Minutes:
The Committee considered the undernoted report:
“1 Relevant Background Information
1.1 Visit Belfast formerly known as Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau was established in 1998, following a widespread consultation process undertaken by the Council which identified the need for a collective and collaborative approach to marketing within the City. Council have agreed that Visit Belfast will promote Belfast as a tourist destination and deliver visitor servicing activity through the Gateway Welcome Centre, two airport tourist information centres and other outreach activity at cruise ships in accordance with the Business Plan approved by Council.
1.2 Under the Investment Programme 2012-2015 Council committed to supporting the relocation of Belfast Welcome Centre to new premises at 8-9 Donegall Square North on 2 April 2012. Council has received part funding from the European Regional Development Fund managed by the N. Ireland Tourist Board for the capital works to the new premises. The works were completed on 5 November 2013 and Visit Belfast plan to open the building on 10 Dec 2013 with an official opening by the Lord Mayor and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on 12 Dec 2013.
1.3 The legal aspects of the relocation of the Welcome Centre involving securing a lease on the premises and developing a Management Agreement for occupation by Visit Belfast are being progressed by the Property and Projects Dept and Legal Services Dept of Council.
2 Key Issues
2.1 Belfast City Council has entered into a 15 year lease with the Northern Bank Ltd commencing 16 July 2013 for the basement, ground and mezzanine floors of 8-9 Donegall Square North therefore Council is the legal tenant of the premises.
2.2 Council is developing a Management Agreement with Visit Belfast to manage the Welcome Centre which will presently be for one year in line with the current funding arrangements. The Agreement can be terminated by the Council under a variety of circumstances including failure to keep the premises to a standard acceptable to Council, any of the monies provided by Council not being applied entirely for the purposes of marketing and visitor servicing, significant increase in costs and failure to reach agreement on revisions to the business plan.
2.3 Visit Belfast however will be responsible for reimbursing all expenditure in relation to the operation of premises incurred by Council. Visit Belfast will not have a business tenancy as the premises are provided for the delivery of services on behalf of Council.
2.4 Visit Belfast is in the final stages of developing a sponsorship agreement with Translink which will be considered at a Special Board meeting on 29 November. This sponsorship agreement will include a physical presence within Belfast Welcome Centre. The Council’s lease permits this arrangement, no business tenancy will be created. Translink’s services are vital in moving people across the city and beyond as they enjoy the visitor experience and therefore are a key partner in the delivery of travel related services for visitors.
2.5 Visit Belfast will be responsible to Council for the provision of services within the premises which market Belfast as a tourist destination and for undertaking visitor servicing activities. Visit Belfast will manage the Welcome Centre in accordance with the Business Plan approved annually by Council, the Project Document agreed with the Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit and the letter of offer for financial assistance from the N Ireland Tourist Board.
5 Recommendations
5.1 To note that a Management Agreement has been developed with Visit Belfast for the their occupancy of the new Welcome Centre at 8-9 Donegall Square North; and to note that Council has provided space for a Translink desk under a legal sharing agreement as part of their sponsorship.”
The Committee noted the information which had been provided.