Minister Ní Chuilín launches consultation on Belfast public realm scheme

Communities Minister Caral Ní Chuilín is seeking views on a new public realm scheme that will transform five streets in Belfast city centre.

Minister Ní Chuilín launches consultation on Belfast public realm scheme

The public realm improvements on College Court, College Avenue (part), College Street (part), Callender Street and Chichester Street (part) include plans for resurfacing, lighting, landscaping and street furniture.

The Five Cs Public Realm Project derives its title from the five street names.

Minister Ní Chuilín said:

“This is a great opportunity to help shape the redevelopment of these Belfast streets and presents my Department and Belfast City Council with our first opportunity to integrate the principles of the ‘Bolder Vision for Belfast’.  The Bolder Vision blueprint has helped influence the design choices within this project with a focus on delivering a more attractive, accessible, safe and vibrant city centre.

“At this time I am also more committed than ever to supporting our town and city centres to be attractive and welcoming places as we support them through this difficult time and in their recovery from the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

“Due to COVID-19 we cannot run this consultation as we have done in the past but I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Belfast to give their views on the proposals.  This feedback is essential to ensure final plans accurately represent a shared vision for the future of these streets.”

The draft design proposals can be accessed via the Department for Communities website at www.communities-ni.gov.uk/Five-Cs-Public-Consultation.  The consultation will run from 30 September 2020 until 22 December 2020. During this time there will two webinar presentations on the project available for the public. Details of how to register for these can be found through the link on the consultation page.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said:

“We’re delighted to announce plans for this scheme, which will transform public spaces in this part of the city centre.

“When we published our ‘Bolder Vision’ to reimagine the city centre a few months ago alongside the Department for Communities and Department for Infrastructure, we agreed to move towards a greener, walkable and more connected core that is more people and family-focussed.

“The Five Cs project very much contributes to this vision by transforming the public realm in the five streets that will be significantly enhanced when the works are carried out. I would encourage as many people as possible to give their views on proposals before plans are taken to the next stage.”

The Department for Communities, working in partnership with Belfast City Council, has appointed an Integrated Consultant Team (ICT), led by Doran Consulting to oversee the development of design proposals for the works.

Notes to editors: 

1. The ‘Bolder Vision’ document – the result of a joint study by Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities – has developed a progressive and wide-reaching vision to significantly reimagine Belfast city centre with the focus moving to a greener, walkable and connected core that is more people and family-focussed.  More information at https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/news/a-%E2%80%98bolder-vision%E2%80%99-for-belfast
2. Media enquiries to DFC Press Office on email. 
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow us on twitter @CommunitiesNI

Share this page