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10/10/2023
Determined Regeneration Effort For City Centre's Once 'Golden Mile'
Belfast city centre's 'Golden Mile' is to benefit from a "determined regeneration effort" by Belfast City Council (BCC), Department for Communities (DoC) and Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID).
The partnership is spearheading the new 'Great Expectations' project to restore Southern Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square – once the city's most bustling and vibrant stretch.
The project includes an initial investment of £450k in public sector capital funding which will enhance the streetscape, support the area's business community and residents in a concerted effort to improve vibrancy and encourage further long-term private sector investment.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy commented that collaboration is key in supporting city improvements.
Councillor Murphy said: "We know there's a lot of work ahead, but Great Victoria Street and its surrounding areas are a key focus in our ambitious 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' and the area is set to play an even greater role in the regeneration of the city soon, connecting the new Weavers Cross Transport Hub and the city centre.
"Connecting with the area's established and emerging communities is a key priority for us and it's fantastic to see continued private sector investment, helping to strengthen the city's overall proposition and ensure Belfast remains as an attractive place to invest. We're committed to working alongside partners and the community to help bring about positive change."
Great Victoria Street's decline has generated public concern in recent years, however the area is set to receive up to £1 billion investment in the next decade, with significant transformation already underway at Grand Central Station and Weavers Cross. Additional investment in the vicinity includes the Kainos HQ at Bankmore Square, student accommodation on Dublin Road and Hope Street, Belfast Rapid Transport Phase 2, and a major housing NI Housing Executive investment.
These investments offer an unparalleled opportunity to unlock Great Victoria Street's potential and justify our "Great Expectations" for the area, says Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID.
He explained: "We're pushing an open door to growth and prosperity, with the Linen Quarter fast becoming one of the city's most vibrant areas to live, work and socialise. The transformation of Great Victoria Street is a top priority for us and we're proud to work with partners to generate confidence and accelerate investment within the area.
"Alongside the Council's Vacant to Vibrant Scheme we're helping to bring unoccupied units back to life, and we've recently installed colourful vinyls which celebrate the street's architectural heritage, including notable landmarks such as Shaftesbury Hospital, the Ulster Bank, and site of Terri Hooley's famed Good Vibrations record store, creating an outdoor gallery. Research shows that enhancing streetscape is a direct catalyst for capital investment. Along with these important aesthetic interventions, we'll also support the business community to market their services and encourage greater footfall."
Initial work began in March this year and several shopfronts including Fanum House, Hope Street carpark and Great Victoria Street have been enhanced with vibrant references to several famous Linen Quarter landmarks including the Ulster Hall and the Crown Liquor Saloon, along with nods to upcoming developments such as Grand Central Station, representing the abundance of future investment and opportunity in the area.
Already home to Liberty IT, FinTrU and Options Technology, Kainos' arrival will confirm the Linen Quarter's growing role as a technology hub. Combining business and community will remain a priority for LQ BID, and partnership work is underway with employment groups GEMS NI and BSCR to support skills training, work experience and apprenticeships within its 300 member organisations.
Chris continued: "Transforming Great Victoria Street is not just a physical endeavour, it's about collaboration and we recognise the vital importance of engaging our local communities in this journey. Their views and feedback will be crucial in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for one of Belfast's most iconic areas."
DfC's Patrick Anderson, Director, of Belfast Regeneration said: "DfC is delighted to contribute to the revitalisation of the Great Victoria Street area. This investment by the Department, working collaboratively with the Linen Quarter BID and Belfast City Council, has improved the look and feel of the area, making it more attractive to those who live, work and visit here. This type of project demonstrates the Department's commitment to support this part of Belfast City Centre, starting the revitalisation to part the 'great' back into Great Victoria Street.
Future interventions will also focus on sustainability and urban ecology, including planting at gap sites and habitat improvements, and a partnership with Ulster Wildlife which will install swift boxes, as part of the BID's efforts to present Linen Quarter as Northern Ireland's first sustainable district.
The partnership is spearheading the new 'Great Expectations' project to restore Southern Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square – once the city's most bustling and vibrant stretch.
The project includes an initial investment of £450k in public sector capital funding which will enhance the streetscape, support the area's business community and residents in a concerted effort to improve vibrancy and encourage further long-term private sector investment.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy commented that collaboration is key in supporting city improvements.
Councillor Murphy said: "We know there's a lot of work ahead, but Great Victoria Street and its surrounding areas are a key focus in our ambitious 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' and the area is set to play an even greater role in the regeneration of the city soon, connecting the new Weavers Cross Transport Hub and the city centre.
"Connecting with the area's established and emerging communities is a key priority for us and it's fantastic to see continued private sector investment, helping to strengthen the city's overall proposition and ensure Belfast remains as an attractive place to invest. We're committed to working alongside partners and the community to help bring about positive change."
Great Victoria Street's decline has generated public concern in recent years, however the area is set to receive up to £1 billion investment in the next decade, with significant transformation already underway at Grand Central Station and Weavers Cross. Additional investment in the vicinity includes the Kainos HQ at Bankmore Square, student accommodation on Dublin Road and Hope Street, Belfast Rapid Transport Phase 2, and a major housing NI Housing Executive investment.
These investments offer an unparalleled opportunity to unlock Great Victoria Street's potential and justify our "Great Expectations" for the area, says Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID.
He explained: "We're pushing an open door to growth and prosperity, with the Linen Quarter fast becoming one of the city's most vibrant areas to live, work and socialise. The transformation of Great Victoria Street is a top priority for us and we're proud to work with partners to generate confidence and accelerate investment within the area.
"Alongside the Council's Vacant to Vibrant Scheme we're helping to bring unoccupied units back to life, and we've recently installed colourful vinyls which celebrate the street's architectural heritage, including notable landmarks such as Shaftesbury Hospital, the Ulster Bank, and site of Terri Hooley's famed Good Vibrations record store, creating an outdoor gallery. Research shows that enhancing streetscape is a direct catalyst for capital investment. Along with these important aesthetic interventions, we'll also support the business community to market their services and encourage greater footfall."
Initial work began in March this year and several shopfronts including Fanum House, Hope Street carpark and Great Victoria Street have been enhanced with vibrant references to several famous Linen Quarter landmarks including the Ulster Hall and the Crown Liquor Saloon, along with nods to upcoming developments such as Grand Central Station, representing the abundance of future investment and opportunity in the area.
Already home to Liberty IT, FinTrU and Options Technology, Kainos' arrival will confirm the Linen Quarter's growing role as a technology hub. Combining business and community will remain a priority for LQ BID, and partnership work is underway with employment groups GEMS NI and BSCR to support skills training, work experience and apprenticeships within its 300 member organisations.
Chris continued: "Transforming Great Victoria Street is not just a physical endeavour, it's about collaboration and we recognise the vital importance of engaging our local communities in this journey. Their views and feedback will be crucial in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for one of Belfast's most iconic areas."
DfC's Patrick Anderson, Director, of Belfast Regeneration said: "DfC is delighted to contribute to the revitalisation of the Great Victoria Street area. This investment by the Department, working collaboratively with the Linen Quarter BID and Belfast City Council, has improved the look and feel of the area, making it more attractive to those who live, work and visit here. This type of project demonstrates the Department's commitment to support this part of Belfast City Centre, starting the revitalisation to part the 'great' back into Great Victoria Street.
Future interventions will also focus on sustainability and urban ecology, including planting at gap sites and habitat improvements, and a partnership with Ulster Wildlife which will install swift boxes, as part of the BID's efforts to present Linen Quarter as Northern Ireland's first sustainable district.
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Belfast City Council has announced that six new murals have been installed on Southern Great Victoria Street. As part of a transformation project, one of the murals is paying homage to Good Vibrations founder Terri Hooley.
14 September 2016
Fresh Appeal Issued Following Death Of Gerard McMahon
A renewed appeal has been issued following the death of a man in Belfast city centre. Police used CS Spray to restrain Gerard McMahon during a "violent incident" in the Great Victoria Street area on Thursday, 08 September. Police Ombudsman investigators have renewed their appeal for anyone who saw what happened to contact them.
Fresh Appeal Issued Following Death Of Gerard McMahon
A renewed appeal has been issued following the death of a man in Belfast city centre. Police used CS Spray to restrain Gerard McMahon during a "violent incident" in the Great Victoria Street area on Thursday, 08 September. Police Ombudsman investigators have renewed their appeal for anyone who saw what happened to contact them.
05 January 2012
Road Works To Get Started In Belfast
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Road Works To Get Started In Belfast
The Department for Regional Development will start work on a number of junction improvements in Belfast city centre next week. The improvements on Grosvenor Road/Durham Street and Hope Street/Great Victoria Street are part of the Belfast On The Move Transport Masterplan which will give higher priority to public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
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Man Shot In Knees And Ankle In West Belfast
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Man Shot In Knees And Ankle In West Belfast
A man is being treated in hospital after being shot in both knees and his right ankle after three masked men forced their way into his home on the Crocus Street area shortly after 9pm on Tuesday 07 March. Detectives investigating the attack have issued an appeal for information and witnesses.
19 August 2004
Ecstasy recovered in Co Down
Police have recovered ecstasy worth an estimated street value of £50,000 in Co Down. The drugs were found in the Millisle area yesterday, however there were no arrests. Elsewhere, a 14-year-old girl is expected to appear before a court in Newry today charged with three counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.
Ecstasy recovered in Co Down
Police have recovered ecstasy worth an estimated street value of £50,000 in Co Down. The drugs were found in the Millisle area yesterday, however there were no arrests. Elsewhere, a 14-year-old girl is expected to appear before a court in Newry today charged with three counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
