Menu
16/02/2010
Berry Street To Ripen?
Shoppers and businesses in Belfast city centre may soon see benefits as a famous old street that once led from west Belfast into the city centre looks likely to be reopened.
A group called the Forum for Alternative Belfast is currently lobbying business owners with ideas which would make Bank Square - just behind Royal Avenue (pictured) - "the best urban space in the city".
As well as ideas for the city centre square for new buildings, the reopening of once-thriving Berry Street, which was crudely walled-off when CastleCourt was built in the late 1980s, has been mooted too.
The Forum for Alternative Belfast is a not-for-profit organisation of architects and planners. The Forum seeks to affect change to Belfast's built environment. They offer an independent forum for discussion and development of ideas on buildings, spaces and the streets we use every day.
According to the Andersonstown News, Mark Hackett, Forum co-founder, said: "In this case we are essentially lobbying the various owners in the area with an idea for a vibrant square made of buildings with active uses on ground floor – this is essential if the square is to succeed.
"We are also lobbying the Department for Social Development (DSD) to ensure their plans enable this reconfiguring of buildings to happen.
"DSD have commissioned a design for the square paving – but the Forum believes this needs to extend to helping resolve all the building issues and problems in the square.
"It is vital that a design can lead this process and that a good design for the buildings and the space can help solve all the multiple problems currently in the area," he added.
They said that Berry Street should re-open as an 'active street' – with shops and cafes both sides – leading into a square which has new and repaired buildings on all sides.
"Because of this authentic and vibrant potential mix of uses and businesses, Bank Square could quickly become the best urban space in the city – there is no doubt about that," said Mark.
"There are funds there to pave the space, all the private owners around the space are interested in building and therefore it just takes the final step of coming together to say, let's make this happen. It is in all our interests," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
A group called the Forum for Alternative Belfast is currently lobbying business owners with ideas which would make Bank Square - just behind Royal Avenue (pictured) - "the best urban space in the city".
As well as ideas for the city centre square for new buildings, the reopening of once-thriving Berry Street, which was crudely walled-off when CastleCourt was built in the late 1980s, has been mooted too.
The Forum for Alternative Belfast is a not-for-profit organisation of architects and planners. The Forum seeks to affect change to Belfast's built environment. They offer an independent forum for discussion and development of ideas on buildings, spaces and the streets we use every day.
According to the Andersonstown News, Mark Hackett, Forum co-founder, said: "In this case we are essentially lobbying the various owners in the area with an idea for a vibrant square made of buildings with active uses on ground floor – this is essential if the square is to succeed.
"We are also lobbying the Department for Social Development (DSD) to ensure their plans enable this reconfiguring of buildings to happen.
"DSD have commissioned a design for the square paving – but the Forum believes this needs to extend to helping resolve all the building issues and problems in the square.
"It is vital that a design can lead this process and that a good design for the buildings and the space can help solve all the multiple problems currently in the area," he added.
They said that Berry Street should re-open as an 'active street' – with shops and cafes both sides – leading into a square which has new and repaired buildings on all sides.
"Because of this authentic and vibrant potential mix of uses and businesses, Bank Square could quickly become the best urban space in the city – there is no doubt about that," said Mark.
"There are funds there to pave the space, all the private owners around the space are interested in building and therefore it just takes the final step of coming together to say, let's make this happen. It is in all our interests," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
22 November 2024
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
