Agenda item

            The City Regeneration and Development Lead Officer submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This report provides an update on the proposed Clifton Gateway project, which is a DfC led comprehensive public realm improvement scheme running from the junction of Donegall Street and Royal Avenue/York Street, north through Clifton Street and Carlisle Circus and then along the Crumlin Road to its junction with Agnes Street and Cliftonpark Avenue.  (A draft, developed design has been circulated to the Committee).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note:

·        DfC proposals for a comprehensive public realm scheme running from the junction of Donegall Street and Royal Avenue/York Street, north through Clifton Street and Carlisle Circus and then along the Crumlin Road to its junction with Agnes Street and Cliftonpark Avenue; and

·        the intention to commence a programme of public consultation and engagement in the first quarter of 2019 in relation to the design proposals, which will form part of a pending planning process. 

3.0       Main Report

3.1       During 2011/2012, DfC (then DSD) commissioned White Young Green and the Paul Hogarth Company to develop designs for a public realm scheme known as the Clifton Gateway Public Realm project and planning permission was obtained for various elements of the scheme. However, DfC/DSD did not progress proposals further at that time due to government restructuring and a lack of available funding. The project re-started in 2016 and a new competition to appoint a design team was undertaken by DfC, with AECOM being appointed in June 2017.

3.2       This Clifton Gateway Public Realm Project has recently come under the governance and stewardship of the DfC led Belfast Streets Ahead (BSA) Public Realm Programme Board structure, which includes the Council’s Lead Officer for City Regeneration and Development and the Director of Property & Projects.  It is proposed by DfC that the project will be taken forward as follows in a two-stage approach, with the first part being design and the second phase being construction of the new public realm:

                                           (i)   Stages 0 - 3 (Strategic Definition – Developed Design): estimated completion September 2019; and

                                         (ii)   Stages 4 – 7 (Technical Design – In Use): completion and end of Defects Period estimated as January 2023.

3.3       Work to complete an Economic Appraisal for the construction phase has commenced and the project is scheduled to move to the next stage during 2019. This will include the development of designs and the submission of a planning application.

            Strategic Context: Inner North West Masterplan

3.4       In November 2018, the Council approved the Inner North West (INW) Masterplan which seeks to support and shape city centre development in an area bounded by the Millfield/Carrick Hill road to the northwest, College Street to the south, Fountain Street to Fountain Lane to the south and Royal Avenue to the east. It covers 7.2 hectares or 42.4 acres and, at its northern boundary includes Donegall Street, Carrick Hill and Clifton Street which form part of the Clifton Gateway proposals.

3.5       The Clifton Street junction is a key gateway into the city and often seen as a barrier for the surrounding city centre communities.  It is poorly connected in terms of cycle links whilst pollution, multiple crossings and navigating a cluttered footpath characterises the pedestrian experience.  The Clifton Street/Carrick Hill junction is a major challenge in terms of connecting people and improving access to the city centre, and is an issue that has been raised on multiple occasions during the INW consultation. To address these problems, the Masterplan proposes an updated pedestrian and cycle environment with a tree planted boulevard along the inner ring road as well as updated crossings.

3.6       Discussions have already taken place with DfC in relation to the development of an INW delivery plan following the Masterplan, which will identify short, medium and long-term projects.  Of particular relevance to the Clifton Gateway is the desire to bring forward additional public realm improvements where funding permits, including at the junctions and pedestrian crossing points along Millfield and Carrick Hill. The Clifton Gateway also supports the wider aims of the INW Masterplan to improve linkages to surrounding city centre communities and create pedestrian and cycle-friendly routes that will enhance connections and provide a welcoming environment and attractive streetscape.

            Detailed Design of proposed Clifton Street Gateway Public Realm: Key Issues for consideration

3.7       There are outstanding transport issues requiring clarification during the development of the detailed/technical design. In particular, these relate to DfI’s road layout requirements for the Carrick Hill/Donegall Street/Clifton Street junction, Carlisle Circus and whether the Antrim Road will form part of the BRT2 route. Another key issue for consideration will be how best to include pedestrian/cyclist priority within the project designs, including how the design proposals strengthen the cycling/walking connections between the City Centre communities to the north of the city centre.

3.8       With regard to stakeholder and community engagement, AECOM has conducted initial consultations with the Council, DfI, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Utility providers.  No further public consultation has taken place since 2011/12 when there were some initial discussions with community groups including the incorporation of Public Art in the proposals. DfC propose that AECOM will re-start public consultation on the new proposals for 12 weeks from 24th January 2019 to coincide with preparatory work on the pre-application stage of submission of the planning application

3.9       As part of the 2011/2012 designs, fourteen potential public art locations and associated proposals were developed for the project area to complement the Cultural Corridor concept previously developed by the Council. In the intervening period, the National Lottery’s Great Place scheme has awarded £237,700 to the North Belfast – Old to New project which will focus on one of Belfast’s most historic areas, a one-mile stretch of North Belfast starting in Donegall Street and ending on the Crumlin Road.  The aim is to focus on the area’s unique built heritage and authentic character as a catalyst for sustainable regeneration, with cultural and educational organisations working together to develop a cohesive place-based plan to showcase the heritage of this part of the city. The DfC Project Team are currently investigating how best to incorporate art and culture into the Clifton Gateway project.

3.10      Officers are currently working with DfC to inform the detailed design of the proposed scheme and discussions include potential for sign posting of cultural heritage assets; improved lighting and opportunities for public art and enhanced soft landscaping.

3.11      Financial and Resource Implications

            Project is being delivered and funded via DfC. 

3.12      Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

            No specific equality or good relations implications at this time.”

            During discussion, a Member referred to a public realm scheme which was due to commence on the Oldpark Road and suggested that the Council should discuss with the Department for Communities the possibility of extending it as far as the Cliftonpark Avenue/Crumlin Road junction.  

            In response, the City Regeneration and Development Lead Officer confirmed that the Member would have an opportunity to raise his suggestion through the public consultation process for the Clifton Gateway Public Realm Scheme, which was due to open shortly. In addition, the Council was represented on the Belfast Streets Ahead Public Realm Programme Board, which was overseeing the delivery of the aforementioned public realm schemes, and officers would raise the issue within that forum. 

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.