Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0         Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1          The purpose of the report is to obtain permission from Members for a series of weekend street food events to be held in Lower Crescent Open space over period April 2021 – September 2021.

2.0          Recommendations

2.1          The Committee is asked to:

1.      Grant authority to Night Cap Event Group Ltd   for a series of street food events to be held in Lower Crescent Open space over period April 2021 – September 2021, subject to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions and compliance required by Council.

2.      Grant authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services subject to satisfactory terms being agreed and on condition that:

·        The promoter resolves all operational issues to the councils’ satisfaction

·        An appropriate legal agreement is completed, to be prepared by the City Solicitor; and

·        the promoter meets all the statutory requirements of the Planning and Building Control Service including the terms and conditions of the Park’s Entertainment Licence

·        Grant authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to negotiate an appropriate fee for use of Lower Crescent Open Space taking into account costs to the Council, minimising negative impact on the immediate area but also the potential wider benefit to the city economy.

·        To write to the promoters and advise that a social levy will also be charged in accordance with Council policy. 

·        The event company will also be required to reimburse any ancillary costs for services provided by the Council at the event.

·        Agree that Event Organisers shall consult with public bodies and local communities as necessary.

3.0          Main report

               Key Issues

3.1          ‘Night Market’ is an original project that supports local jobs, training and enterprise. The intention is to bring an exciting and unique outdoor street food dining experience to Belfast. In an ever changing and challenging climate the aim is to provide a safe open air space for socializing whilst enjoying all that’s good about NI local food.

3.2          Hosted by the Nightcap Event Group Ltd, an innovative drinks led hospitality company which focuses on providing consultancy and mobile bar services across Northern Ireland with over 20 years industry experience. The company is keen to involve the local hospitality sector by organizing this bespoke event. In addition they seek to support the NI events sector as a whole that have been arguably hardest hit during this year’s pandemic by creating jobs and giving suppliers a direct route to market.

3.3          ‘Night Market’ has the aim of being the street food event to transform Belfast’s food landscape by turning a lost suburb into a vibrant street food destination. The aim of Night Market is to provide a platform for the best street food traders in the province to cook quality, locally-sourced and honest food to the people of Northern Ireland in a safe open air venue.

3.4          Considerable consultation will be required with local house holders and businesses in the surrounding area. Alcohol will be on sale as part of the events along with food and music. It is anticipated the events will finish at 10.00pm with Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday being the primary days the street food festival will be open. 

3.5          The requestor will prepare a full event management plan and risk assessment. And if applicable apply for an entertainment licence if that is required.

3.6          The Belfast Agenda sets out our joint city vision and long term ambitions and outcomes for Belfast’s future, as well as outlining our priorities for action every four years.  The development of a ‘Transformational Places’ approach across the city offers a real opportunity to make a sustained impact in the Botanic, Wider University and Lower Ormeau area, particularly given it’s close proximity to the South Corridor.  This event has the potential to support this and support local businesses in this part of the city at a key time for retail.

3.7          The event is being planned on the basis that live events will be permitted in April 2021 with respect to Covid 19 restrictions.  An ongoing review of the situation will be required and the event organiser will provide updates to Belfast City Council.

               Financial & Resource Implications

3.8          A fee will be charged for the use of the facility.  A bond of intent will be paid to the Council which would be retained in the event of the event being cancelled.  The requestor will also be required to pay a social clause.  The fee charged will also meet any additional staff costs.

3.9          Permission for the use of the facility is subject to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to negotiate an appropriate fee for use of the facility taking into account costs to the Council, minimising negative impact on the immediate area but also the potential wider benefit to the city economy.

               Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

3.10         There are no known Equality, Good Relations or Rural needs implications.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.