Belfast’s Newest Green Public Space Opens to the Public

Belfast has its latest urban development with the opening of City Quays Gardens, a vibrant new green space located between the historic Harbour Office on Corporation Square and the city’s bustling waterfront.

The newly developed area offers a mix of landscaped green spaces, seating areas, and tree-lined walkways, creating a welcoming environment for relaxation and recreation. Designed with versatility in mind, the site features event lawns with amphitheatre-style seating, outdoor workspaces equipped with free public Wi-Fi, and a newly established off-road cycle route that provides an alternative way to explore the waterfront.

Blending the area’s rich industrial and maritime heritage with sustainable urban design, City Quays Gardens is a significant addition to Belfast’s growing portfolio of public spaces, aiming to support community activity, wellbeing, and environmentally conscious development.

Trial Approved for Drug Needle Bin in Belfast City Centre 

Belfast City Council has approved a trial for a drug needle disposal bin at a city centre car park behind the Central Library on Little Donegall Street.

The proposal, supported by elected representatives at a recent committee meeting, will go before the full council next month for final approval, which is expected to pass. Councillors selected Little Donegall Street over another council-owned site at Corporation Square. Other high-need areas like Writer’s Square were not eligible due to being under Stormont ownership.

Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth, who has previously advocated for a Glasgow-style model of sharps bins in Belfast, supported the move but noted the area is not the worst affected. Sinn Féin Councillor JJ Magee highlighted concerns from residents over increased drug activity following a surge in student housing developments, suggesting developer contributions could help fund alley-gates for added security.

The pilot location was chosen following a year-long consultation with outreach partners and analysis of needle removal data. Factors included proximity to housing, community spaces, and council access.

While private multi-storey car parks report higher needle finds, they fall outside council responsibility, limiting their suitability for the trial without owner cooperation.

The Purpose Of The Scheme

To provide those living with permanent disablement (either physical or psychological) caused by injury through no fault of their own in a Troubles -related incident with payments primarily in acknowledgement of the acute harm which they have suffered.

The Scheme will also provide a measure of recognition of the implications of living with a permanent disablement caused by a serious Troubles-related injury and the associated impact of such disablement on carers often family members) and recognition that in many cases coping with disablement caused by the serious injury had an adverse impact on individuals and their families. 

Background

Under Section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 2019, the UK Government was required to bring forward legislation providing for a scheme of payments to those living with injuries sustained in Troubles/Conflict-related incidents.

The Victims’ Payment Regulations 2020 were duly laid before Parliament on 31 January by NIO. The Scheme established by these Regulations is to be known as the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme. The Executive Office (TEO) is responsible for taking forward the implementation of the Victims’ Payment Regulations 2020.

On the 24 August 2020, TEO designated the Department of Justice (DoJ) to exercise the administrative functions of the Victims’ Payment Board on the Board’s behalf.

The Victim's Payment Board

The Victims’ Payments Board was established in February 2021. The Board is headed by a President appointed by the Lord Chief Justice, and will consist of a number of members including legal, medical and ordinary members. The purpose of the Board is to determine applications under the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (also referred to as the Victims’ Payments Scheme). Members will also have responsibility as members of the Victims’ Payments Board to assist the President with corporate governance responsibilities such as policy development, financial and risk management. 

Application Support & Information

Belfast City Council Regeneration Team have a design team appointed who are looking to bring Lancaster Street proposals forward in conjunction with the works to LYS-LPS i.e. as one tender package and one contractor.  They would like to present regeneration proposal drawings to local stakeholders and local residents.

See below for the proposal document information provided by the Belfast City Council Regeneration Team.

Proposal Objectives

What lies in store for the next decade in inner North Belfast?

Weaving residents lessons learnt in midst of the construction around the University campus, this conference showcases a holistic urban vision where grass roots process meets the strategic. The city is held back by delayed and damaging road infrastructure projects - we present realistic solutions. The Garden Grid beginning at the micro level builds a resilient network of underused and wasted areas. Linking all of this work can evolve into a North Belfast Greenway.

The conference took place on Wednesday the 29th Nov 2023 from 10am to 1pm at Redeemer Central, 101 Donegall Street Belfast.

Local residents have become aware today that land on the corner of Frederick Street and North Queens Street is currently up for sale!  The land on site of the previous Saint Patricks Church Hall has appeared online for redevelopment 2 weeks ago.  (Below are details and photographs as described on the propertynews.com website).

"The subject site is prominently located on the corner of North Queen Street and Frederick Street and in close proximity to the new Ulster University campus. In addition, the site is situated in close proximity to several student accommodation developments.  The subject land comprises a rare opportunity to acquire a prominent corner site with obvious development potential.  The site previously housed a Church hall but is now laid in tarmacadam and hardcore. The site extends to c. 0.6 acres (0.24 ha).  Prominent corner site with development potential".  

LARG will keep an close eye on progress and any further developments over the coming weeks and months on this local impact story.