They say the “wheels of justice turn slowly”, but what about the wheels of development in Belfast?
Development dreams… all talk, but little action
In recent years, perhaps decades, the city has become somewhat infamous due to the slow pace of developments in getting off the ground.
A recent council audit report found that major planning applications in Belfast are taking, on average, twice the amount of time allowed by statutory regulations.
Then there are projects that have been stalled, like the controversial Tribeca plan, or delayed, such as the new Belfast maternity hospital, or just never materialised (George Best Hotel, due to the company behind it going bust).
Eyes are also on the Belfast Stories project — a public space, visitor attraction and creative hub at the former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue.
This week, a final call was put out for people to contribute to a public consultation on the project, which is part of the Belfast City Region Deal. This was first announced in 2019 and signed in December 2021, with Belfast Stories unveiled the same month. At the time, it was reported it would open in 2028. In 2023, an opening date of 2029 was given. Now the opening date is 2030.
So, will it open in 2030, almost a decade since the plans were unveiled? Who knows?
Minister’s copy and paste response
Meanwhile, plans for traffic calming measures outside Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium have been delayed — partially due to something that is supposed to help traffic.
Last February, then Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said in response to an Assembly question: “I can advise that Onslow Parade and Ravenhill Park, Belfast, have been assessed for the introduction of traffic calming measures. Following the assessment, preparation of a feasibility design is now under way.”
Asked for an update in recent days, new Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins issued a familiar response: “I can advise that Onslow Parade and Ravenhill Park, Belfast, have been assessed for the introduction of traffic calming measures. Following the assessment, preparation of a feasibility design is now under way.”
Ms Kimmins added that this work has been delayed “due to my limited staff resources being redirected to urgent and priority work”, including on Belfast Grand Central Station.
Liz Kimmins
Time ticks on rates
Elsewhere, time is running out for Stormont to ride to the rescue to soften the pain of a 5.99% rates hike for Belfast residents.
Earlier this month, councillors at City Hall agreed via a majority vote to increase the district rate, but at the same time agreed the bump of almost 6% could be re-examined up until the date the rate needs to be legally set, which is February 15.
This was to allow time for the Executive to potentially jump in and agree to cover increases in National Insurance contributions.
With only a few days to go, this doesn’t look likely.