Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      This report is provides an update and seek approval for a number of proposals linked to the ongoing programme.  The updates are in respect of progress of works under our current agreed programme in Ormeau Road and Newtownards Road; and proposed consultations re: the Oldpark and Andersonstown programme.

1.2        The support of committee is sought in relation to:

           -     acceptance of funding support from the Department for Social Development (DSD) for joint initiatives in Lower Ormeau/Cromac Street and on Newtownards Road

-     the approval of continued partnership working with DSD on future regeneration projects; and

-     approval of additional works using underspend monies to maximise Council’s investment in Sandy Row, Castlereagh Street, Antrim Road and Grosvenor Road.

2         Key Issues

2.1      Current Programme

           Since approval in August 2012, the focus has been on the engagement and the development of projects outlined in the Renewing the Routes Plans for Ormeau Road (from Ormeau Embankment to Ravenhill Road Roundabout) and Newtownards Road (from Bridge End to Witham Street).  The main emphasis of work on Ormeau Road is a commercial improvement programme targeting over 30 properties alongside environmental improvement works to some of the provincial buildings of local importance such as the Ballynafeigh Orange Hall and Ballynafeigh Community Development Association.

2.2      Similarly, on the Newtownards Road, the commercial improvement programme forms the main focus of works. Construction works on both roads will commence this month and is scheduled for completion in September 2013.  In parallel with the physical projects the unit will continue to work with local Members, statutory agencies and internal departments to build upon the impact of these schemes and their potential contribution to the wider regeneration of the areas.

2.3      2013/2014 Programme: Oldpark and Andersonstown Road

           Scoping and engagement work for Oldpark Road (Torrens Avenue to Cliftondene Crescent) and Andersonstown Road (Hillhead Crescent to Suffolk Road) is due to commence in the coming weeks.  It is proposed that an Integrated Development Plan with long and short list of projects will be presented to Committee in August 2013.

2.4      The Committee may wish to note that DSD has programmed a significant Environmental Improvement Scheme extending from the Westland Road/Alliance Avenue/Oldpark Road/ Cliftonville Road junction to the junction of Cliftonpark Avenue/Oldpark Road/Crumlin Road for 2015.  As the Renewing the Routes node would form part of this larger scheme there may be the opportunity to further extend the node in order to support other commercial improvements in the vicinity.  The potential for joint initiatives and integrated working will, if appropriate, be considered as part of the ongoing work with DSD as suggested in paragraph 2.7 below.

2.5      Joint working project with DSD

           On 21 August 2012, the Committee supported a proposal for partnership working with DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO) to explore additional funding to complement the activity on our current programme.  BRO have now formally requested the Council to extend our current work by implementing a commercial improvement scheme from Cromac Street to Stranmillis embankment incorporating Lower Ormeau and add value to our current work on Newtownards Road from Bridge End to junction at Albertbridge Road with support of £310,000.  

2.6      The Department has confirmed that all costs associated with the commercial improvement programme will be covered by DSD’s budgets.  It is suggested that Committee accepts the offer of funding from DSD and the allocation of Council staff resources to the development and delivery of the additional regeneration activity utilising the existing contracts set up for the Programme.

2.7      Ongoing work with DSD

           DSD has approached the Council to explore opportunities for partnership working in other areas outside the Renewing the Routes Programme.  The successful delivery of previous joint initiatives has demonstrated the potential for collaboration on the delivery of shared programmes.  Initial discussion has taken place with a view to exploring how DSD funding could add value to future activity such as local regeneration schemes to extend the current programme areas and hubs outside the main Renewing the Routes areas.

2.8      Approval is therefore being sought from Committee for the Unit to continue engagement with DSD to explore the potential for further joint initiatives in other parts of the city.

2.9      2011/2012 Programme Underspend

           Integrated Regeneration Plans for Sandy Row, Castlereagh Street, Antrim Road and Grosvenor Road were approved by Committee in August 2011.  

2.10    The completion of these initiatives in the agreed Action Plans was achieved within the agreed allocations and an underspend has been identified allowing the consideration of additional projects across all four areas.  In addition to the projects identified in the original plans under the long and short lists there are new project opportunities being presented in table 1 below.

2.11    In parallel with the main Renewing the Routes Programme £42,000 was provided by DSD to implement the commercial improvements at Woodstock Link.  There was also an element of underspend for this project and it has been agreed by DSD that resources can be allocated to Castlereagh Street.

2.12    Table 1: Proposed Additional Projects

3         Resource Implications

3.1      The allocated budgets for the Renewing the Routes Programme is included as part of the Department estimates process.

3.2      There are no additional resource implications arising from the proposed assistance to the joint working project with DSD in the development and implementation of an environmental/commercial improvement project for Newtownards Road and Lower Ormeau incorporating Cromac Street.  The Department has confirmed that all capital costs associated with the commercial improvement programme will be covered by DSD’s budgets and permission is being sought from Committee for staff assistance in the development and delivery of the commercial regeneration project.

4         Recommendations

1)    Approve the support for the delivery of a DSD funded environmental/commercial improvement programme for Newtownards Road and Lower Ormeau incorporating Cromac Street as detailed in paragraph 2.5;

2)    Approve ongoing engagement with a view to developing the potential for joint initiatives with DSD;

3)    Endorse the proposals for additional projects utilising the underspend from the 2011/2012 programme as detailed in paragraph 2.12.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.