Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

1.0            Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1            Members have requested regular updates on capital and maintenance works at the ICC Waterfront and Ulster Hall. This paper provides an update since the last report to Committee.

2.0       Recommendations

            Members are asked to note the update on capital and maintenance works at the Waterfront and Ulster Halls.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Waterfront Hall Chiller Units

Members will be aware that this project is at Stage 2 - Uncommitted on the Capital Programme. Approval has been received to proceed with the detailed design. The Consultants are continuing to work on the designs, and have also been exploring heat recovery options with the Energy Management Team. It is anticipated the designs will be complete by end September 2025. Once the business case is complete the project can be taken forward to the next stage.

3.2       Waterfront Hall Smoke Curtains

Members are reminded that this project is at Stage 1 - Emerging on the Capital Programme. The Consultants have now completed the modelling exercise. The results of the CFD model were positive and are currently being reviewed by the Fire Officer and Building Control with a view updating the current Fire Strategy. It is anticipated that minimal works will be required and will relate primarily to decommissioning of the existing smoke curtain.

3.3       Ulster Hall – Lighting Scheme

This project involves the installation of an LED lighting display on the façade of Ulster Hall capable of changing colour similar to City Hall’s Illuminate scheme. The lighting project at the Ulster Hall was added as a Stage 1 – Emerging project to the Capital Programme in April 2025 by the SP&R Committee. Design and delivery costs are being funded by DfC and the Linen Quarter BID. It is anticipated that the contractor will be appointed in October with the works to take place in February/March 2026. Concurrent to this while the scaffolding is up for the installation of the lighting system the front of the Ulster Hall (both sides of the main entrance and the metal canopy) will be redecorated.

4.0       Financial and Resource Implications

Financial – None at this time; Resources – Officer time to deliver as required.

5.0       Equality or Good Relations Implications/

Rural Needs Assessment

All capital projects are screened as part of the stage approval process.

            The Director of Property and Projects also provided the Committee with an update in relation to the ‘Knotted Gun’ sculpture, which was currently on display within Girdwood Community Hub in North Belfast. She reminded Members that the sculpture was gifted to Belfast by the Olsson Family, owners of Stena Line, to symbolise peace and non-violence, and that the family had recently requested that the sculpture be displayed in a location with a higher footfall. The Director reported that the Waterfront Hall had been identified as a potential new location for the sculpture, and that further engagement would take place with Stena Line and Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall (BWUH) Ltd. in respect of the potential relocation. She advised that an update on the potential relocation would be reported to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee noted the update provided on the capital and maintenance works at the Waterfront and Ulster Hall.