Agenda and minutes

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            An apology for inability to attend was reported on behalf of Alderman McCoubrey and Councillor I. McLaughlin. 

            No Declarations of Interest were reported.

Moved by Councillor Brennan,

Seconded by Councillor Black,

      “That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 13th February, 2026, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.”

Amendment 1

Moved by Councillor Murray,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer,

      “That the above-mentioned decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 13th February, insofar as it related to the Boucher Road Playing Fields, be rejected and agrees to adhere to the decision taken by the Council, at its meeting on 9th February. Namely:

The decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 23rd January, insofar as it related to the future Strategic Use of Boucher Road Playing Fields, be referred back to the Committee and that any final decisions regarding the future of the site would be reconsidered after the submission of detailed reports which would address the following:

1.   an assessment of how the Boucher Road site could be reconfigured to support enhanced sports provision alongside a major events venue with a capacity of up to 40,000;

2.   an evaluation of potential alternative sites across the city suitable for development as a major events space;

3.   a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of Boucher Road operating as an events venue, including benefits to local businesses, tourism, and employment; and

4.   the Council works with promoters and partners such as Eventsec, MCD, and Shine, to look at options of creating a hybrid site which provides sporting facilities and large scale events with a capacity of 40k.

      In addition, this Council reaffirmed its commitment to music, arts, and culture as central to Belfast’s future. The Council requested that also that an in-depth report outlining current support for the music industry, from grassroots and community-based venues such as the ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’, through to initiatives that promote Belfast as a leading international city of music and culture.”

            On a vote, twenty-five Members voted in favour of the amendment, with twenty-nine voting against, and three no votes, and it was declared lost.

Amendment 2

Moved by Councillor Groogan,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer,

“That the above-mentioned decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 13th February, insofar as it related to the Pitches Strategy, be amended to:

This council is committed to bringing forward the new Pitches Strategy in March 2026 to address the current significant deficit in pitch provision across Belfast, improve existing facilities and increase usage of other pitches through better partnership working with other organisations in the city.

In light of the particular challenges around the provision of GAA pitches, this Council will agree to the provision of at least 3 new GAA pitches within this pitches strategy as a priority. This will include the use of Boucher Road Playing Fields.

The Council acknowledges the potential conflict with the site’s existing use as the largest venue for major concerts and events in Belfast and recognises the importance of ensuring we maintain a site that is capable of hosting on a similar or indeed greater scale going forward, with appropriate supporting facilities and infrastructure. We commit to working with the large scale events sector, statutory partners and local stakeholders to identity and assess suitable alternative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Lord Mayor put the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Committee of the 13th February to the Council for adoption. As there was no consensus, the adoption of the minutes became subject to a vote.

            On a recorded vote, forty-seven Members voted in favour of the adoption of the minutes and two against, with three no votes and, accordingly, the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Committee of the 13th February, subject to the aforementioned amendments, were thereupon approved and adopted.