Agenda and minutes

            An apology was received from Councillor Groogan.

            The minutes of the meeting of 8th October, 2025, were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd November, 2025, subject to the minute under the heading “International Engagement” being amended to provide that:

·           the Council writes to the Department of Education asking it to remove the content posted on its communication channels regarding the Minister's trip to occupied Palestine and declaring that the Council has no confidence in the Minister of Education; and to write to the Minister of Education to inform him of the Council’s position; and

·           the Council, in acknowledging that Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, 2026, for six months, writes to the Irish Government and to the President of the EU Council to advise that the Council wishes to deepen its engagement with the European Union and that it would encourage European representatives to visit Northern Ireland during that six month period.

            Councillor R. McLaughlin declared an interest in relation to item 5(b) ‘Department for Infrastructure Consultation on Sailortown and Ulster University Pedestrian and Cycling Improvements - Council Response’, in that he was on the Board of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and left the meeting whilst the matter was under consideration.

            The Committee approved its schedule of meetings for 2026, as set out below:

·         Wednesday 14th January at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 28th January at 5:15pm (Special);

·         Wednesday 11th February at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 11th March at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 25th March at 5:15pm (Special);

·         Wednesday 15th April at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 13th May at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 27th May at 5:15pm (Special);

·         Wednesday 10th June at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 12th August at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 26th August at 5:15pm (Special);

·         Wednesday 9th September at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 7th October at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 21st October at 5:15pm (Special);

·         Wednesday 11th November at 5.15 pm;

·         Wednesday 25th November at 5:15pm (Special); and

·         Wednesday 9th December at 5.15 pm.

            The Chairperson welcomed Ms. C. McLaverty, Mr. P. Lynn and Mr. S. McCann, representing St George’s Market traders, to the meeting.

            Ms. McLaverty highlighted the importance of St George’s Market to the city’s economy, tourism and small businesses. She outlined to the Committee the representatives’ key issues which included:

·         communication and engagement between the Markets management team and the traders;

·         Market standards and facilities;

·         the potential impact of the proposed Market Storage Policy on traders; and

·         the protection of traders rights.

            In respect of the proposed Market Storage Policy, Ms. McLaverty highlighted the potential impact of the policy and associated fees on traders and requested that further consultation be undertaken with traders in relation to the proposed policy. She also requested that formal communication structures be put in place to improve engagement and relations between management and the traders.

            During discussion, the representatives answered a range of question from the Members on the issues raised within the presentation including communication and engagement between management and the traders, and the proposed Market Storage Policy.

            After discussion, the Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation, and they retired from the meeting.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided within the presentation.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the feedback received following recent engagement with St George’s Market traders in relation to the proposed introduction of a new storage policy for the Market; provided an overview of the draft policy’s key elements; and recommended the introduction of the new policy and associated fees from 1st April, 2026, subject to the finalisation of the policy in conjunction with Legal Services and ongoing engagement with traders in respect of specific operational requirements.

            During discussion, the Director of Economic Development, the Senior Manager, Economy and the Markets Development Manager answered a range of questions from the Members in relation to the draft Market Storage Policy, engagement and communication with the traders, updated trader documentation, and the support for officers responsible for carrying out the operational management activities of the market.

            In response to a Member’s request, the Senior Manager, Economy, advised that further detail in relation to the stall fee benchmarking exercise would be provided to the Committee.

After lengthy discussion, the Committee:

i.      noted the feedback provided following recent engagement with the St George’s Market traders in respect of the introduction of a new Market Storage Policy;

ii.     noted the key elements of the draft Market Storage Policy; and

iii.    agreed, in principle, to proceed with the introduction of the new Market Storage Policy and associated fees from 1st April, 2026, subject to the finalisation of the policy in conjunction with Legal Services; the ongoing engagement with traders regarding specific operational requirements; and further information being brought back to the Committee in respect of future engagement and communication with the traders.

            The Director of City Regeneration and Development reminded the Committee that, at its meeting in October, it had agreed not to progress with the recommended proposal for the future use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor, and that a further report be submitted to provide further detail and options.

            Accordingly, the Director submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which recommended that a new Expression of Interest exercise be undertaken in respect of the future use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor. She advised that, following the completion of the EOI exercise, a further report would be submitted in relation to the next stage of the process.

The Committee:

i.      agreed for a new two-stage Expression of Interest process to be commenced for the long-term future use of the ground floor of 2 Royal Avenue; and

ii.     noted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting following the initial Expression of Interest (Stage 1) exercise.

            The Director of City Regeneration and Development provided the Committee with an update on the Vacant to Vibrant Programme and the upper floor vacant spaces aligned to an emerging Homes On Upper Spaces for Everyone (H.O.U.S.E) Programme.

            The Committee was reminded that the Vacant to Vibrant city centre and citywide grant programmes were now closed to further applications due to the full expenditure of the available funding and that, at its meeting on 1st October, 2025, the Council had agreed to write to the Minister for Communities and the Minister for the Economy to request additional funding for the Vacant to Vibrant Programme. The Director of City Regeneration and Development drew Members attention to correspondence that had been received from the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Minister for the Economy in response to the Council’s funding request.

            She advised the Committee that a funding application, submitted to DfC to extend the citywide scheme, had been agreed in principle subject to a business case appraisal and sign-off by DfC and the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee’s approval of a further allocation of Council funding.

            The Committee was provided with an update on the work that had been undertaken to reactivate vacant upper floor spaces within the city centre and advised that further information in respect of this work and the wider H.O.U.S.E grant programme would be brought back for the Committee’s consideration in due course.

            During discussion, the Director of City Regeneration and Development and the Senior Development Manager answered questions from the Members in relation to the potential extension of the Vacant to Vibrant Citywide scheme. A Member suggested that, should the Vacant to Vibrant citywide scheme be extended, drop-in information sessions should be held across the city.

After discussion, the Committee:

i.      noted correspondence received from the Department for Communities and the Minister for the Economy in response to the Council’s request for additional funding for the Vacant to Vibrant scheme;

ii.     agreed to extend the Citywide Vacant to Vibrant scheme, as set out within the report, subject to the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and approval of the business case by the Department for Communities;

iii.    agreed that drop-in information sessions would be held across the city in relation to the extended Citywide Vacant to Vibrant Scheme; and

iv.    noted the update on upper floor vacancy; the overview of schemes to address similar vacancy issues in other areas; and the emerging Homes on Upper Floor Space for Everyone (H.O.U.S.E) programme, with further detail to be brought back to the Committee in the near future.

(Councillor Smyth attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 23rd October, 2025, the Standards and Business Committee had referred the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Smyth and seconded by Councillor Groogan, to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for its consideration:

“This Council notes the progress being made by Dublin City Council in regard to the Bike Bunkers Scheme and their recent trial of this project. They are a way to securely store bikes for those who don’t have easy access to off street storage, particularly in terrace housing.

This Council will seek to commit to carrying out a trial to find where demand is across Belfast and where people can register their interest. As well as working collaboratively with our partners such as the Department of Infrastructure and cycling advocacy groups, as we look to find way to support and expand practical sustainable city living.”

            Councillor Smyth outlined to the Committee that the purpose of the motion was to, in the first instance, ascertain the demand for, and the viability of, a potential Bike Bunkers Scheme.

            During discussion, a Member welcomed the motion and highlighted the potential to explore opportunities through existing Belfast Bike docking stations.

            After discussion, the Committee noted that the motion had been received and agreed that a report would be brought back which would outline a detailed consideration of the motion including potential costs implications.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To advise Members of recent changes to Housing Association Grant (HAG) rates announced by the Department for Communities (DfC) and outline the potential implications for the delivery of social housing within Belfast.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee are asked to:

                                    I.    note the recent changes to Housing Association Grant (HAG) announced by DfC;

                                  II.    note the potential challenges these changes present for the delivery of social housing in Belfast; and

                                 III.    note that a more comprehensive report will be brought back to Committee at a later   stage following detailed review of this announcement and further engagement with the statutory partners and delivery agents.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Minister for Communities has recently announced changes in grant funding for the delivery of new social homes across Northern Ireland. The Minister confirmed that the proportion of Housing Association Grant funding (HAG) provided by the Department for Communities (DfC) for new social housing starts will decrease, with the average grant reducing from 54% to 46% of total costs. The benchmark costs will increase by 13.7 percentage points on average to take account of changes to construction costs, inflation, rent levels and interest rates and will apply from 1 December 2025 until the end of the 2026/27 financial year. However, the grant associated with the development of new social housing will reduce by 7.7 percentage points on average.What this means is that the calculation has taken account of relevant recent changes to costs and concluded that against these higher costs, and anticipated higher income from rent, the grant can reduce slightly.

3.2       The Minister explained that, given the challenging financial context, the changes are intended to secure the maximum number of new homes from the Department’s £177.5 million budget this year.

3.3       The Department has confirmed that the revised framework will reduce the average level of grant support available to housing associations, with the stated aim of ensuring consistency across the region and maximising the number of schemes that can be supported within existing budgets.

3.4       The Minister acknowledged that meeting the Programme for Government target of 5,850 new social homes within this mandate will be difficult. However, he emphasised the need to ‘achieve more, for less’ and expressed confidence that housing associations will continue to deliver for those most in need.

3.5       Under the previous funding model, Belfast received an average grant level of around 54% of scheme costs.  As previously discussed with Members, this level of grant funding presented viability challenges for delivery of certain housing products within the Belfast Boundary area. These challenges were particularly acute in the City Centre where the Local Development Plan identifies significant housing growth as a strategic priority.

3.6       Following the announcement, the regional average grant rate has now been reduced from 54% to 46%, a decrease of 8 percentage points. Belfast is set to receive an even lower rate of 42.5%, which is 11.5 percentage points below its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Committee considered a report in respect of a Department for Infrastructure (DfI) consultation on Sailortown and Ulster University Pedestrian and Cycling Improvements.

            The Senior Development Manger advised the Committee that DfI had developed proposals for Sailortown and Ulster University pedestrian and cycle improvements which would aim to provide new high quality active travel infrastructure to connect York Street Station to Ulster University and the Cathedral Quarter.

            He outlined a draft Council response to the consultation for the Committee’s consideration, as set out in Appendix B of the report, which stated that the Council supported the proposed pedestrian and cycling improvements given their alignment with the ambitions and targets set out in the Belfast Agenda, the city’s Community Plan, ‘A Bolder Vision’ and the emerging development landscape, however, requested that DfI:

·         continue to engage with the local communities to address the safety concerns highlighted with the Dock Street Underpass arrangement through effective design within the scheme;

·         continue to engage with the Under the Bridges design team to optimise the key connectivity links that both schemes would bring to the area, including maximising the desire lines between City Quays/Sailortown and the city centre along Gamble Street;

·         support the creation of a two-way cycle lane through the Under the Bridges site to connect Corporation Street with Donegal Quay;

·         continue to engage with the Under the Bridges and the Corporation Street housing-led regeneration design teams to optimise the locations of the proposed crossings; and

·         take cognisance of the proposed ‘Sailortown/Titanic Quarter Bridge’ to ensure alignment with future active travel provision within the area.

            The Senior Development Manager advised the Committee that the consultation would close on 14th November, 2025, therefore, it was recommended that a draft response be submitted to DfI by the deadline stating that it would be subject to ratification by the Council at its meeting on 1st December, 2025.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Black,

Seconded by Councillor McKay,

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to write to the Minister for Infrastructure in respect of the potential to reimagine the Westlink Footbridge, which links Cullingtree Road to Durham Street.

Accordingly, the Committee:

i.      noted the contents of the report in relation to the proposed Sailortown and Ulster University Pedestrian and Cycling Improvements;

ii.     agreed the Council’s draft response, as set out within the report, to the Department for Infrastructure consultation on the proposed Sailortown and Ulster University Pedestrian and Cycling Improvements;

iii.    noted that the draft response would be submitted to the Department for Infrastructure by the deadline of 14th November, 2025, stating that it would be subject to Council ratification on 1st December, 2025; and

iv.    agreed to write to the Minister for Infrastructure in respect of the potential to reimagine the Westlink Footbridge, which links Cullingtree Road to Durham Street.

            The Strategic Director of Place and Economy submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update in respect of the proposed approach to the Council’s engagement in international activity for the coming three-year period following discussion at the August and October Committee meetings.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Lyons,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the draft International Relations Framework for 2025-28 and the International Relations Delivery Plan for 2025/26 to enable an updated draft Framework to be submitted to reflect the decisions agreed at the Committee meeting on 8th October, 2025, in relation to international engagement.

            On a vote, thirteen Members voted for the proposal and four against and it was declared carried.

            In addition, a Member suggested that the updated draft Framework be submitted to the next special meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 26th November, 2025.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the draft International Relations Framework 2025-28 and the International Relations Delivery Plan 2025/26 to its special meeting on 26th November, 2025, to enable an updated draft Framework to be submitted which would reflect the decisions agreed at its meeting on 8th October, 2025, in relation to international engagement.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide a programme update on the 2025 Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On & additional animation throughout the festive period.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note the contents of the Switch On Programme and additional Christmas animation.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On

            Planning is well advanced for the Switch On event to be delivered on Saturday 15 November 2025. Officers continue to work with internal and external stakeholders on a range of matters to ensure the successful delivery of this signature project.

            The Christmas Lights Switch On event will be a free of charge ticketed event, with the stage providing family-oriented entertainment including local musicians and performers culminating in the switch on of the lights by our Lord Mayor.

            Members will be aware that a report to committee in June 2023 recommended several adjustments to the Christmas light switch on to mitigate identified health and safety risks - these included:

-        Event build in the early hours involving staggered road and lane closures

-        The careful co-ordination of deliveries of equipment and stock of the Christmas market to facilitate an appropriate cut off to allow for the build of the stage and rig.

-        The stage and all associated equipment and infrastructure should remain in situ following the event to allow roads to reopen immediately after the event. This will allow of a de-rig to take place on Sunday morning during a less busy period.

            Members should be aware that the mitigation outlined above has increased some costs related to equipment rental and security. Any expenditure will be found from existing corporate budgets.

            This year’s Switch On programme will be presented by Cool Fm on Saturday 15 November 6.00 -7.30 pm. Donegall Road Primary School will open the show, leading into festive performances from local acts that include Avenue Arts Academy, The O’Hara Sisters and St Agnes’s Choral Society to name a few. Two local inspirational personalities will be appearing, champion boxer Lewis Crocker and West End/TV actress/singer Rachel Tucker. The evening guarantees a great show for the City of Belfast.

3.2       Additional Christmas Animation Programme

            As in recent years, 2 Royal Avenue will provide a programme of Christmas themed activities across the six weeks of Christmas to supplement the Switch On and provide a focus throughout the festive period. The programme will be delivered by the operators of the venue, MayWe Events.

            The Winter Den programme, hosted at 2 Royal Avenue, offers a diverse array of festive events and activities for all ages, running from Saturday, 15 November, through to New Year's Eve on Wednesday, 31 December. Highlights include musical performances, craft workshops, storytelling, a seniors tea dance, and special events tailored to different audiences, beginning with a ‘Quiet Christmas Tree Switch On’ for those with sensory needs. While the programme encompasses classic Christmas celebrations sustainability and inclusivity themes are addressed. The annual Santa's Post Office is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update members on the Enterprise Support Service (Go Succeed) – the regional initiative to support business start-up and growth that is being led by Belfast City Council on behalf of the 11 councils as well as sector-based activities being supported by the Enterprise and Business Growth team. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to:

·         Note the update on progress at regional and Belfast level on the Enterprise Support Service

·         Note the current funding challenges to the service post-March 2026 and agree to receive a further update report in the coming months to identify potential next steps

·         Agree to provide funding of £25,000 to HIRANI to support delivery of the year two programme of work under the Launchpad initiative. 

3.0       Main Report

3.1       At the April 2025 meeting of this Committee, members were provided with a performance update on the Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (Go Succeed).  The service began operation in November 2023 and has supported thousands of potential entrepreneurs and existing businesses across Northern Ireland in that time. 

3.2       By way of background, members will recall that Belfast City Council led on a successful funding application to the UK Government’s Ministry for Community, Housing and Local Government (MHCLG) for UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies (SPF) to support delivery.  This provided £17 million of support for the period to March 2025; £12 million programme delivery and £5 million for small grants. 

3.3       Belfast City Council, as lead for the service, subsequently secured a further tranche of funding via an application to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) of £9.2 million for the 2025/2026 financial year, ensuring continuity of the service. The focus of our activity for this year has been on ensuring the effective delivery of the service, while also exploring a more sustainable financial model beyond the March 2026 date.  The current financial year is considered a ‘transition’ year for Shared Prosperity Fund and the 11 June 2025 budget statement included high level details of a new approach to funding in the form of the ‘Local Growth Fund’, to take effect from March 2026.

3.4       The service aims to be the go-to source for expert business advice across the region. It represents the councils’ collective response to our statutory responsibility and offers a set of connected enterprise support services where individuals, entrepreneurs or businesses can access a continuum of support to meet their needs, depending on their stage of development.

            The concept is that the service will help people get the right support at the right time – and will also help maximise other available funding streams by helping businesses to navigate the complex support ecosystem. 

3.5       The service has been established to deliver across three core areas – Start, Grow and Scale – with tailored support for clients aligned with their growth ambitions.  In addition to the tiered menu of support, small grants of up to £3,000 (up to 50% of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

            The Strategic Director of Place and Economy submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided a mid-year progress update on the keys actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) as outlined within the 2025/26 Committee Plan, agreed at its meeting on 4th June, 2025.

            During discussion, the Strategic Director of Place and Economy and the Senior Manager, Culture and Tourism, answered questions from Members in relation to the mid-year progress update on the next round of Cultural Multi-Annual Grants (CMAG) for 2025-28 and the performance against target in respect of the percentage of female participation in the Belfast Go Succeed programme.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the mid-year report and the progress against agreed actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as set out within the 2025/26 Committee Plan.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Belfast Stories Working Group of 18th September, 2025.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the City Regeneration Members’ Working Group of 13th October, 2025.