would take place at Titanic Belfast on 26th August.  He explained that the Council had received a request from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to ascertain if it would wish to host an official dinner which would form part of the launch.  The Director indicated that the proposed dinner would attract 120 to 150 guests, which would include government representatives, international press and media, together with and prominent representatives of the various clubs and rugby officials. He added that the event in the City Hall would afford the Council a valuable opportunity to showcase the City to an international audience and enhance Belfast’s status as a sporting destination, especially within the context of the re-development of Ravenhill and the Irish Rugby Football Union’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

            The Committee agreed to meet the costs associated with the hosting of a dinner, which it was noted would be in the region of £9,000, subject to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee granting the use of the City Hall for this purpose.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1Purpose of the Report

1.1  In February 2013 Members were updated in regard to the Council’s engagement with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) and their related championship events.  The purpose of this report is to seek approval from Members to bid, and if successful, stage a major piping championship event in 2014 and 2015.  In addition to request permission from Council to engage and work with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) in creating a bid to secure the World Pipe Band Championship for the period 2016 to 2018.

1.2      On the 16 October 2012 the Committee agreed to bid for the RSPBA Champion of Champion event in 2013.  Unfortunately the Council was not successful in securing this event.  This information was reported at February’s Committee and Members agreed that a further report be brought back to Council. 

2         Key Issues

           Belfast International Piping Championship

2.1      Officers have met and engaged in discussions with the RSPBA in regard to a new championship that the Association wish to create.  This event would be a replacement to the Cowel Championship which comes to a close this year.  The new event would be one of the Associations ‘big five’ competitions which include: the World; European; British; Scottish and All-Ireland events.

2.2      RSPBA has indicated that it would be their intention to look for bids for an event that would be equivalent to the European and British competitions.  They have also indicated that this new opportunity would take place in June 2014 and 2015.  The RSPBA have indicated that the annual cost to Council would be circa £180,000 and would include an annual £80,000 fee to the RSPBA.  It is estimated between 100 and 120 bands would attend this event and bring in an estimated £212k to £1.3m additional economic activity to the city.

2.3      Officers have also investigated the current market rate for such bids.  Evidence of this process indicates that the above figures would be on a par with other potential bidding regions and cities.

2.4      Senior RSPBA Officials have also indicated that any bid from Belfast should focus on a one day competition and that their preferred site would be within Stormont estate.  This is despite Officers encouraging the Association to look at a range of BCC owned parkland.

2.5      World Pipe Band Championship, 2016-18

           Officers are also seeking approval to engage with NITB in developing a bid for the Championship.  This event is estimated to currently generate between £10-11 million for Glasgow.  With the average total cost of staging the event £550,000 per year.  From this the RSPBA would be paid around £110,000 as a fee.   Given this information Members are asked to consider that BCC and NITB develop a bid based on a figure of £600,000 per year – if approved this would be split equally amongst both parties.  Given the economic benefits it would mean a £16.00 return for every £1 of public sector investment for the city.

3  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1         Relevant Background Information

1.1        Members will be aware that at the Development Committee of 14 November 2007, approval was given for Belfast City Council to cluster with Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council for the delivery of Axis 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) under the name the Lagan Rural Partnership (LRP).

1.2        Council representation on the LRP is based upon the proportion of the resident population eligible for assistance through the NIRDP.  On this basis the membership of the LRP is 7 Lisburn City Council, 3 Castlereagh Borough Council and 1 Belfast City Council. 

1.3        In September 2008 a final Rural Development Strategy was submitted to DARD and as used to apportion the funding allocation to the cluster.  In January 2009 the final allocation of RDP Axis 3 funding amounting to a total of £8,691,556 was allocated to LRP of which £7,306,576 was to be circulated through grant funding through Axis 3 funding measures.

1.4        The cluster allocates funding under the following 6 measures:

1.       Farm diversification

2.       Business creation and development

3.       Encouragement of tourism activities

4.       Basic services for the economy and rural population

5.       Village renewal and development

6.       Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage

1.5        Calls for funding applications are opened periodically for each of the above measures throughout the duration of the programme.  The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) requires all funding to be allocated to projects by the 31 December 2013 with all projects completed in full by 31 December 2014.

2          Key Issues

2.1        To date £947,294 of grant funding had been approved by the LRP for projects located exclusively or partially within the Belfast City Council boundary.  Key projects funded in the council area include the following:

§  Sustainable Mountain Bike Trail

§  Belfast Hills Strategic Tourism Project

§  Hannahstown Village Renewal

§  Belfast Hills Rural Heritage Project

§  Divis Trail System

2.2        Over-commitment

            To date LRP has committed £7,160,020 of funding to projects located across rural areas of Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn resulting in £146,556 of actual grant remaining.

2.3        However applications received by LRP which have been appraised but yet to be approved for funding indicate further grant requests totalling £781,498.96.  If funding for these projects was agreed, this would present an over commitment for the cluster of £634,942.96

2.4        Following a review of the dropout rate and cost savings incurred on approved projects, the administration team of the LRP has identified an average attrition rate on approved applications i.e. the difference between the amounts approved in a letter of offer and the actual amount drawn down for expenditure.  If applied to existing approved schemes, this would result in a possible release of £433,866 of committed grant funding. This would still mean a shortfall of £201,076.96 to meet requests for funding.  It is important to note that this is an indicative rather than an actual figure.  It is possible that the attrition levels could be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9b

The Committee was reminded that the Pride of Place Competition provided community groups from the throughout Ireland with an opportunity to showcase initiatives which have had a lasting and positive impact upon their communities.  Since 2004, the Council had sponsored, with considerable success, the participation of several groups in the Competition.  It was reported that the Council had been invited to nominate four groups to take part in the Pride of Place 2013 awards ceremony, which would take place in Londonderry on a date to be determined. The Director indicated that the following four groups had been identified as being suitable for entry in the competition:

The Director reported that this Group was based in the Greater Shankill Area and sought to improve the quality of life of local residents through education, health, arts and culture and social well-being and aimed also to regenerate the area and to empower the local community.

The Falls Partnership Initiative had been established in 2005 as a broad-based community partnership for groups delivering projects and programmes in the Falls area. The aim of the partnership was to encourage coordinated and collaborative approaches which involved residents in decision-making and service delivery. It had established a strategy based on a range of interrelated programmes, including family support, Health and well-being, education and training, and children and young people.

This community-based arts organisation worked specifically with young people within the New Lodge and wider North Belfast area. The organisation promoted dance, theatre, music, video, computer arts, literature and painting. Work with local young people had included the provision of projects, workshops, classes, performance opportunities, outreach and specifically those activities which made the arts relevant to the community.

The Mount Vernon Community Development Forum was a local community-based organisation located within the lower North Belfast area which delivered local services and supported the delivery of a capacity-building programme. Over the past number of years, its work has sought to develop an ‘integrated locality planning model’ which has involved the establishment of a Community Interest Company.

In response to a Member’s request, the Community Services Manager undertook to provide additional information in respect of the number of community groups which had participated in the scheme from the east of the City. 

After discussion, the Committee approved the entry of a maximum of four groups as outlined and approved also the attendance at the awards of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Director and the Project Officer (or their nominees), together with a maximum of three persons per external project at the ceremony, and authorised the payment of the competition entrance fees, travelling, accommodation and subsistence allowances in connection therewith, which, it was noted, would be approximately £5,500.

The Committee endorsed a draft response to the Department for Regional Development’s consultation on the future of railway investment in Northern Ireland, a copy of the response was available on the Council’s Modern.gov system. 

The Committee endorsed a response, a copy of which was available on the Council’s Modern.gov system, to the above-mentioned Arts Council’s consultation entitled: ‘Ambitions for the Arts – A Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Arts in Northern Ireland 20103/2018’.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1         Relevant Background Information

1.1        In May 2012 The Development Committee agreed to support a review the viability of any future redevelopment, technical constraints and potential options for the Gilpin’s  site, Sandy Row.  The key component was to identify the needs and aspirations for the site through a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process.

1.2        The study was intended to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the identified options, the resources required to carry through and ultimately the prospects for success. The Committee agreed the format of a steering group for the project and the approach which recognised the view of members as central in the development of the feasibility study and any final draft report.

1.3        The Terms of Reference for Copius were refined through meetings with the Steering Group and the feasibility study was completed in two conjoined parts. The first part was a detailed technical appraisal of the site to establish land value, and whether or not the building could be redeveloped. The second part was community based consultation and research exercise to establish what local and city wide needs could be supported through the redevelopment of the building.

1.4        The study was intended to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the identified options, the resources required to carry through and ultimately the prospects for success. The Committee agreed the format of a steering group for the project and the approach, which recognised the view of members as being central in the development of the feasibility study and any final draft report.

2          Key Issues

2.1        The final public meeting for the feasibility study was held on the 28 November 2012 and the draft Report completed in December

2.2        The scale of the building and wide-ranging nature of need suggested a multi-stranded solution, in terms of uses and potential configurations, within a structured holistic concept. The report contained three options for the site which had a number of common elements identified as the “Spine” for the feasible development.

2.3        Incorporating the common Spine elements was considered to contribute to the creation of a scheme that satisfies the core requirements of the consultation, the building and the wider area. The spine is therefore consistent through the three shortlisted, with the only significant change being that on floor two, which will then provide either of the following:

o    Option 1: an open plan 2nd Floor for a large user (suitable for a Gallery)

o    Option 2: a 2nd floor that is spilt up into smaller units (Micro Business)

o    Option 3: an additional floor of ‘community owned’ for rent apartments

2.4        The options were the subject of financial analysis as part of the feasibility. However, it is highlighted that the simplified financial forecasts that may be subject to change based on a number of potential issues. The uncertainty around borrowing and other costs associated with different ownership structures are emphasised necessitating consideration and agreements on the future governance structures. It is recommended that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Director reminded the Committee that the Council had been engaging with Invest NI in the matter of how both organisations could support the concept of Foreign Direct Investment. To this end, it was reported that Invest NI had overseen the development of a mobile software application – ‘App’ –  for use by key stakeholders to help profile the work of local businesses on an international basis. The application sought to promote Northern Ireland as a vibrant location by providing information on the availability of investment sites, key statistics on the economy, together with a skills profile of the region and details of support available for prospective investors.

            It was reported that the cost of developing the application had been estimated at £20,000 and Invest NI had confirmed that it would contribute £5,000 of that amount, with European funding of £10,000 being made secured also. Accordingly, the Council had been requested to contribute the remaining £5,000.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to invite the Invest NI Sub-Regional Sub-Group to make a presentation at a future meeting. However, it agreed not to contribute towards the development of the application as outlined and agreed that the Council should seek to develop its own corporate application and utilise its website for that purpose. 

            The Committee considered the undernoted update report in respect of the hosting by the City of the Global India Conference 2013:

“2         Key Issues

2.1        Global India Business Meeting takes place on June 23rd to 25th in Belfast with the opening event on Sunday 23 June in City Hall, the main conference in the Europa Hotel on 24th June, closing dinner in Titanic Belfast and an additional optional session in Queen’s University on the morning of the 25th June. The GIBM programme format normally only follows a 2 day programme but Council working alongside Queens University has put in place a knowledge seminar on the 25th to allow QUB to present their research offering to the visiting business delegates.  Additionally Council has worked with Tourism Ireland and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau to present a complimentary comprehensive leisure and tour package for delegates to avail of both pre and post conference.   This programme entails visits to Belfast itself, Giant’s Causeway, Fermanagh Lakelands and Down and Mountains of Mournes amongst others.

2.2        Horasis are responsible for securing the international conference speakers and to date have confirmed that Minister Anand Sharma, India Trade and Commerce Minister will participate along with a further Minister from the Uttarakand region.  Horasis have confirmed that Ministers Cable and Barker from UK Government will attend also.  Local speakers have been added to the programme by Horasis on the recommendations of Council and Invest Ni to ensure that there is a distinct ‘Belfast’ dimension to the programme differentiating this GIBM from other cities’ events in previous years. Whilst Horasis are responsible for international delegate attraction, Invest NI have been working hard alongside Council to attract target companies to the conference in Belfast so that they can be given a personalized programme to secure their interest in investment or trade opportunities here. Council and Invest NI also have a role in attracting local delegates and we have prepared detailed lists of target companies and organisations that are likely to gain most from this opportunity. 

2.3        To date there are 220 international delegates confirmed mainly from India/Asia and there are places for up to 50 local business delegates. All Members of the Development Committee will be invited. There will be a role for Lord Mayor of Belfast and Chair of Development Committee. The First and Deputy First Ministers and DETI Minister have also been invited. Council and Invest NI also have the opportunity to provide exhibition stands and information desks at the conference itself.  Given the interest shown in Belfast at this time it is recommended that a new contemporary video/cd promotional tool is produced to use at the conference and at other similar events for international development over the next period.

India Week

2.5        Members asked that following the success of attracting GIBM to Belfast consideration be given to the creation of a wider programme of events to highlight all aspects of Indian Culture in Belfast and to profile the significant work undertaken by city partners in international  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

The Committee was advised that the Women in Business Annual Conference would take place in the Hilton Hotel in Belfast on 23rd May and would focus on the concept of promoting local business to an international market. The Director indicated that an opportunity existed for the Council to purchase a ‘gold sponsorship package’ at the event, the cost of which would be £2,500. He outlined the benefits which would accrue to the Council should it agree to purchase a package, which included a number of free places at the event, significant publicity and branding opportunities, exhibition space and, accordingly, he recommended that the Committee authorise the expenditure as outlined.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.