Issue - meetings

The members of 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 update Members of the Committee, following the successful award of funding for the Horizon 2020 EU ‘UPSURGE’ project, which Members of People & Communities Committee initially approved at their August 2020 Committee meeting.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the update on the UPSURGE project.

-       Note the update on the development of the UPSURGE main demonstrator site at Lower Botanic Gardens is given, as well as an overview of the work completed to date to include a codesign process which has resulted in an early concept plan for the site which is now at detailed design stages for the first phase.

-       Note that the first phase i.e. the research gardens to be used by QUB and associated paths and infrastructure will be going on site in late March 2023. At the same time a series of community engagement initiatives will take place including a survey, storyboards on site and a collaborative workshop that will shape the final design for the community gardens.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       Members are reminded that the ‘UPSURGE Project’ focuses on testing nature-based solutions, to environmental issues in partnership with four other EU cities, with the aim of sharing learning and good practice.

3.2       Following approval by Members of P&C Committee, in August 2020, the project utilises the Lower Botanical Gardens site, close to Queens University Physical Education Centre (PEC). The aim of the project is to develop a demonstrator site to test different nature-based solutions and support learning on how adaptive practices and management of green spaces in the city can support pollution alleviation, citizen health and climate resilience. Residents of Belfast will benefit from environmental and scientific testing and learning, where soil enhancement, food production and testing can be undertaken, with the outcome being to increase learning and resilience across the city. The project will help deliver on the Belfast Resilience Strategy which aims to transition the city to an inclusive, net-zero emissions, climate resilient economy in a generation.

3.3       The UPSURGE project was co-designed by the Council in conjunction with QUB staff. The proposed works are shown in the concept drawing at Appendix 1.  Members are asked to note that the works are focused towards the top end of the site near the PEC and allows the potential for other developments on the site in the future subject to budget being secured.  Members are asked to note that works will commence this month. 

            KPIs for the project

3.4       One of the key aims of the project is to monitor and test nature based solutions being applied to the site. The KPIs for the project include social-economic diversity, gender, soil contamination, urban heat island effect, ecosystem connectivity, mobility, air quality and health. Given the opportunity to build evidence and learning. The project team and partners see opportunities to apply learning and knowledge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8