Menu
18/06/2010
Revitalised City Centre Welcomed
The re-use of vacant properties as part of an overall scheme to revitalise NI's city centres has been welcomed.
NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson - who was visiting an arts exhibition - explained how he was helping revitalise Belfast city centre.
The exhibition, part of the Belfast Children's Festival, is the first of its kind and uses shop premises that would otherwise lie empty. The 'Cardboard Cities' exhibition in a shop in Castle Lane was arranged by the 'Out of Place' organisation.
Opening the exhibition, the Minister said: "The intention of this project is to bring life to parts of the city or other towns in Northern Ireland - in areas that may be struggling to find tenants to fill all the shops.
"Although the exhibition itself is a fun idea it has a serious purpose in preventing a downward spiral of decline in once thriving commercial areas."
Minister Wilson highlighted the importance of the rating of vacant non-domestic property in freeing up commercial property for new ventures.
"The utilisation of empty commercial property was at the heart of the policy decision in 2004 to introduce non-domestic vacant rating into the Northern Ireland rating system," he said.
"One of the key objectives of that policy, which I fully endorse, was to encourage vacant property to be used positively, as opposed to lying vacant.
"The initiative is an example of what can be done when the incentive is there to get vacant properties occupied and used to ensure vibrant city and town centres," the DUP Minister concluded.
(NS/BMcC)
NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson - who was visiting an arts exhibition - explained how he was helping revitalise Belfast city centre.
The exhibition, part of the Belfast Children's Festival, is the first of its kind and uses shop premises that would otherwise lie empty. The 'Cardboard Cities' exhibition in a shop in Castle Lane was arranged by the 'Out of Place' organisation.
Opening the exhibition, the Minister said: "The intention of this project is to bring life to parts of the city or other towns in Northern Ireland - in areas that may be struggling to find tenants to fill all the shops.
"Although the exhibition itself is a fun idea it has a serious purpose in preventing a downward spiral of decline in once thriving commercial areas."
Minister Wilson highlighted the importance of the rating of vacant non-domestic property in freeing up commercial property for new ventures.
"The utilisation of empty commercial property was at the heart of the policy decision in 2004 to introduce non-domestic vacant rating into the Northern Ireland rating system," he said.
"One of the key objectives of that policy, which I fully endorse, was to encourage vacant property to be used positively, as opposed to lying vacant.
"The initiative is an example of what can be done when the incentive is there to get vacant properties occupied and used to ensure vibrant city and town centres," the DUP Minister concluded.
(NS/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 May 2002
Spanish Properties Direct to launch in Ireland
After several years on the international market Bangor-based Spanish Properties Direct have announce the impending launch of the company in Ireland.
Spanish Properties Direct to launch in Ireland
After several years on the international market Bangor-based Spanish Properties Direct have announce the impending launch of the company in Ireland.
22 May 2014
Minister Launches 'Watch This SPACE'
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £22,000 to continue a pilot project to bring empty commercial space back in to use in L'Derry. Watch this SPACE identifies vacant properties for cultural and community uses bringing life back into unoccupied units and the surrounding area.
Minister Launches 'Watch This SPACE'
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £22,000 to continue a pilot project to bring empty commercial space back in to use in L'Derry. Watch this SPACE identifies vacant properties for cultural and community uses bringing life back into unoccupied units and the surrounding area.
04 November 2016
RUAS Launch 31st Winter Fair
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has launched the 31st Winter Fair, in association with Danske Bank, at Draynes Farm. This year, the Winter Fair returns to the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, on 08 December and is an opportunity for farmers, exhibiters and industry specialists to meet.
RUAS Launch 31st Winter Fair
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has launched the 31st Winter Fair, in association with Danske Bank, at Draynes Farm. This year, the Winter Fair returns to the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, on 08 December and is an opportunity for farmers, exhibiters and industry specialists to meet.
17 September 2015
New Titanic Exhibition Centre Opens
Belfast's new Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC), sited opposite Titanic Studios in Titanic Quarter, opened today, 17 September, delivering a huge boost for local business in the process. The 6,000 square metre structure will be used as a potential venue for exhibitions, community and sporting events, as well as large-scale banquets.
New Titanic Exhibition Centre Opens
Belfast's new Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC), sited opposite Titanic Studios in Titanic Quarter, opened today, 17 September, delivering a huge boost for local business in the process. The 6,000 square metre structure will be used as a potential venue for exhibitions, community and sporting events, as well as large-scale banquets.
31 July 2009
Vacant Belfast Development Space In Focus
Space for 20,000 new Belfast homes is currently laying vacant and in public ownership, according to a city think tank. More than two square kilometres of land in Belfast could be used to regenerate and reconnect communities within the inner and central city, accord to the newly-launched Forum for an Alternative Belfast.
Vacant Belfast Development Space In Focus
Space for 20,000 new Belfast homes is currently laying vacant and in public ownership, according to a city think tank. More than two square kilometres of land in Belfast could be used to regenerate and reconnect communities within the inner and central city, accord to the newly-launched Forum for an Alternative Belfast.
-
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.
