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Date: 23 Sep 2024
A powerful collaboration of the public, private and third sectors across the Belfast city region is strengthening Northern Ireland’s economy, boosting the flow of inward investment and helping to achieve key aims of the recently announced Programme for Government.
That was the clear message from a Belfast City & Region Place Partnership event held in Belfast Grand Central Station, where attendees heard how this collaborative approach has already put the region on the map and helped build the foundations for a prosperous future for all.
The Belfast City & Region Place Partnership, which brings together stakeholders from across the public, private and third sectors to drive sustainable development and placemaking, recognises the funding challenges for developments across Northern Ireland and believes private sector support can be leveraged to drive social and economic growth.
In doing so, the partnership will help meet the aims of the Programme for Government and those set out by Economy Minister Conor Murphy in his Economic Vision which seeks to create good jobs, increase productivity, promote regional balance and to decarbonise.
The Belfast City & Region Place Partnership represents a significant step forward in coordinating efforts to shape the Belfast region’s future prosperity and success.
Joe O'Neill, Chair of the Belfast City & Region Place Partnership and Chief Executive, Belfast Harbour, said: “The recent agreement on the Programme for Government marks a pivotal moment for Northern Ireland, providing a clear roadmap for our region's development. The Belfast City & Region Place Partnership is perfectly positioned to play a key role in realising these ambitions. In today's challenging economic climate, it's more important than ever that we work together across sectors to create spaces and places that benefit all our communities.
“We must also acknowledge the reality of our current financial landscape. Public sector finances are not just strained: they're severely drained after years of budget cuts and increasing demands on services. Attracting additional investment from the private sector is not just a very welcome opportunity, it’s imperative.
“The partnership's focus on placemaking is particularly crucial in this context. We're not just developing physical spaces – we're creating environments that foster community, drive economic activity, and improve quality of life. This holistic approach to development has the potential to transform our region, making it more attractive to residents, visitors, and investors alike. By working together, we can ensure that every project contributes to the overall vision of a thriving, sustainable and inclusive region.”
John Walsh, Chief Executive, Belfast City Council, said: “The Belfast Agenda, which sets out our ambitions for the city, aligns closely with the Programme for Government’s objectives, focusing on driving inclusive, sustainable growth. Investment in quality homes, placemaking, connectivity and social infrastructure lies at the heart of that shared vision.
“We've seen game-changing projects like Belfast Grand Central Station and the Ulster University campus breathe new life into our city centre. But the impact extends far beyond Belfast itself. Belfast Region City Deal projects like the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) in Newtownabbey, the i4C Innovation Centre in Ballymena, Belfast Stories, the rejuvenation of Hillsborough, the Mournes Gateway visitor attraction, and the waterfront redevelopment in Bangor all demonstrate how targeted investments can stimulate wider economic and social activity across the entire region – creating better jobs and opportunities for residents and making us more competitive on the global stage.
“The Belfast City & Region Place Partnership will continue to facilitate and encourage collaboration between local authorities, government agencies and businesses. By aligning efforts and resources with these overarching objectives, the partnership is creating a more cohesive approach to development that benefits all stakeholders. Through fostering cooperation and coordinating resources, we’re creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that support economic growth, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.”
As the partnership moves forward, it will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that development plans reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of communities across the Belfast region.
For more information, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investinbelfast/connections/belfast-city-and-region-place-partnership and follow @Invest_Belfast on X and www.linkedin.com/company/investinbelfast on LinkedIn.