Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      This report provides ongoing updates on activity in respect of the following items:

1.   Proposed variations in the budget allocations towards a proposed environmental project within the agreed Springfield Road Action Plan; and

2.   Carlisle Circus.

Key Issues

      1.   Springfield Road Variation

      The proposal to develop a project for the site adjacent to the PSNI facility on the Springfield Road formed part of the Springfield Road Integrated Development Fund action plan. The potential for environmental improvements at the vacant and derelict site was identified as part of the open space improvements element of the plan. The initial scoping work for the project has identified a number of issues around the current site condition and ownership that make it unfeasible to pursue the proposed works within the programme timescales.

      During the detailed developmental activity it has been difficult to confirm ownership of the site and the potential for commitment to a viable proposal including future maintenance arrangements.  In addition, the presence of invasive vegetation species has been identified on the site which, in the absence of remedial works, further undermines the viability of the proposed environmental improvements.

      This potential open space project was located close to the Springhill Park where a separate environmental scheme was being developed for the area adjacent to the Springfield Road.

      The scheme for environmental improvement works at Springhill was at a development stage that allowed the scope of the activity to be increased to provide a more comprehensive scheme, encompassing an area for a new public art feature being developed by Groundwork.

      In order to progress the continued implementation of increased works at Springhill Park it is proposed that the identified budget of £25,000 be reallocated to support the more comprehensive scheme for the public park area.  The reallocation of resources would contribute to additional environmental improvement works on the Springhill Park site that would be in accordance with the overall objectives for the original budget allocation.

      There are no additional financial implications arising from the reallocation.

      Recommendation

      Members are recommended to approve the reallocation of £25,000 to support the increased works scheme at Springhill Park.

      2.   Carlisle Circus

      Committee agreed to the appointment of an artist to develop a new art piece for the Carlisle Circus roundabout on 18th October 2006. Following appointment, the artist (Iain McColl) carried out extensive community consultation in the area surrounding the roundabout and with schools and organisations from adjoining communities.

      On the basis of the completed consultations the artist developed a final art piece concept that was presented to the selection panel in 2007. Mr McColl was commissioned in summer 2007 and completed the substantive composition and assembly work of the ‘Pharus’ in late 2008. The Committee was updated with progress in October 2008 when it was reported that the artwork was complete and awaiting final inspections. The necessary statutory and owner consents for the proposed art piece have now been secured and proposal can now proceed to final installation.

      The concept of the ‘Pharus’ which is to be sited on the existing plinth at Carlisle Circus roundabout was developed from the consultation events and seeks to reflect the industrial heritage whilst signifying to a positive future for North Belfast. The management of the installation and associated publicity will be coordinated with Corporate Communications.

      There are no additional financial implications arising from the reallocation.

      Recommendation

      Members are requested to note the Carlisle Circus project updates set out within the report.

Resource Implications

      There are no additional financial implications arising from the reallocation.

Abbreviations

      IDF      Integrated Development Fund

      PSNI   Police Service of Northern Ireland”

            During discussion, a Member reminded the Committee that, during a meeting with the Minister for Regional Development on 28th January, a deputation from the Committee had expressed concern that projects being undertaken by the Council under the Renewing the Routes Initiative were being delayed due to poor co?operation by officials from the Roads Service.  The Minister had been concerned to hear of this and had indicated that he would have the matter investigated.  The Member enquired as to whether the Council was now receiving better co?operation from Roads Service.  In reply the Head of Economic Initiatives indicated that, since the meeting with the Minister, the situation had improved.

            Following further discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided regarding the increased level of co-operation which the Council was receiving from the Roads Service in connection with the Renewing the Routes Initiative and adopted the recommendations contained within the foregoing report.