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21/08/2015
BCC Recommend Independent Company Runs Waterfront
A council-owned company should be established to run the Belfast Waterfront on completion of the current £29.5 million extension.
Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee has recommended an arm’s length company, owned by the council but operating more independently, would offer the best value for ratepayers.
The detailed analysis presented led the committee to recommend that the council-owned model would best enable the Waterfront to successfully compete with other international conference venues in attracting major events and creating over 1,500 new hospitality and retail jobs.
The decision was however not unanimous and the recommendation is now subject to ratification at the council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday 1 September. If agreed, a board of directors will be appointed, with the new company taking over daily running of the Waterfront from April 2016. The venue will remain in the council’s ownership.
Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Declan Boyle, said: "The decision to invest £29.5 million in the Waterfront was a vote of confidence in Belfast’s growing reputation as an international conference destination, and this recommendation now takes the crucial step of providing greater commercial freedom to the venue, so it can fully realise its potential within what is a highly competitive and fast-paced marketplace.
"To do this, we must have the right structures, conditions and incentives in place to attract and secure bookings, develop our professional, passionate employees and, above all, create a fantastic experience for customers which sells our city to the rest of the world.
"We are committed to ensuring that any new management and working arrangements are introduced as smoothly as possible, if agreed by full council, and will be working closely with staff and the trade unions over the coming months to achieve this."
Staff will have their pensions and contractual employment conditions protected.
Councillor Boyle pointed out that, with 25 international and national events already confirmed for 2016 and beyond, an enhanced Belfast Waterfront was already bearing fruit.
"Doubling the number of conference delegates travelling to Belfast is good news for everyone who wants to see our city thrive. The benefits are obvious - more jobs created, new investors attracted to a vibrant, friendly city, additional rates income generated and, for communities, the potential to reinvest our success back into other improvements right across the city, making sure everyone feels the impact of this exciting and game-changing project," he said.
(MH)
Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee has recommended an arm’s length company, owned by the council but operating more independently, would offer the best value for ratepayers.
The detailed analysis presented led the committee to recommend that the council-owned model would best enable the Waterfront to successfully compete with other international conference venues in attracting major events and creating over 1,500 new hospitality and retail jobs.
The decision was however not unanimous and the recommendation is now subject to ratification at the council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday 1 September. If agreed, a board of directors will be appointed, with the new company taking over daily running of the Waterfront from April 2016. The venue will remain in the council’s ownership.
Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Declan Boyle, said: "The decision to invest £29.5 million in the Waterfront was a vote of confidence in Belfast’s growing reputation as an international conference destination, and this recommendation now takes the crucial step of providing greater commercial freedom to the venue, so it can fully realise its potential within what is a highly competitive and fast-paced marketplace.
"To do this, we must have the right structures, conditions and incentives in place to attract and secure bookings, develop our professional, passionate employees and, above all, create a fantastic experience for customers which sells our city to the rest of the world.
"We are committed to ensuring that any new management and working arrangements are introduced as smoothly as possible, if agreed by full council, and will be working closely with staff and the trade unions over the coming months to achieve this."
Staff will have their pensions and contractual employment conditions protected.
Councillor Boyle pointed out that, with 25 international and national events already confirmed for 2016 and beyond, an enhanced Belfast Waterfront was already bearing fruit.
"Doubling the number of conference delegates travelling to Belfast is good news for everyone who wants to see our city thrive. The benefits are obvious - more jobs created, new investors attracted to a vibrant, friendly city, additional rates income generated and, for communities, the potential to reinvest our success back into other improvements right across the city, making sure everyone feels the impact of this exciting and game-changing project," he said.
(MH)
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30 October 2017
Belfast Named Destination Of Choice For International Conferences
Belfast is now a "destination of choice" for international conferences, with Belfast City Council stating that Belfast's renaissance "very much a reality". According to to the Council, the city is reaping the rewards of a £1billion investment programme which has successfully revitalised, regenerated and renewed its tourism offering.
Belfast Named Destination Of Choice For International Conferences
Belfast is now a "destination of choice" for international conferences, with Belfast City Council stating that Belfast's renaissance "very much a reality". According to to the Council, the city is reaping the rewards of a £1billion investment programme which has successfully revitalised, regenerated and renewed its tourism offering.
04 March 2002
Mount Charles to cater in Belfast's Waterfront Hall
Mount Charles Catering are to be appointed as new caterers for corporate catering, bar and restaurant services at Belfast Waterfront Hall.
Mount Charles to cater in Belfast's Waterfront Hall
Mount Charles Catering are to be appointed as new caterers for corporate catering, bar and restaurant services at Belfast Waterfront Hall.
30 March 2016
New Council-Owned Company To Take Over Belfast Waterfront
A new council-owned company will take over the daily running of Belfast Waterfront from Friday 01 April.
New Council-Owned Company To Take Over Belfast Waterfront
A new council-owned company will take over the daily running of Belfast Waterfront from Friday 01 April.
06 May 2016
'Transformed' Belfast Waterfront Officially Launched
The NI Chamber of Commerce is to hold the first official event in newly transformed Belfast Waterfront. Lord Mayor Arder Carson officially opened the remodelled hall announcing the Chamber of Commerce dinner and the next major conference of International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland on 11 - 13 May.
'Transformed' Belfast Waterfront Officially Launched
The NI Chamber of Commerce is to hold the first official event in newly transformed Belfast Waterfront. Lord Mayor Arder Carson officially opened the remodelled hall announcing the Chamber of Commerce dinner and the next major conference of International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland on 11 - 13 May.
08 June 2015
RCN Annual Congress To Be Hosted In Belfast
Belfast is to host the 2018 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Annual Congress. The congress, which will be held over five days in May 2018 is the largest event secured to date for the Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre, which will open its £29.5 million extension next year.
RCN Annual Congress To Be Hosted In Belfast
Belfast is to host the 2018 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Annual Congress. The congress, which will be held over five days in May 2018 is the largest event secured to date for the Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre, which will open its £29.5 million extension next year.
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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.
