Agenda and minutes

No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 10th September, 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 1st October, 2025, subject to the following amendment:

·        the minute under the heading “Vacant to Vibrant Programme” was amended to provide that letters be sent to the Minister for the Economy and the Minister for Communities to seek additional funding to support the Vacant to Vibrant scheme.

There were no declarations of interest.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following four items was restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            Members were also reminded that the content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which took place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and that no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

The Director of City Regeneration and Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update on 2 Royal Avenue and set out a proposed approach in respect of the long-term use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor.

            During discussion, a Member requested that engagement be undertaken with all relevant partners in relation to the future use of the building.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Duffy,

      That the Committee agrees not to progress with the recommended proposal as outlined within the report, and that a report be submitted to its next meeting to provide further detail and options in respect of the future use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Lyons,

      That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendation as outlined within the report in respect of the long-term future use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor.

            On a vote, two Members voted for the amendment and seventeen against and it was declared lost.

            The original proposal, standing in the name of Councillor R. McLaughlin and seconded by Councillor Duffy, was thereupon put to the Committee. On a vote, seventeen Members voted for the proposal and two against and it was declared carried.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

i.        noted the background information provided in relation to previous Committee decisions on the longer-term use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor;

ii.      agreed not to progress with the recommended proposal as outlined within the report, and that a report be submitted to its next meeting to provide further detail and options on the future use of 2 Royal Avenue’s ground floor; and

iii.     agreed that engagement with all relevant partners be undertaken in relation to the future use of 2 Royal Avenue.

            The Director of Economic Development provided the Committee with an update in relation to the ongoing and planned engagement with St George’s Market traders to support the effective working of the market.

            The Director advised the Committee that trader documentation had been updated and would be issued to all traders in due course. He stated that the updated trader documentation would help support those officers responsible for carrying out operational management activities and enable the effective management of the market.

            During discussion, a Member highlighted the need to strengthen connectivity between the market and the neighbouring communities and residents.

            After discussion, the Committee noted:

i.        the update in relation to the ongoing and planned engagement with all St George’s Market traders to support the effective working of the market; and

ii.      the planned introduction of updated trader documentation in the coming weeks to support officers responsible for carrying out operational management activities for the effective management of the market.

            The Director of Economic Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update in relation to Malone House and outlined a proposed approach in respect of the asset’s future use.

            During discussion, several Members highlighted the need for engagement to be undertaken with all relevant stakeholders in relation to the future use of Malone House and that all options should be explored and considered. A Member also requested that a condition survey of the building be undertaken to help inform future consideration.

            After discussion, the Committee:

i.        noted the contents of the report; and

ii.      agreed that, in respect of the proposed approach to Malone House as set out in the report, all options should be explored and considered in relation to the potential future use of the asset, which would be informed by a range of factors, including a condition survey of the building.

            The Director of City Regeneration and Development provided the Committee with background information on the Belfast Waterfront Task Group, which was chaired by the Council’s Chief Executive and included representatives from the Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure, Department for Economy, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Tourism NI, Odyssey Trust, Sailortown Regeneration, EastSide Partnership and the Lower Ormeau Resident's Action Group.

            She reported that the Task Group had been established, in response to the city’s ‘A Bolder Vision’ key move ‘Embrace the River Lagan and Waterfront’, to scope how the waterfront could fully realise its potential as a connected, vibrant corridor which would link with key destinations, neighbourhood communities and the city centre. She highlighted that a key objective of the Task Group had been to agree a place-making framework for the city’s waterfront promenade and advised that a progress update in relation to the projects within the framework would be provided following the presentation by the Task Group representatives.

            The Chairperson welcomed the following representatives of the Belfast Waterfront Task Group to the meeting:

§  Ms. Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive, Maritime Belfast Trust;

§  Ms. Michele Bryans, Chief Executive, EastSide Partnership; and

§  Mr. Gerard Rice, Lower Ormeau Resident's Action Group.

            Ms. Sweeney provided the Committee with an update in relation to the Belfast Promenade Framework, which had been developed by the Belfast Waterfront Task Group to set out a long-term vision to help transform the city’s waterfront.

            She outlined the waterfront’s distinct character areas and development opportunities and provided an update in relation to the current strands of work, including the development of a Maritime Story Plan, which provided a framework to help guide the development of the waterfront and had also identified heritage sites, and the commissioning of a Blueway feasibility study to explore the potential to establish a Blueway along the waterfront in line with the Blueway Ireland Accreditation.

            Ms. Sweeney reported that the Belfast Historic Waterfront had been designated as a Heritage Place, one of only two in Northern Ireland, through the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Heritage Places’ initiative. She stated that the funding would help deliver capital and revenue projects along the waterfront with potential themes in relation to community capacity building and engagement, heritage preservation and conservation, biodiversity, nature and access to water, waterfront promenade connectivity, animation and activation, and destination and organisation sustainability.

            She concluded the presentation by providing the Committee with indicative timescales in relation to the ‘Heritage Places’ initiative, including the announcement, development stage and the overall project delivery.

            During discussion, the representatives answered a range of question from the Members in relation to community capacity building and engagement, funding, upscaling city events, Sailortown and the balancing of access to the river with biodiversity and nature. The representatives highlighted the positive engagement that had taken place in respect of the Waterfront Framework and the benefits that had been realised by local communities through participation in the Task  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update Members on the progress of the Belfast Waterfront Promenade Framework, and in particular to provide an update ‘Under the Bridges’ and the ‘Sailortown/Titanic Quarter Bridge’ projects, including progress to date, consultation/ planning timeline and next steps.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to:

·       Note the update on the progress of the Belfast Waterfront Promenade Framework;

·        Note that Members of the Waterfront Task Group will be providing an update presentation to this Committee meeting that will be in conjunction to this report;

·        Note the update on the Under the Bridges and Sailortown/Titanic Quarter Bridge projects. 

3.0       Background

3.1       As reported to the CG&R Committee in October 2023 a Waterfront Task Group was established to develop a focused approach to the Belfast waterfront, in response to ‘A Bolder Vision’ Key Move ‘Embracing the River’. This Key Move seeks to capitalise on one of the city’s most defining, but underused assets, the River Lagan, by strengthening connections, promoting new leisure activities and attracting tourism. Improved connections from the city centre to the waterfront and its surrounding communities would remove barriers by providing links across with new bridges and enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure along the river. The Key Move also promotes revitalisation along the Lagan waterfront and on Queen’s Island including activating the river front with new uses and spaces to dwell and utilise waterfront developments like Titanic Quarter, City Quays, community led projects and other initiatives such as the Maritime Mile.

3.2       The Waterfront Task Group, chaired by BCC Chief Executive and consisting of Maritime Belfast Trust, BCC officers, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, local community groups, Titanic Quarter Ltd, DfC, DfE, Tourism NI, Odyssey Trust and DEARA commissioned a detailed analysis of the waterfront area from the Ormeau Road Bridge to Thompsons Dock.

3.3       Consultants, Schulze + Grassov undertook a detailed analysis of over 10km of the waterfront, compiling analysis on the completed and pending developments, as well as identifying the catalyst opportunities and gaps in infrastructure to maximise the social, economic and environmental opportunities that exist along the waterfront. This work also undertook to identify the existing and proposed projects emerging from within the adjacent communities, and to identify catalyst opportunities to connect these projects and the local communities to the wider education, employment and leisure facilities along the waterfront corridor. This work was carried out in consultation with a range of stakeholders including local communities through online surveys and a dedicated charrette style design workshop.

3.4       Following a detailed analysis of over 10km of the waterfront, Members of the CG&R Committee received a presentation on the Framework in October 2023 and approved the Belfast Waterfront Framework.

3.5       The Waterfront Task Group continues to meet regularly and are making significant progress in the ongoing regeneration of Belfast’s waterfront, with a range of initiatives currently underway that aim to enhance connectivity, promote active travel, celebrate the city’s maritime  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report / Summary of Main Issues

1.1

·        To update members on Culture Night 2025

·        To seek approval from Members for a dedicated workshop session to support the development of Belfast City Council’s Events Action Plan, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and effective stakeholder engagement.

·        To seek approval from Members to facilitate a site visit to Dundalk to view festive lighting scheme as part of planning for future years.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to:

·        Note the update on Culture night

·        Approve request to facilitate members workshop for events action plan

·        Approve request for site visit associated to festive lights

3.0       Culture night

3.1       Members are advised that Culture Night Belfast 2025 was successfully delivered on 19th September, with a diverse programme of cultural activity taking place across the city centre and neighbourhoods. The event featured over 100 individual performances, exhibitions, workshops and community-led activities, delivered in partnership with artists, cultural organisations, local businesses and residents.

            Attendance was strong, with thousands of people engaging in events throughout the evening, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of Belfast’s flagship cultural celebrations. The programme highlighted the breadth of creative talent across the city and promoted wide public participation, supporting both the cultural sector and the night-time economy.

            Officers are now progressing the final evaluation and reporting process. This will include detailed analysis of outcomes, audience reach and impact, alongside reflections from stakeholders and delivery partners. Recommendations for the future development of Culture Night will be prepared and brought back to Committee in due course for Members’ consideration.

3.2       Events action plan

            Officers are continuing to work on the development of an events action plan.

            Belfast’s programme of events plays a vital role in shaping the city’s identity, attracting visitors, supporting the local economy, and fostering civic pride. As the Council looks ahead to the next phase of delivery, it is essential that a refreshed Events Action Plan is developed to:

·        Reflect the ambitions of the Belfast Agenda and cultural strategy.

·        Respond to changes in the events landscape post-pandemic.

·        Support wider city recovery, tourism, and place-making objectives.

·        Ensure an inclusive and sustainable approach to event planning and delivery.

            The development of the Action Plan will require input from Members to ensure that the priorities and outcomes reflect the ambitions of the Council and the needs of communities across the city.

            It is proposed that a workshop be convened with Members (dates to be circulated via democratic services) to:

·        Provide an overview of the current events programme, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

·        Explore opportunities for enhancing the city’s events offering, including community events, cultural programming, and signature events.

·        Consider themes such as sustainability, accessibility, economic impact, partnership opportunities, and international positioning.

·        Discuss priorities and desired outcomes for inclusion in the draft Events Action Plan.

·        The workshop will be designed to be interactive and informative, giving Members the opportunity to shape the direction of the Plan at an early stage. Feedback from the session  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10a

            The Committee considered a report which set out a response to queries raised by Members at its meeting in August on the proposed approach to international engagement. The report also set out, for the Committee’s consideration, a draft International Relations Framework for 2025-2028 and a delivery plan for the Council’s international engagement activity for 2025/26.

            During discussion, the Strategic Director of Place and Economy and the Senior Manager, Economy, answered a range of questions from the Members in relation to EU engagement, ethical and environmental considerations, USA 250 activities and international visits.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That the Committee agrees that the Council’s membership of the Eurocities network be continued, and that options be explored, in partnership with the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels and other relevant partners, in relation to the potential for an annual event to be held as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

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

Further Proposal

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That the Committee agrees to recommend the establishment of an EU stakeholder group.

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

Further Proposal

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That the Committee agrees to recommend that invitations to all international engagement stakeholder groups be extended to the Members of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

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

Accordingly, the Committee:

i.        noted the response, as set out in section 3.5 of the report, to the issues raised by Members at its meeting in August, 2025;

ii.      agreed that the Council’s membership of the Eurocities network be continued, and that options be explored, in partnership with the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels and other relevant partners, in relation to the potential for an annual event to be held as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities;

iii.     agreed to recommend the establishment of an EU stakeholder group;

iv.     agreed to recommend that invitations to all international engagement stakeholder groups be extended to Members of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee; and

v.      agreed to defer consideration of the proposed approach to Council international engagement work activity for 2025-28, and the Annual Action plan for 2025/26, to enable an updated draft International Relations Framework 2025-2028 to be submitted.

            Councillor de Faoite raised an issue in relation to the delivery of the Belfast Cycle Network’s Ravenhill Road Scheme. He stated that, in response to a letter he had written to the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the scheme, the Minister had advised that the formal consultation stage on the scheme had been moved from autumn 2025 to early 2026. He expressed his disappointment at the delay in progressing the scheme, given that it had been highlighted as deliverable in the short term within the Department for Infrastructure’s Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan.

            At the request of Councillor de Faoite, the Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Infrastructure to express its frustration at the lack of progress in delivering the Belfast Cycle Network’s Ravenhill Road Scheme, and to seek an update on the reasons for the delay.