Belfast City Council Development Committee Minutes 16 March 2005
From Nigov
E4124
Wednesday, 16th March, 2005
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor Crozier (Chairman); the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor O'Donnell); and Councillors Adamson, Crowe, Lavery, McAuley, McCann, McCarthy, M. McGimpsey, Newton, Ní Chuilín, O'Reilly, Stoker and Wilson.
In attendance: Ms. M. T. McGivern, Director of Development; Ms. S. McCay, Head of Economic Initiatives; Mr. G. Millar, Head of Urban Development; Ms. S. Watson, Economic Development Manager; and Mr. J. Goodall, Senior Committee Administrator.
Apologies
Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors M. Browne and Molloy.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 16th February, which had been printed and circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st March, subject to the omission of the minute of the Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee of 9th March under the heading “Fáilte Feirste Thiar Eurozone Proposal”, as adopted by the principal Committee at its meeting on 16th February, which, at the request of Councillor McCann, had been taken back to the Sub Committee for further consideration.
Economic Development Sub-Committee
The minutes of the meetings of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of 28th February and 2nd and 9th March, copies of which had previously been circulated, were approved and adopted.
Arts Sub-Committee
The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meetings of the Arts Sub-Committee of 2nd and 10th March, copies of which had previously been circulated.
Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee
Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee of 9th March, copies of which had previously been circulated, be approved and adopted.
Local Government Chronicle Awards
The Director of Development reported that the Department had been successful in being awarded first place in the regeneration category at the recently-held Local Government Chronicle Awards ceremony. The award had been in respect of the work which had been undertaken in redeveloping the Gasworks Site.
The Committee agreed that its congratulations on achieving the award be extended to the relevant officers of the Department.
Seizure of Illicit Goods
The Senior Committee Administrator reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 19th January, it had agreed that letters be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Minister with Responsibility for Criminal Justice outlining its concerns in relation to the delay in deciding whether a prosecution should be pursued in respect of the seizure of illicit goods at St. George’s Market.
He reported that a letter, copies of which had previously been circulated, had been received from the Private Secretary to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State indicating that action was being taken to assist in reducing unnecessary delays in the Criminal Justice System generally. It had been pointed out also that the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions had contacted the Lord Mayor advising that two separate investigation files had been submitted to his office referring one person for prosecution in respect of the possession of counterfeit or illicit goods at the Market and at his home address. The Assistant Director had pointed out that decisions had been reached to prosecute the person for a number of offences contrary to the Trade Marks Description Act 1994 and papers were in the process of being prepared with a view to committal proceedings taking place before the Magistrates’ Court as soon as possible.
The Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Key Infrastructure Development Sites in Belfast
(The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor O’Donnell) and Councillor Crowe declared an interest in relation to an option for development in East Belfast and accordingly took no part in that debate.)
The Director of Development submitted the undernoted report in relation to Key Infrastructure Development Sites in the City.
West Belfast – Argyle Business Centre
The Committee agreed to provide support in the sum of £150,000 in respect of the infrastructural costs associated with the establishment of the Business Centre.
East Belfast
The Committee deferred consideration of the preferred option for development in East Belfast to enable further information to be provided.
The Committee adopted the remaining recommendations contained within the report.
Update on the Belfast: State of the City Conference
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th January, it had agreed that the second Belfast: State of the City Conference be held on 26th April on the basis that a breakdown of the costs associated with the staging of the event be provided at a future meeting.
The Director of Development submitted a report, copies of which had previously been circulated, outlining the programme of the Conference and the associated approximate costs.
The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that all Members of the Council be invited to participate in the event.
Capital Celebrations
The Director of Development submitted a report in relation to the progress which had been achieved in developing a programme of cultural activities and celebrations to be undertaken during 2006. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder:
“Purpose of Report
To update members on issues relating to Capital Celebrations and to seek approval for budgetary allocations in 2005/06.
Background
Members at the Development Committee meeting in March 2003 agreed that a programme of cultural activity and celebrations should be delivered in the city in 2006 to coincide with the Centenary Celebrations for City Hall.
Members will be aware that Capital Celebrations will showcase and promote the city to local and international audiences. Through promoting the city’s cultural offering it will provide an opportunity to attract additional visitors and enhance the range of cultural product available in the city. Members have agreed that the Belfast celebrations will follow a two stage process: collaboration with Cork in 2005 as part of their European Capital of Culture status and with other cities in England and Wales; and a year of cultural celebration in Belfast 2006.
This programme will commence in October 2005 and extend through to December 2006. Members will be aware that programme will include 4 main strands - Centenary, Festivals, Cultural Quarters and Sport as well as enhancements to existing event programmes and a number of new commissions. A comprehensive calendar and programme for the year is presently in preparation.
Budget and financial allocations
Funding to date
To date £3,515,000 has been secured as shown below. It is estimated that an additional £2 million is required to produce the optimum programme with extensive involvement of the community as well as attracting domestic and out of state visitors to Belfast for this special year.
2004 / 05 2005 / 06 2006 / 07 Estimated Total Millennium Commission £1,350,000 Arts Council of NI £370,000 Belfast city Council £200,000 £700,000 * £895,000 TOTAL £200,000 £2,050,000 £1,265,000 £3,515,000
- includes provision for: £600k - Development Committee
£30k - Tourism Sub Committee £70k - Arts Sub Committee
Millennium Commission Breakdown
Members will be aware that the Council was successful in an application to the Millennium Commission under the Urban Cultural Programme for £1.35 million. Of the Millennium Commission funding £300,000 was initially agreed for allocation for Cultural Programming under the ‘Enhancements to Programme’ funding set up through Culture and Arts funding schemes, enhancing existing events in the city between October 05 and February 06. Due to necessary alterations to the budget with the Millennium Commission it is recommended that this is now raised to £400,000, the original figure proposed through the Culture and Arts sub committee. Members are asked to note the breakdown agreed by the Millennium Commission below for delivery of the Capital Celebrations programme between October 05 and February 06.
Cultural Pathfinding £70,000 Giant Commission £75,000 Cultural Programming £450,000 Community Festivals £95,000 City Carnival £50,000 Global Conference on Community Arts £50,000 Opening Ceremony £80,000 Creative Showcase £25,000 Skills Development £50,000 Temporary Theatre space £230,000 Marketing £100,000 Delivery Team £75,000 Total £1,350,000
Details of the above projects are attached in Appendix 1.
Belfast City Council Funding
A provision has been made for £600,000 in the Development committee through the estimates for the new financial year from April 05 – March 06. Approval for the provisional breakdown of expenditure is requested as set out below.
Expenditure to date Proposed expenditure 2004 / 2005 2005 / 2006 Cultural Fund - 120,000 New Flagship Events - 195,000 Cultural Quarters - 30,000 Marketing 25,000 50,000 Partnerships 100,000 40,000 Monitoring & Evaluation 25,000 25,000 Training 3,000 7,000 Project Development 7,000 15,000 Delivery Team 40,000 110,000 Launch / Civic Reception - 8,000 Total 200,000 600,000
An explanation of each of the key areas proposed for expenditure is set out below.
Cultural Fund
It was evident from the consultation that in order to engage the community and assist with the delivery and marketing of community events a fund should be put in place, therefore, a provision for £120,000 for a Cultural Fund has been made above. This would be a grant application process for community groups and other groups to apply for funding to deliver an event for the Capital Celebrations. Once this breakdown has been approved the Cultural Fund will be launched to enable groups to begin planning their events to fit in with the celebrations.
New Flagship Events
It is anticipated that there will be a number of new flagship events during the Capital Celebrations period. These are currently being sourced and are envisaged to be major public outdoor unique events appealing to all citizens of Belfast. This will be an opportunity to showcase Belfast as a City capable of hosting world class events. Finance has already been secured for the Opening Ceremony in October and there is presently £195,000 proposed for additional flagship events during Oct 05 – Mar 06. Additional resources will have to be secured for flagship events between Mar 06 – Dec 06.
Cultural Quarters
A number of areas have emerged in the city with distinct identity due to their rich heritage and cultural infrastructure including Queen’s and Cathedral and quarters, with ongoing work being done on the development of the Titanic and Gaeltacht quarters. The Celebrations will continue to develop our cultural quarters as key cornerstones to the wide range of activities and events planned for the year. Workshops will be held shortly with organizations connected to each of the cultural quarters to develop ideas for capital celebrations. It is anticipated that new visitor signage, street dressing, and outdoor animation and special events will be progressed for Capital Celebrations.
Festivals
Capital Celebrations will work to co-ordinate festivals in the city to deliver improved and diverse audience attendance, and the sharing of resources. Belfast City Council has a strong commitment to Festival Development and the establishment of a Festivals Forum has produced increased interest from community festivals throughout Belfast. Festival Forums will be held monthly and an action plan developed to provide guidance on how new and established festivals can work together in programming, marketing and capacity–building under the Capital Celebrations banner. An action plan is presently underway and is appended to this report.
Centenary
The City Hall Centenary will form an important strand of the Capital Celebrations programme. A range of special events and activities are planned to mark this birthday celebration. As part of a wider marketing strategy the City Hall Centenary will benefit from increased awareness of its celebrations, a raised profile and national and international exposure. A budget of £400k has been considered through the P & R committee for the delivery of the Centenary Celebrations. NB. This expenditure is not shown on the Development budget.
Sport
World class sporting events will play an important role during the Capital Celebrations. The Belfast City Marathon celebrates its 25th Anniversary; Belfast welcomes the Special Olympics National Games; and, for the first time ever, Belfast will host the Commonwealth Fencing Championships. The Council has a ‘Support for Sport’ fund of £175k for aiding sports projects through grants and a proposal has been made to the Sports Council of Northern Ireland for match funding to enhance the programme during 2006. NB: This expenditure is not shown in the Development budget.
Arts Council Funding
As Members are aware a funding application was submitted to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland under the ‘Art of Regeneration’ for £500,000. A conditional offer of £370,000 has been made against programmes identified by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland on which we are presently negotiating.
Delivery Team
In order to deliver a successful programme and ensure the celebrations have a demonstrable impact both locally at community level and internationally a dedicated in-house team is required. Members will recall that Capital Celebrations originated from Belfast’s previous application for European Capital of Culture 2008. Following an unsuccessful bid, Belfast City Council showed civic leadership by committing to organise a celebratory programme to showcase the best of Belfast’s culture. The year 2006 was selected to coincide with the Centenary of City Hall.
The team currently comprises of Project Manager funded by Belfast City Council and 2 Project Officers funded by the Millennium Commission. The Millennium Commission has also agreed to the funding of an additional Project Officer to work on the programme.
In order to deliver a programme of the scale envisaged additional capacity is required to match the resource funding by the Millennium Commission. Given the need for Council to take the lead on delivering new events as well as dramatically boasting the current events programme, it is proposed that an additional member of staff is required to manage the specific Capital Celebrations Events up to December 2006. The Events Unit will have overall responsibility for delivering the Council’s enhanced programme for the year which will include producing the major opening and closing ceremonies, producing new events such as CS Lewis/Narnia Festival, potential involvement in St Patrick’s Day/12th July programmes and enhanced Titanic/ maritime heritage events over a 3 month period. The additional member of staff will ensure co-ordination with the Capital Celebrations programme.
An additional Project Officer and administrative support is also required to satisfy the huge demand from Culture and Arts organisations as well as local community demand to participate in the Capital Celebrations Programme. Projects across the City are at various stages and need worked up from concept to delivering stage by Project Officers working under the auspices of Council.
In conclusion the Millennium Commission is funding 3 posts with support for a further 2 posts and 1 Administrative Officer being sought through Council.
Stakeholders
A meeting with potential stakeholders including government agencies took place on the 16th February. The purpose of this meeting was to request sponsorship and support from the stakeholders.
Chief Executives and representatives from a number of organisations such as ACNI, Sports Council of Northern Ireland, DCAL, BVCB, MAGNI, BCCM, Laganside Corporation, Partnership Boards and DSD attended.
All the groups present voiced their support and commitment for the Capital Celebrations. A number of points were raised at the forum
• BCCM encourage local businesses to brand, provide sponsorship for the year
• The celebrations must be fun and uplifting for the city – focus on human infrastructure as well as cultural infrastructure
• Introduce themes throughout the year to encourage citizens to visit new places, experience new cultures
• Establish an action plan
• A memo of commitment is to be drawn up between Belfast City Council and each of the stakeholders outlining their degree of support.
In addition to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland only the Sports Council of Northern Ireland has registered interest in supporting the programme financially.
Marketing and Communications
Capital Celebrations are be working closely with BVCB and Council’s Corporate Communications unit to ensure an extensive, dynamic marketing strategy for the year of celebrations.
BVCB will be responsible for the Marketing strategy. They will deliver a marketing campaign in conjunction with the Better Believe It campaign, targeting key times of the year. A generic brochure with the aim of raising awareness has been produced along with nomadic stands for exhibition at trade shows, conferences and other appropriate events. A provisional date for the launch of the Capital Celebrations has been set for the 25th April, however this is subject to change.
The interim brand was used to raise awareness of the programme. The marketing and communications team are now working on the design of the brand for the celebrations. The finalized brand will be presented at the April committee.
Partnerships
Lagan to the Lee
The next event in the Lagan to the Lee series is the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Cork. A number of Belfast based groups and organizations are participating within these celebrations, these include: Belfast Community Circus School, Streetwise, Frankie Morgan with large scale puppets, Festival of Fools, Women’s Samba Band, Kodo Drummers and Catalyst Arts.
The Development Committee of February has approved the attendance of the Capital Celebrations Steering Committee at the St Patrick’s Day festival in Cork. The visit will involve attendance at the Lord Mayor’s St Patrick’s Eve Ball on Wednesday 16th and attendance at the St Patrick’s Day Parade, Civic Reception and Gala Night at the Opera House on Thursday 17th.
As the Lagan to the Lee programme has developed there have been a number of changes and new proposals. The SOLAS event and the Harp concert are not being progressed by Cork and therefore, other partnerships have been created for the Lagan to the Lee initiative. The Capital Celebrations Steering Committee have been advised that links between the film festivals, theatres and the music festivals from both cities will now be supported through the Lagan to the Lee initiative and have agreed to such initiatives being advanced. These partnerships can then be built on the following year to enhance Capital Celebrations.
Liverpool – Friend Ship Programme
Members will be aware that it was agreed to continue the relationship with Liverpool and develop the Friend Ship Project. Members will also be aware that Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Ongoing contact with officers has resulted in a dynamic partnership forming with Liverpool.
The Liverpool Culture Company has created a Friend Ship Schools project to visit all of the Cities in the Cultural Cities Network. The project will be launched in Easter 2005 and travel around all of the cities from September 2005. The programme consists of a Friend Ship coming to Belfast to visit primary schools in the Belfast area along with 2 workshop leaders and a facilitator funded by the Liverpool Culture Company.
A meeting has taken place with BELB Creative Advisor for the recruitment of 10 schools to take part in the project. The Creative Advisor has recommended selecting schools with a low arts infrastructure and within that to represent a cultural and geographical balance involving all communities with the inclusion of an integrated school and a special school.
Capital City Strategy Reference
5.1 To promote Belfast’s culture and market the experience the city has to offer.
Environmental Implications
None
Equality Impact
The policy being screened does not have a significant impact on equality of opportunity and therefore does not require an EQIA.
Recommendations
• Members to note the progress of Capital Celebrations.
• Members to note the Millennium Commission funding breakdown.
• Members to agree the proposed breakdown of the Belfast City Council funding.
• Members to agree the establishment of a cultural fund and to agree that Arts Sub consider recommendations for funding support.
• Members to agree to the allocation of resources for the additional staffing of the Capital Celebrations team.”
During discussion in the matter, a number of Members voiced concern in relation to the necessity to recruit additional staff to progress the initiative. In response, the Head of Economic Initiatives reviewed the staffing levels which would be dedicated to delivering the programme and gave an assurance that the additional staff would be recruited on a fixed-term contract basis which would expire on 31st December, 2006.
After further discussion, during which the Members were advised that funding to support the programme would be sought from the private sector and the Director undertook to contact the Head of Community and Leisure Services with a view to seeking support in respect of the delivery of the programme, the Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the report.
European Unit
The Director of Development submitted the undernoted report in relation to matters being progressed by the European Unit.
The Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the report.
Sprucefield Update and Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan Lecture Series
The Director of Development submitted a report in relation to the proposed developments at Sprucefield and the holding of a further Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan Lecture series. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder:
“Purpose of Report
To update Committee on activities in regard to the proposed developments at Sprucefield and to seek endorsement to go forward with a further BMAP Lecture series.
Background
Sprucefield
At Development Committee in February 2005 Members agreed [ref E4041] to use the opportunity of the recent joint Ministerial statement on Development Plans and Implementation of the Regional Development Strategy, particularly in regard to emerging development plans and prematurity to register further objection to the proposed Sprucefield development. A copy of the response is appended (Appendix 1).
BMAP Lectures
In the period prior to the publication of the draft BMAP, the Development Committee commissioned two series of lectures involving world experts on planning, design, transport, the environment and so on, which were very well attended and appreciated by a wide range of opinion in the City. The rationale was to raise the level of debate and empower public opinion in regard to the issues to be considered in BMAP. Due to the Draft BMAP being published in November 2004 and the urgency of Council making submissions and responses, the lecture series was deferred for 2004/05. However, it is probably even more important to keep key issues affecting the City firmly in the spotlight during the final BMAP gestation period.
Current Position
Sprucefield
As outlined at last month’s Committee, the Chief Executive has convened a retail group to ensure coherence to a Belfast response in regard to the threat posed by the Sprucefield developments to the City Centre. The group is composed of BCC staff, BCTC representatives, a number of major developers and their planning consultants.
To date the group has been advised that the volume of letters in regard to objections is an important factor, hence last month’s decision to use the opportunity of the Ministerial statement to correspond.
A further opportunity arose in late February in that an addendum to the Sprucefield Planning Application was received. A copy of our response which was due on 2 March is appended (Appendix 2). To date, Council has submitted four objections ie the original from Committee, a further letter following publication of the Draft BMAP, and the two appended letters. Members of the group have also agreed to share their inputs to the application and this is co ordinated within the Development Department. A communication plan is also being worked up to take advantage of opportunities to make the case for Belfast, eg the Lord Mayor had some input to the press release regarding the DSD announcements on 28 February. The BCTC have a meeting arranged with the Secretary of State on 8 March and further opportunities will be developed, some of which may involve Members.
Members can, of course, write in their own capacity and Development Department staff are available to assist in drafting should it be required. In this respect, also appended to this report (Appendix 3) is a very interesting article ‘Nowhere Land’, a critique on Urban Sprawl and the impact of out of town shopping centres and the growth of suburbia. The author is a renowned scholar Tristram Hunt, who is also responsible for a key text on local government, ‘Building Jerusalem, the rise and fall of the Victorian City’. Members should find this article interesting and of particular relevance to the wider BMAP debate.
BMAP Lecture Series
The Development Committee is successfully fulfilling its stated remit ‘of considering the issues and initiatives which impact upon the quality of life and prosperity of the City and the contribution the Council can make through the use of both its influence and assets’.
The Council has influenced the draft BMAP and BMTP; Titanic Quarter is now being discussed by a group with Council representation; we have had major input to the DSD’s Masterplan on the North West and North East Quarters, and the public realm proposals. While none of the above have gone absolutely in the direction of Council ideas, the position in regard to the Council’s role is much healthier than five years ago. We do, however, have some way to go in building the Council’s influence, particularly in areas such as the future of Laganside and Neighbourhood Renewal.
Besides our own practical achievements in areas such as the Gasworks, Tourism, Europe, Events, PLACE, Heritage and so on, which brings real credibility, a lot of influence is based on hard evidence, good ideas and real comparisons we have garnered.
The BMAP lecture series brought some new thinking to how Belfast should be developed and regenerated, indeed, the Council’s initial response to BMAP Becoming a Better Place which contained some of this thinking, won the William Johnston Memorial Trust Award for best practice in local government.
As noted in the background the 2004/05 series was deferred due to workload; however, it is important to keep good development ideas to the forefront so as the ambition and vision for a future Belfast does not slip. It is therefore proposed to organise a lecture series in 2005/06. In terms of cost the previous series cost around £20,000 which covered venues, advertising, speakers’ expenses and so on. It is proposed to set aside £40,000 for the next series as a maximum as there is the possibility of getting David Libeskind, a world class architect currently working on the new World Trade Centre Project at Ground Zero New York, to speak in Belfast. A profile is appended for further information (Appendix 4). The ACNI and the RSUA are keen to work with Council on this and could provide some funding; consequently we cannot yet be definitive regarding costs, although £40,000 is seen as an upper limit. Other speakers have yet to be identified although Tristram Hunt would be an interesting choice. We would expect to arrange between four to eight lectures depending on costs, and suggestions from Members are particularly welcome either in regard to subject matters, expert speakers or indeed political leaders who have turned cities around.
Environmental Implications
Sustainability is a key focus for BMAP.
Equality Implications
None.
Capital City Strategy Reference
1.2 To contribute to and influence the development of public policy.
Recommendation
Committee is asked to note the Sprucefield update and to endorse the 2005/06 BMAP lecture series as set out above, with a maximum budget £40,000.”
The Head of Urban Development reviewed the outcomes of the recently-held meeting of the Retail Group with the Secretary of State and pointed out that concern had been expressed in relation to the delay in publishing the revised Planning Policy Statement 5. Concern had been expressed also in respect of the method whereby a decision would be taken as to whether the John Lewis development would be authorised to proceed. He stated that, in view of the proximity of the Easter Bank Holiday and the forthcoming Local Government Elections, it was important to publicise the concerns of the Council and the Retail Group. Accordingly, the Lord Mayor would be holding a press conference during the ensuing week to put forward the Council’s viewpoint in respect of the application and at which local politicians would be requested to have the matter raised in Parliament.
After further discussion, during which it was agreed that the Mayor of Barcelona be requested to participate in the Belfast Metropolitan Area Lecture series, that all Members of the Council be invited to attend and that the John Lewis Partnership be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss the proposed development, the Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the report. It was agreed also that all Members of the Council be requested to subscribe to a statement outlining the Council’s opposition to the Sprucefield development.
Heart of the City Competition
The Director of Development reported that the Minister with Responsibility for the Department for Social Development had, on 28th February, announced the Department’s commitment to the refurbishment of the Public Realm in the City. An allocation of £14 million would be expended in that regard over the ensuing three years and the Department intended to progress the matter by the establishment of steering and working groups on which the Council would be represented. Donegall Square had been highlighted as a key part of the Strategy and the location had been designated as a Local Landscape Policy Area. It was proposed to develop the Square to provide an iconic setting for the City Hall and, with that in mind, the proposals indicated that buses should be relocated to adjacent streets. Initial discussions in that regard with representatives of Translink had proved to be positive.
The Director reported, in order to ensure the Council maintained a key role in the development, that a Heart of the City design competition be commissioned by the Committee in conjunction with the Department for Social Development. The competition would be commissioned during the next number of months and would culminate in a large exhibition of entries as part of the Centenary Celebrations. She pointed out that a competition of this size, together with the associated exhibition and related events, would cost in the region of £50,000.
Accordingly, the Director recommended that the Committee, in conjunction with the Department for Social Development, agree to organise the international design competition, and that an overall budget of £50,000 be allocated in this regard.
After discussion, during which the Director of Development replied to a question from a Member by pointing out that discussions would be held with representatives of the Department for Social Development to ensure that that Department was fully committed to the initiative, the Committee agreed to authorise the organisation of the competition at a maximum cost of £50,000.
Belfast City Centre Management – Corporate Plan
The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to future funding of the Belfast City Centre Management:
“Purpose of Report
To update Committee on Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) Corporate and Business Plans and to consider future funding.
Background
Committee engaged Colin Stutt Consulting last year to undertake an evaluation of BCCM as 2004/05 was the last year to which Committee has agreed to fund the organisation.
The evaluation report was considered by Committee in October 2004 and its recommendations were accepted. Committee also raised a number of concerns which were detailed as a condition together with the evaluation recommendations of further future Council funding.
The formal Committee position is that it supported in principle the provision of further funding to the company on the basis that its concerns would be discussed with the Board of BCCM and addressed with full assurance of compliance with any conditions. The level of future funding was deferred although the in principle decision was only for a two year period.
Current Position
Discussions have taken place with the BCCM Board, BCCM Management and the DSD, the third core funder as regards the future direction of BCCM.
In short, BCCM wish to play a more strategic role in the development of the city centre via its Board and to give effect to the operation of such strategies via action teams (formerly working groups) on areas such as cleaner, safer, more attractive and more accessible. An additional strategic area is that of retail and employment.
A three year corporate plan has been produced outlining a strategic approach by the BCCM Board so that a strong public/private lobby is built to drive the City Centre which is seen as the city’s economic driver and regional shop window.
In order to give the Board a more strategic focus, the concept of a part time Chairman has been agreed although the details of how such an appointment is made has yet to be formulated.
From the Council’s point of view, it would be ideal if a strong public/private lobby can be built for Belfast such as those that exist for Lisburn and the North West. It will mean that the Council will have to take its role on such a Board more seriously and have clear positions as to what needs to happen in areas such as retail, the cleansing of the city centre, safety downtown, etc.
No doubt it will take some time and effort to build strategic capacity but for 2005/06 BCCM will also continue with a number of existing activities outlined in a more focused way in a business plan section.
The Corporate Plan has been endorsed by the private sector and DSD both key funders who have undertaken to provide £170,000 per annum for the next three years.
BCCM would seek the endorsement of Council in regard to the Corporate Plan and funding to match the other partners for at least 2 years.
A copy of the Corporate and Business Plan is attached together with a letter from BCCM specifically addressing Council concerns.
Conclusions
From the Corporate Plan, it is clear that BCCM has gone some way to meeting Council concerns. There is no doubt that a strong Belfast lobby would be beneficial e.g. in areas such as Sprucefield proposals, the Council is working well with BCCM, BCTC and private developers, but further strategic focus is required to ensure that Government policy does not neglect Belfast and that its rightful place as regional driver is fully recognised.
The BCCM Corporate Plan is an opportunity for the public and private sectors to really come together and to focus on what is required to make Belfast work.
Environmental Implications
None.
Equality Considerations
None.
Capital City Strategy Reference
1.1 To facilitate the creation of a community plan which promotes joined-up working amongst key stakeholders in the city.
Budgetary Implications
BCCM are seeking a Council contribution of £170,000 p.a.
Recommendation
Committee are asked to consider the BCCM Corporate Plan and to ensure its concerns have been fully met. On the basis of that consideration, Committee is asked to agree to its decision in principle and identify a future funding level for BCCM.”
The Head of Urban Development reviewed the contents of the report and suggested that the Company had made substantial progress in meeting the requirements stipulated by the Council.
After discussion, during which the Committee noted the contents of the Company’s Corporate Plan 2005-2008 and the Business Plan 2005-2006, it was
Moved by Councillor Newton, Seconded by Councillor Wilson,
That the Committee agrees to provide funding in the sum of £125,000 to the Belfast City Centre Management on the basis that the level of funding be reviewed after a period of one year and subsequent to the production of a strategic plan for the Company.
On a vote by show of hands, four Members voted for the proposal and none against and it was accordingly declared carried.
Service Level Agreement between the Council and the Five Area Partnership Boards
The Director of Development submitted a report, copies of which had previously been circulated, providing an evaluation of the outputs of the completed Service Level Agreements between the Council and the five Area Partnership Boards and seeking the identification of the most appropriate option for a future working arrangement with the Boards.
After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the evaluation and deferred consideration of the options for a future working arrangement with the Boards to enable further information to be provided.
Translink Request
The Committee was advised that the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company had requested an opportunity to address the Members in respect of the major changes which had taken place recently in the provision of bus services within the City.
The Committee agreed to receive at a future meeting a presentation from representatives of the Company in that regard.
Tenders
Design and Placement of Advertisements
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th January, it had deferred consideration of a report in respect of the acceptance of a tender for the design and placement of advertisements and had agreed that the Policy and Resources Committee be requested, in view of the level of expenditure involved, to revisit the decision to have this work undertaken by an external agency.
The Head of Urban Development reported that, the Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 18th February, had agreed to adhere to the current policy in relation to the design and placement of advertisements. It had been agreed further that the report in relation to the acceptance of a successful tender in this regard be referred back to the Development Committee and that the issue be considered further as part of the Council’s medium-term financial strategy.
Accordingly, he reported that, in response to public advertisement, six tenders had been received in relation to the provision of this service and that each had been evaluated in accordance with pre-agreed criteria. He recommended that the most economically advantageous tender, that submitted by the Anderson Spratt Group Limited, Anderson House, Holywood Road, Belfast, in the sum of £1,095,865, be accepted. He recommended further, in view of the delay in awarding the tender, that the period of the contract should be from 1st May, 2005 to 30th April, 2006, with an option to renew annually up till a date not later than 30th April, 2008.
The Committee adopted the recommendation, subject to completion of form of contract to be prepared by the Director of Legal Services.
Graphic Design and Advertising Service for St. George’s Market and Smithfield Market
The Head of Urban Development reported that, in response to public advertisement, six tenders had been received for the provision of the above-mentioned service for the period from 1st April, 2005 till 31st March, 2007. He stated that each tender had been evaluated in accordance with pre-agreed criteria and he recommended that the most economically advantageous tender, that submitted by TDP Advertising, 76 University Street, Belfast be accepted.
The Committee adopted the recommendation, subject to the completion of form of contract to be prepared by the Director of Legal Services.
Inaugural Meeting of Titanic Quarter Working Group
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 16th February, it had agreed that the Council be represented on the Titanic Quarter Working Group by the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Development and Town Planning Committees, together with one representative from each of the Party Groups on the Council not represented by those Members.
The Director of Development reported that, whilst the Council’s representation on the Group had yet to be finalised, the inaugural meeting of the Group had taken place on 2nd March. Titanic Quarter Limited had submitted a final version of a development framework, the principle of which had been endorsed by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, which had made progress towards addressing the concerns of the Council in relation to the development of the area. It had been recommended that the Council’s staff undertake a full analysis of the framework and that the outcome be submitted for consideration at a future special meeting of the Committee, to which the Members of the Town Planning Committee would be invited. The analysis would identify the stage which the framework had reached in addressing the views of the Council in respect of masterplanning, housing, heritage, economic development, transport, public realm, design and wider impacts.
The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a special meeting, to which the Members of the Town Planning Committee would be invited, be held subsequent to the Local Government Elections to consider the development framework, the date of which to be determined in conjunction with the Chairman.
Arterial Routes Façade Improvements – Falls Road
The Director of Development submitted a report in relation to the upgrade of shop fronts on a section of the Falls Road. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder:
“Purpose of Report
To obtain approval to the select list of contractors to be invited to tender for the upgrade of shop fronts at nos. 101 to 111 Falls Road and to seek delegated authority to accept the most advantageous tender.
Background
At its meeting on 14th January, 2004 the Development Committee approved the proposed Neighbourhood Regeneration Plans for various locations within the City. Lower Falls from McPeake’s shop (no. 111) at the junction of Springfield Road towards the City Centre, was singled out for ‘Retail Signage and Shop Frontage & Street Environmental Improvement’ (Ref. W8) (copy attached as Appendix B, for ease of reference).
This pilot project as part of the phase1 Arterial Routes initiative further benefited from the approval of BLSP funding to supplement the agreed expenditure from ‘Brighter Belfast’.
Current Position
The design of the works is being progressed to final design stage and an advertisement was placed in the local press inviting applications from contractors who wished to be placed on a select list to be invited to tender for the works.
In response to the public advertisement thirteen contractors applied for inclusion on the select list.
These applications were evaluated in accordance with the Council’s procurement procedures and six contractors are recommended to be invited to tender.
Details of the evaluations are included as Appendix A to this report.
In order to expedite the procurement process to meet the anticipated completion date of Autumn 2005 the Committee is requested to delegate authority to the Chief Executive and the Director of Development Department in consultation with the Chairman of the Development Committee (Councillor Ian Crozier) to accept the most advantageous tender for the works within the anticipated overall cost of £240,000.
Resources
An amount of £100,000 has been allocated from the Council’s ‘Brighter Belfast’ programme for the design and construction of the works. The remaining estimated funding of £140,000 for this and the remaining terrace will be provided by the ‘Belfast Local Strategy Partnership’.
Environmental Implications
None.
Equality Considerations
None.
Capital City Strategy Reference
To promote dynamic precincts and neighbourhoods.
Budgetary Implications
As outlined in Resources.
Recommendation
The contractors numbered 1 to 6 in Appendix A are recommended for inclusion on the select list of contractors to be invited to tender for the works:
Approval Required
The Committee is requested to approve:
1. The select list of contractors
2. The issue of tender documents to those contractors included on the select list
3. The acceptance of the most advantageous tender within the anticipated overall cost of £240,000 by means of authority delegated to the Chief Executive and the Director of Development Department, in consultation with the Chairman of the Development Committee (Councillor Ian Crozier).”
The Committee approved the inclusion of the undernoted firms in the Select List of Contractors, adopted the recommendations contained within the report and granted the approvals sought:
McLaughlin and Harvey Limited, 15 Trench Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim
William Dowling Limited, 71-73 Grand Street, Hilden, Lisburn
JPM Contracts Limited, 79 Main Street, Dungiven
J. C. Ramsay and Son, 4 Prince Regent Road, Belfast
Coulter Windows Limited, 27 Dunnaval Road, Ballyardle, Kilkeel
Dixon Contractors, 143 Tullaghans Road, Dunloy
Chairman
