Agenda item

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Physical Programme covers over 350 projects under a range of funding streams including the Capital Programme, the Leisure Transformation Programme, LIF, BIF and the projects which the Council is delivering on behalf of other agencies. This paper provides an update for Members on the Physical Programme

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to –

            General

·        note the updates in relation to the Physical Programme as outlined in 3.1 and that the Property & Projects Department is happy to arrange site visits for Members/ Party Groups to any physical project

            Project Update

·        note that works to improve accessibility to the West Wing outdoor space (including the upgrade works to the Cenotaph) which was previously agreed by Committee in August, are due to commence on 08 January 2018 and will continue until Spring 2018. In order to facilitate construction works it will be necessary to close the West Wing entrance gate and the Cenotaph area. During this time the City Hall grounds can be accessed through the gates at Donegall Square North and Donegall Square East and signage will be in place informing members of the public etc.  of the alternative access points and to update them on the project

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            Members will be aware that the Council runs a substantial physical programme covering over 350 projects under a range of funding streams including the capital programme, BIF and LIF together with the projects that it is delivering on behalf of other agencies including the Executive Office and the Department for Communities.

            Recent highlights under the physical programme are outlined below:

·        LTP – Andersonstown - the installation of new hoardings at Andersonstown outlining the key features of the new facility. Members are asked to note that design work is currently underway for hoardings for Robinson and Olympia and that these are due to be in place by the New Year.  It is intended that the hoardings will be kept up to date and replaced as the projects continue to develop 

·        LTP – Avoniel and Templemore – Stage 2 consultations currently underway at a range of venues across East Belfast

·        Capital Programme – New Pavilion Sally Gardens – Development of a new changing pavilion to complement the pitch facility.  This project received match funding from DfC

·        Capital Programme – Tropical Ravine – works have been completed and the building has been handed over to City & Neighbourhood Services.  Preparations are underway for the official opening in February and Members will be kept up to date with the proposals for the opening

·        BIF - Stranmillis Gateway – a ‘Cutting the sod’ ceremony was held to mark works staring on the new £4m works at Stranmillis which will include the development of a navigation lock, an iconic foot and cycle bridge, the refurbishment of the existing weir and high quality landscaping with associated path connections

·        Urban Villages – Lagmore Community Forum (Nov 16th) - Official opening of this new community facility – this new £370k facility was funded by Urban Initiatives and delivered by the Council  

·        LIF - the following LIF projects were completed/officially opened – Ballysillan Youth for Christ (NLIF072 - £27,000); Brantwood and Loughside FC (NLIF061- £100,000); Colin Valley FC  (WLIF2-16 - £15,000); Greencastle Orange Hall (NLIF2-09 - £35,000); Garden of Reflection Shore Road (NLIF064 - £24,000) and Annadale/Haywood Residents Association (SLIF063 - £102,959)

3.2       In addition Members are asked to note that work is continuing on a range of projects including –

·        New 3G pitches and pavilions at Falls Park and Cherryvale as part of the Pitches Strategy

·        Works on the new leisure facilities at Andersonstown and Robinson and Phase 2 of works at Olympia

·        Environmental upgrades at Falls Park and Skegoneil

·        Phase 4 of the citywide alleygating programme

·        BIF projects – works at Raidio Failte and Davitts

            Project Updates 

3.3       Capital Programme - City Hall West Wing - Outdoor Space including the Cenotaph – Upgrade and Enhancements – Members will recall that they agreed in August 2017 to move this project to Stage 3 – Committed on the Capital Programme.  At this stage it was highlighted to Members that works were required to be completed in time for the Somme Commemoration in July 2018 and as a result this would necessitate works starting early in the New Year.  Members are advised that these works are on programme and works are due to commence on 8th January.  However in order to facilitate the works it is necessary to restrict access to the West Wing space and the main entrance gate at the West Wing will be closed along with the space at the Cenotaph.  During this time the City Hall grounds can be accessed through the gates at Donegall Square North and Donegall Square East. Members are asked to note that sign-posting etc. will be in place to prior to work commencing to advise members of the public etc. of the alternative access points and to update them on the project. Members are also asked to note that arrangements will be kept under review as required for any large-scale planned public events – e.g. the Spring Market

3.4       Financial and Resource Implications

            Financial – Costs for all projects have been agreed by Committee and through the three stage approval process which all physical projects are required to go through

            Resources – Resources from Property & Projects and appropriate departments in working up proposals in conjunction with groups.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications

            No implications arising.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.