Development Committee 14 February 2007
From Nigov
Development Committee Wednesday, 14th February, 2007
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Members present
Councillor McCausland (Chairman); the High Sheriff (Councillor Kirkpatrick); and Councillors M. Browne, Convery, Crozier, Ekin, Hartley, Humphrey, Kelly, Maginness, A. Maskey, P. Maskey, McGimpsey, Newton, Stoker and Smyth.
Also attended
Councillor Mullaghan.
In attendance
- Ms. M. T. McGivern (Director of Development)
- Ms. S. McCay (Head of Economic Initiatives)
- Ms. S. Wylie (Head of Urban Development)
- Mr. N. Malcolm (Committee Administrator)
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 17th January 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 February, subject to the omission of that portion of the minute under the heading "Belfast City Council's Contribution to the Broadway Junction Public Art Sculpture" which, at the request of Councillor Stoker, had been taken back for further consideration.
Belfast City Centre Management
The Director of Development advised the Committee that representatives from Belfast City Centre Management were in attendance to make a presentation regarding its proposed Business Plan for 2007/2008 and to request that the Council provide the organisation with £140,000 for the forthcoming financial year. She pointed out that the amount being requested was the same as that which had been provided by the Council in the current financial year.
The Committee agreed to receive the deputation. Accordingly, Ms. Joanne Jennings, City Centre Manager, and Mr. Joe Drew, Acting Chairman, together with three representatives from the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman (Councillor McCausland).
With the assistance of visual aids, Mr. Drew informed the Members that the Company had received awards during the previous year for a number of its schemes, including the Evening Economy Initiative and the Regeneration of Historic Entries. He stated that, in the current year, the membership of the organisation had increased by 14% and that retail sales during December and January in Belfast had increased by
3.2%, compared to the United Kingdom average of 2.5%. He pointed out that the organisation had supported the Council on a number of issues, including the Judicial Review which had been taken regarding the Sprucefield Development and an initiative involving the independent retail sector. He reviewed the work which Belfast City Centre Management had undertaken with the outreach workers who worked with homeless persons in Belfast City centre.
Ms. Jennings outlined the key issues which Belfast City Centre Management would face in the coming year. These included the expansion of the City centre, the work which would be undertaken to the Public Realm and the threats which might come from out of town shopping centres. She outlined the new initiatives which would be undertaken and referred to a scheme which had involved the collation of information regarding retail thefts, which had attracted funding of £50,000 from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. She pointed out that for each £1 of funding provided by the Council, Belfast City Centre Management had secured £13 from the private sector. She concluded her presentation by requesting that the Committee approve Belfast City Centre Management's Business Plan for the coming year and agree to provide funding in the sum of £140,000 to the organisation in respect of the 2007/2008 financial year.
The representatives from Belfast City Centre Management thanked the Committee for receiving them and retired from the meeting.
The Director of Development indicated that she would be presenting at the next monthly meeting a report regarding the City Centre Action Plan which would, amongst other matters, examine the work which was undertaken by Belfast City Centre Management.
After discussion, the Committee agreed to provide funding of £140,000 to Belfast City Centre Management in respect of the 2007/2008 financial year.
Belfast City Council's Contribution to the Broadway Junction Public Art Sculpture
The Committee considered further the minute of 17th January under the heading "Belfast City Council's Contribution to the Broadway Junction Public Art Sculpture", which had been taken back by the Chairman at the Council meeting on 1st February at the request of Councillor Stoker.
Councillor Stoker expressed the view that the two communities which lived close to the Broadway Junction would only consider the public art sculpture acceptable if the project were to be included as part of a wider regeneration scheme to be undertaken in the area.
The Director pointed out that the Council intended to establish a Project Board and a Steering Group in connection with the scheme and indicated that she would ensure that they developed a strategic plan for the area around Broadway Junction.
In view of the comments of the Director, the Committee agreed to affirm its decision of 17th January regarding the Council's contribution to the Broadway Junction Public Art Sculpture.
Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee
Resolved - That the minutes of the meetings of the Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee of 29th January and 7th February be approved and adopted.
Arts Sub-Committee
The minutes of the meetings of the Arts Sub-Committee of 31st January and 7th February were approved and adopted.
Belfast Festival at Queen's
Arising out of discussion of the minutes of 31st January, the Committee agreed that the Council should continue to lobby the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland for additional funds for the Belfast Festival at Queen's.
Economic Development Sub-Committee
Linkages with Washington DC and Portland
In considering the minutes of the meeting of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of 31st January, the Head of Economic Initiatives drew the Committee's attention to a decision of the Sub-Committee agreeing, inter alia, that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Economic Development Sub-Committee participate in a visit to Washington in late June. She pointed out that, subject to the adoption by the Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 16th February of the new Governance arrangements, the Sub-Committee would cease to exist following the Annual Meeting of the Council on 4th June. She suggested, therefore, that the decision be amended to provide that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Development Committee, together with the Lord Mayor and two officers, undertake the visit to Washington. The Committee agreed with this suggestion.
Adoption of Minutes
The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of 31st January, subject to the minute under the heading "Linkages with Washington DC and Portland" being amended to provide that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Development Committee, rather than the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Economic Development Sub-Committee, accompany the Lord Mayor and two officials on the visit to Washington in late June.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Future City Report
The Committee considered the undernoted report.
After discussion, the Committee adopted the foregoing recommendation.
Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan and the Proposed Retail Development at Sprucefield
(Mr. J. Walsh, Principal Solicitor, attended in connection with this item.)
Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan
The Principal Solicitor reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 6th December, he had been granted authority to investigate the possible instigation of a Judicial Review regarding the level of the Council's representation at the Planning Inquiry into the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. He indicated that, whilst it had been established that there could be merit in such a Review, it was considered that such a challenge could be sustained only on the basis of a collaborative action with other parties. However, it had been established that no other public organisation would be prepared to collaborate with the Council. Accordingly, the Judicial Review had not been pursued.
The Committee noted the information provided by the Principal Solicitor.
Proposed Retail Development at Sprucefield
The Head of Urban Development informed the Members that, since it had objected previously, the Council had received notification of a further submission of information in respect of the Sprucefield Retail Development planning application, which had required the Council to respond by 2nd February.
She indicated that the retail aspect of the Council's response had been compiled by the Consultants which had been appointed in connection with the first application and that the issues regarding the "non-severability" of the John Lewis Department Store and the twenty-nine additional units had been addressed through a submission which had been compiled by the Development Department. These had been submitted by the response date. The Head of Urban Development reminded the Members that copies of the Council's responses had been circulated and were available on the Members' Portal.
After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the submissions which had been made in relation to the planning application which had been submitted in connection with the proposed retail development at Sprucefield.
Department for Social Development's Proposals for the City Centre Public Realm - Update Report
The Committee considered the contents of the undernoted report regarding the proposed development of the City Centre Public Realm.
Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the Chairman be appointed to represent the Council on the proposed Steering Group for the public art to be located within the City Centre Public Realm and that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee be nominated to represent the Council on the Donegall Square Competition Steering Group.
Giant's Park - Update Report
The Committee noted that the consultation process regarding the Giant's Park proposal, which was the subject of a BIG Lottery Fund application, would be launched on 22nd February in the Belfast Waterfront Hall. In addition, the Committee agreed that Members should undertake a series of study visits to the North Foreshore site to view the work being undertaken thereon in connection with the Giant's Park.
Gasworks Estate - Safety at the Water Feature
The Committee agreed, since there were no Members present at the meeting who represented the Lower Ormeau Road area, to defer consideration of a report regarding the safety at the water feature located within the Gasworks.
Heating and Ventilation of St. George's Market
The Director of Development informed the Committee that there was currently no provision to heat or cool the market hall, which resulted in it being uncomfortably cold during the winter and during the summer uncomfortably hot. Accordingly, tenders had been invited to provide heating and ventilation equipment at St. George's Market. She reported that, in response to a public advertisement, twenty-one firms had applied for inclusion on the Select List to undertake the project. She reported that these applications had been evaluated in accordance with Council's procurement procedures and the six companies which had achieved the highest points would be invited to submit tenders. She pointed out that, in order to expedite the installation of the ventilation system before the Summer period, it would be beneficial if authority could be delegated for the eventual acceptance of the tenders.
After discussion, the Committee agreed that tenders for the installation of a heating and ventilation system in St. George's Market be invited from those contractors on the Select List and agreed further to delegate authority to the Director, in consultation with the Chairman, to accept the most advantageous tender on the understanding that it was within the amount of £270,000 included for the project in the Capital Programme.
Independent Retail
The Committee considered the undernoted report.
A Member expressed concern that the pilot programme would be operated only in the City centre and pointed out that a large number of independent retailers operated on the arterial routes.
In response, the Director of Development indicated that in the forthcoming financial year additional money would be available to expand the proposed scheme. She suggested that this money could be used in conjunction with that which was available for the proposed pilot scheme, thereby enabling a larger pilot project to be undertaken involving the independent retail sector in both the City centre and on the arterial routes.
Accordingly, the Committee agreed that, in addition to the programme to support thirty independent retail businesses in the City centre, the pilot scheme be enlarged to include the independent retail sector on the arterial routes and in the suburbs of Belfast.
Proposed New Road Junction at Connsbank
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 17th January, it had considered a report regarding the final draft of the Titanic Quarter Masterplan/Development Framework and had endorsed the response which had been provided by officers to the document. This response had included comments on the general approach to transportation matters, including the developer meeting the costs associated with the provision of a new road junction at Connsbank to provide vehicular access to Titanic Quarter.
The Committee was advised that, following several meetings between Council officers and representatives from the Planning and Roads Services and Titanic Quarter Limited, the Council had submitted two responses to these Bodies, copies of which had previously been circulated to the Members, regarding the proposed junction. These had raised a number of concerns, including the loss of Council-owned land at Victoria Park and King George V Playing Fields.
After discussion, the Committee endorsed the contents of the two response documents and agreed that the proposed new junction at Connsbank be included on the agenda for the special meeting of the Committee which would be held to discuss Titanic Quarter. In addition, the Committee agreed that representatives from the Planning and Roads Services and Titanic Quarter Limited be invited to attend that meeting.
Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Arising from discussion in the previous matter, the Director of Development informed the Members that the Belfast Harbour Commissioners had indicated that they were keen for the Committee to visit the Port to discuss matters of mutual interest and to enable the Members to view the facilities which were available within Belfast Harbour.
The Committee agreed that a special meeting in this regard be held on a date to be determined in conjunction with the Chairman.
Business Improvement Districts
The Director informed the Members that Business Improvement Districts, which had been pioneered in America, were operating in England and Wales and would shortly be introduced in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. These Districts were designed to encourage the development of business-led innovation and a greater degree of local control over the provision and administration of services. However, the legislation to introduce such Districts did not exist in Northern Ireland, although various initiatives to establish voluntary Business Improvement Districts were at a formative stage.
She indicated that the scheme involved charging businesses within the designated area an agreed levy based on the rateable value of the property. This levy was used on projects to improve or regenerate the local district. The Districts were not a substitute for investment by Central and Local Government but provided additional investment to strengthen an area's economic outlook.
The Director indicated that research had been undertaken which suggested that there would be merit in a Business Improvement District model being established in Belfast and that it would be advantageous for Northern Ireland to learn from the United Kingdom's experiences and put in place a refined Business Improvement District process which reflected the needs and sensitivities of the City.
The Committee noted the information which had been provided and the comments thereon of the Director.
European Unit - Update Report
The Committee considered the undernoted report regarding the progress which had been achieved in the previous month by the European Unit.
After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendations.
Laganside - Update Report
The Committee agreed to refer to its special meeting on 21st February an Update Report regarding the current situation concerning the Laganside Corporation.
Consultancy Framework Agreements
The Director reminded the Committee that the Project Management Unit had a number of framework agreements in place in connection with construction-related design consultancy services and for the undertaking of economic appraisals.
She pointed out that it had become apparent that two further frameworks would be required to enable the Council to engage specialist consultants to provide advice on planning decisions and to assist in the development of projects through the planning system. She informed the Members that submissions from interested companies had already been invited and that a Select List would be created from which bids for planning advice would be invited as and when necessary. She indicated that, in order to avoid the need for repetitive approvals, it would be advantageous if the Committee delegated authority to accept any bids which exceeded the quotation limit, which was currently £30,000, to the Director and the Head of Urban Development, in consultation with the Chairman. In addition, to prevent delays in establishing the framework agreement, it would be advantageous if the Committee were to delegate authority to the Director and the Head of Urban Development, in consultation with the Chairman, to approve the Select List from which bids would subsequently be invited.
Following discussion, the Committee agreed to delegate authority to the Director and the Head of Urban Development, in consultation with the Chairman, to:
(i) approve the Select List from which bids for planning advice would subsequently be invited; and
(ii) accept any future bids during the term of the framework agreement for planning advice which exceeded the quotation limit.
2007 Ambit Programme
The Committee noted that the Director of Development had been selected to participate in the Ambit Programme which was an annual study visit to America and provided civic leaders in Northern Ireland with the opportunity to learn about certain aspects of economic, social and cultural development in the United States.
Tenders for the Supply and Delivery of Annual Supplies
The Director of Development informed the Committee that tenders had been invited by public advertisement for the supply and delivery of Annual Supplies for the following:
(i) supply of promotional items, which would be for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st March, 2010;
(ii) supply of protective gloves, which would be for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st March, 2010;
(iii) the supply of broken stones and screenings, which would be for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st March, 2008; and
(iv) the supply and delivery of litter pickers, which would be for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st March, 2011.
The Director reported that twenty companies had submitted tenders for the various categories of work. The schedule of the tenders being recommended for acceptance had previously been circulated to the Members. She stated that the list of recommendations made represented the lowest, equal lowest, lowest tender on aggregate to specification or most economically advantageous tender received and that they were based on the evaluation criteria listed within the individual tenders.
The Committee noted the comments of the Director of Development and adopted the recommendations contained within the aforementioned schedule, a copy of which was signed by the Chairman (Councillor McCausland).
Future of the PLACE Design Centre
The Head of Urban Development reminded the Committee that, in 2003, it had agreed to provide a PLACE Design Centre in order to promote awareness and understanding of quality urban design and architecture and to facilitate community outreach in relation to the built environment. The Centre had subsequently been located in a ground floor space opening onto Fountain Street which was included within the lease for the Belfast Welcome Centre. In 2004, the Council had entered into an agreement with the Royal Society for Ulster Architects to manage the Centre and employ appropriate staff. She indicated that the Royal Society was responsible for programming and organising events within the Centre and employed a curator and administrative assistant. Since 2004, over thirty exhibitions had taken place within the Design Centre and 8,237 persons had visited the facility.
The Head of Urban Development informed the Members that an evaluation of the project was underway currently, although the results would not be known until April, after which it would be necessary to develop a business case for the longer term future of a built environment centre for Belfast. However, in order to do this, it would be necessary for the existing arrangement, which was due to expire in September, to continue until March, 2008. She pointed out that the maintenance costs of the building, which were met by the Council, were approximately £5,000 per annum and that this amount had been included in the estimates for the forthcoming financial year.
The management costs of the Centre were met by the Royal Society for Ulster Architects. She informed the Members that a further report regarding the longer term future of the built environment centre would be submitted to the Committee later in the year.
After discussion, the Committee agreed that the agreement between the Royal Society for Ulster Architects regarding the PLACE Design Centre be extended until March, 2008.
Chairman
