Further £1.1 million added to Belfast City centre support package

by Q Radio News

An extra £1.1 million is being given to a fund to help revive Belfast City centre in the wake of a fire at the historic Bank Buildings.

Back in August, the major blaze destroyed the Primark store, resulting in a large section of the city being closed off behind a safety cordon. 

This latest funding boost was granted by the Head of the Civil Service today. 

It follows Belfast City Council's announcement in October, which detailed a £1.7million contribution, the £2million announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond and £500,000 given by Primark to provide support to traders.

The contribution brings the overall recovery package to nearly £6 million. 

David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, said:

“Since the devastating fire at Bank Buildings, the civil service has been working closely with Belfast City Council to support affected traders in the run up to Christmas.

“This will help address some of the difficulties shoppers and visitors have faced as they try and move around the city centre. This funding package is part of our ongoing efforts to do everything we possibly can within our available resources.”

The £1.1million announced today is in addition to the £380,000 previously provided to the council by the Department for Communities. 

The overall package is in place to ensure that there is plenty to attract people to Belfast city centre to complement its retail offering, between now and spring 2019.

A longer-term strategy for the city is being planned for the next 3-5 years.

Details of today’s £1.1million initiative include:

• The Department for Communities has agreed to provide a further £200,000 which brings their total support to £580,000. This will contribute to significant investment in environmental improvements in open spaces in the city centre, providing places for people to relax, eat and enjoy the city, with outdoor seating and tables, enhanced street lighting and street art, alongside a programme of main events and smaller activities.
   
• The Department for the Economy is providing £400,000 to spend on a range of initiatives to increase visitors to the city centre and boost tourism.
   
• The Department for Infrastructure’s contribution of £500,000 will allow Translink to deliver a high impact festive travel campaign, offering major discounts on fares to encourage more people to travel into the heart of Belfast and experience all the city has to offer.
  This will include day travel across Belfast for just £2 (£1 child) and additional services, including midnight departures. There will be an extensive range of offers on Metro/Glider, Ulsterbus, Goldline and NI Railways including family tickets and discounts for yLink and 24+ Card Holders.