28 May 2015 Chairman

28 May 2015

Chairman: Alderman A G Ewart Vice-Chairman: Alderman W J Dillon MBE Alderman: S Martin Councillors: J Baird, B Bloomfield MBE, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, T Mitchell, Jenny Palmer, S Skillen and M H Tolerton

Ex Officio The Right Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath

The Monthly Meeting of the Development Committee will be held in the Chestnut Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn, on Wednesday, 3 June 2015 at 7.00 pm for the transaction of business on the undernoted Agenda.

Tea/Coffee available in Members Suite following the meeting.

You are requested to attend.

DR THERESA DONALDSON Chief Executive Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council

Agenda

1 Apologies

2 Declarations of Interest

3 Minutes – Meeting of the Development Committee held on 13 May 2015 (Copy Attached)

4 Deputation - to receive Mr Kevin Monaghan, Eastern Divisional Manager, Transport NI, in order to present to the Committee on their Spring 2015 report. Item 1 of the Director of Development and Planning’s Report refers (7.00 pm)

5 Report from Director of Development and Planning

1. Department for Regional Development Transport NI Eastern Division 1.1 Presentation by Transport NI Eastern Division – Spring Report 2. Interim Economic Development Action Plan 2015-2017 3. Evening Economy Strategy 4. 2015 Balmoral Show 5. Speciality Food Fair – Moira Demesne 6. Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week 7. Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Fundraising Dinner – Thursday 1 October 2015 8. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Business Awards 2016 9. SME Development Programme 2015/2016 10. Broadband UK (BDUK) Pilot for Broadband in Rural Areas 11. Discover Waterways Lisburn Project Update 12. Strategic Revitalisation Project 13. Tender for External Evaluation of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 14. City Promotion Budget – Integrated Marketing Campaign 15. Meeting with DSD Minister – Transferring Functions 16. Meeting with DRD Minister – M1/Knockmore Link Road 17. 2015/2016 Tourism Development Small Grants 18. Milltown Environmental Improvement Scheme 19. Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network & Interact Business Networking Evening, 5.30pm, Thursday 25 June 2015, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Hillsborough 20. Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 21. Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services 22. Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project 23. Consultation Report – “Sustainable Water – A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland”

6. Confidential Business

Report by the Director of Development and Planning in connection with:

1. City Centre Management Function – Update (Confidential due to information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual)

2. Lisburn City Centre Public Realm Scheme 2.1 Application for Leave for Judicial Review 2.2 Complaint to Equality Commission (Confidential due to information in relation to legal proceedings)

Members are requested to access the confidential report on Sharepoint under the Confidential folder – Development Committee.

7. Any other Business

--ooOOoo--

To: Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee 13/05/2015

LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL Minutes of the proceedings of the Development Committee meeting of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL on Wednesday, 13 May 2015 at 5.30 pm

IN THE CHAIR: Alderman A G Ewart

PRESENT: Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath

Councillors B Bloomfield, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, T Mitchell, S Skillen and M H Tolerton

IN ATTENDANCE: Director of Development & Planning Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) Building Control Manager Regeneration Manager, Committee Secretary

Lisburn Public Realm Scheme

Mr David Watkiss, Landscape Architect, The Paul Hogarth Company Mr Darren Price, Project Manager, White Young Green Mr Conor McGeown, Project Manager, White Young Green

Commencement of Meeting

The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, welcomed everyone to the May Meeting of the Development Committee.

1. Apologies

It was agreed to accept apologies for non-attendance at the meeting from The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett, Alderman W J Dillon MBE, Councillors J Baird, U Mackin and Jenny Palmer.

2. Declarations of Interest

The Chairman invited Members to declare any Conflicts of Interest they might have in relation to the business of the meeting and reminded them of the requirement that they complete Declaration of Interest forms in this regard, which had been provided at the meeting.

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2. Declarations of Interest (Cont’d)

A Declaration of Interest form was received from:

• The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, in respect of the following items in view of his employment as a Special Advisor for the Department of Social Development of the Northern Ireland Assembly:

- Item 7 Huguenot/Hilden – Potential Laganscape Project

- Item 10: Department of Social Development – Affordable Warmth Scheme

3. Minutes of the Development Committee Meeting held on 1 April 2015

It was agreed that the Minutes of the Development Committee meeting held on 1 April 2015, as adopted by the Council at its meeting held on 28 April 2015, be confirmed and signed.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Lisburn City Centre Public Realm – Presentation

“In Committee”

It was proposed by Councillor A Givan, seconded by Councillor M H Tolerton, and agreed that the Public Realm presentation be considered “in Committee” in the absence of the press and members of the public.

The Assistant Director reported that representatives of White Young Green, Consultants, and also the Public Realm Architect, The Paul Hogarth Company Limited, would present a further update to the Committee on the delivery of the Lisburn City Centre Public Realm Scheme.

Prior to receiving the deputation to the Meeting the Assistant Director updated the Committee in relation to the current position on the Public Realm Scheme, it being noted that the Scheme was now officially ‘over time’ and ‘over programme,’ the original programme completion date having been 6 May 2015.

Councillor S Skillen entered the Meeting at 5.45 pm.

The Director and the Assistant Director responded to questions from the Committee in relation to a number of issues including:

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4. Lisburn City Centre Public Realm – Presentation (Cont’d)

- manpower on site by the contractor and also sub-contractors - negativity in the local press concerning the Public Realm Scheme, - maintenance and reinstatement issues on an on-going basis - clauses in the Contract in connection with the programme having overrun. - the current situation with Road Service re the proposed road closures in the City Centre

It was agreed that the deputation be invited to join the meeting (5.53 pm).

The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, extended a welcome, on behalf of the Committee, to Mr Darren Price and Mr Connor McGeown, White Young Green, and to Mr David Watkiss, The Paul Hogarth Company.

With the aid of PowerPoint Mr McGeown proceeded to present to the Committee on:

- current position with the programme of works - defects management - defects correction - installation of feature columns - interactive LED floor - street furniture – bespoke bins and seating

Following the PowerPoint presentation the Committee viewed a short video to highlight the effects of the interactive LED floor similar to what was being designed for the City Centre events space.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath, entered the Meeting at 6.10 pm.

At the conclusion of the presentation the deputation responded to questions from the Committee on issues arising out of the presentations, in particular:-

- defects in Bow Street. Mr Price confirmed that the Contractor had been paid only for work completed satisfactorily. - Long term durability and the effective treatment of graffiti on the timber furniture in the City Centre - suitability of paving materials in wet or icy conditions - a health and safety issue regarding the variable height of steps at the front of the Irish Linen Centre - final planned completion date - measures to discourage skateboarders

The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, thanked the deputation for their presentation following which they left the Meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor S Carson, seconded by Councillor A P Ewing, and agreed to come “out of Committee” and normal business was resumed.

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4. Lisburn City Centre Public Realm – Presentation (Cont’d)

Resumption of Normal Business

On the resumption of normal business it was noted that the Committee had agreed to note the update on the Public Realm Scheme.

5. Report by the Director of Development and Planning

For Decision

5.1 Terms of Reference

The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.

The Director reminded the Committee of the requirement as set out in the draft Council Constitution where, in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the Council would operate a decision making structure through the agreed committees. Specifically in accordance with Part 4 of the Act, each committee would operate in accordance with a set Terms of Reference regarding the discharge of its functions. The Terms of Reference would be record the defined remit and role of the Committee.

A copy of the draft Terms of Reference for the Development Committee had been furnished to the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft Terms of Reference for the Development Committee, as circulated, be approved it being noted that the Terms of Reference would be reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure they remained accurate in terms of the remit and function of the Committee.

5.2 Lisburn City Centre – Public Realm Scheme

It was noted that this matter had been dealt with under item 4 above.

5.3 Inward Investment Promotion – MIPIM UK 2015, Olympia, London

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Assistant Director referred to the ongoing programme of activity to promote Lisburn & Castlereagh City area as a premier investment location, and to the recent high profile networking and celebration event at Westminster in March 2015, and also a unique programme of support for inward investors, the SOFT Landing Programme.

The Assistant Director reported that a detailed proposal for a third year of programme activity in 2015-2016 would be presented to the Development Committee in the next few months. In advance of this detailed plan, it was

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5.3 Inward Investment Promotion – MIPIM UK 2015, Olympia, London (Cont’d) recommended that the Committee agree that the Council exhibits at MIPIM UK 2015, taking place on Wednesday, 21 October 2015 to Friday, 23 October 2015.

The Committee had been furnished with an overview of the MIPIM 2015 event, the location of the proposed Council stand and a breakdown of indicative costs of exhibiting, it being noted that there was provision for this budget in the Economic Development Estimates 2015/2016.

The Assistant Director responded to a question from Councillor B Bloomfield in regard to the importance of the Council achieving value for money as a result of participation in such networking events and also the importance of the Council being provided with feedback in relation to Inward Investment Promotion activities.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agree to exhibit at MIPIM UK, as detailed, at a total cost of £25,000.

It was also agreed to recommend that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Development Committee attend this event with additional delegates comprising of appropriate Council Officers, developers, key business contacts and stakeholders.

5.4 European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that Northern Ireland had been awarded the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award 2015 , which rewarded and recognised European Regions that were committed to creating environments where businesses could flourish.

As part of the official programme of activity linked to the EER Award the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) had invited Joanna Drake, Director for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission, to the region for a series of council and private sector engagement events to discuss how Northern Ireland could realise the regions entrepreneurial and SME potential from the award. NILGA had approached the Council to see if consideration could be given to hosting a joint Council and stakeholder lunch and dinner on 4 June 2015 for the European Director as part of this significant regional visit.

A copy of a draft agenda, produced by NILGA, had been circulated to the Committee it being noted that Members of the Committee were invited to attend both the lunch and dinner, with further notification being sent out when details were finalised.

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5.4 European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award (Cont’d)

The Assistant Director advised that these meetings would be an opportunity to raise the profile of the Council with direct senior European engagement and negotiation with the Commission on how more investment and resources could be allocated into the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area as part of the EER Award’s regional legacy, leading to the creation of local growth and sustainable jobs.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee hosts the proposed lunch and dinner on 4 June 2015 for the Director of Entrepreneurship and SME’s European Commission, as part of the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award 2015.

5.5 Broadband Voucher Scheme – Service Level Agreement

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Assistant Director referred to the decision of the Committee at its Meeting in March 2015 that a further report be brought back to the Committee with additional information on the roll out of the Broadband Connection Vouchers Scheme.

In this regard the Committee had been furnished with a copy of a report on the above-mentioned Scheme from Belfast City Council as well as a copy of the draft SLA for review and a breakdown of the administrative costs. It was noted that the total cost of participating to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council would be £8,000 and that it was being proposed that the Council establishes a marketing budget to promote this opportunity to local companies, up to a maximum of £5,000. Members were advised that there was provision for these amounts in the Economic Development Estimates 2015-2016.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agrees to fund the SLA and project initialisation costs as outlined with Belfast City Council at a total cost of £8,000, with an additional budget made available of up to £5,000 to market the project locally and provide complementary support to local businesses.

5.6 External Evaluation of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007- 2013 in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Assistant Director reported that the Lagan Rural Partnership were contractually obliged to DARD to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council.

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5.6 External Evaluation of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007- 2013 in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council (Cont’d)

It was noted that the above-mentioned evaluation was a requirement as part of DARD’s programme exit and closure strategy.

The Assistant Director reported that it was proposed to appoint a suitably qualified individual or organisation to undertake this evaluation which was estimated to cost £12,000, it being noted that this cost would be 100% reimbursed by DARD as part of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agrees to the appointment of a suitably qualified individual or organisation to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council at an estimated cost of £12,000.

5.7 Huguenot/Hilden – Potential Laganscape Project

The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.

The Director reminded the Committee that previous reports in relation to the former Hilden Mill site had been given to the Lisburn City Council Economic Development Committee in November 2011 and September 2012 and that it had been agreed that the Director continue discussions with Clanmil Housing and bring forward further reports in regard to the Huguenot/Hilden potential Laganscape Project.

The Director reported that arising from discussions with consultants acting on behalf of Clanmil Housing, the Council was requested to clarify its interest in acquiring what was known as “The Island” site.

The Committee noted that the site comprised of 1.69 acres on the island at Hilden between the River Lagan and the Lagan Navigation Canal and would clearly form a link between the Council’s land at Millbrook/Huguenot and the lands at Glenmore/Lambeg. There would also be benefits in the Council acquiring the narrow strip of land between Huguenot Drive play facility and the western boundary of the Hilden Mill development site.

A copy of a map depicting the relevant portions of land together with a copy of the consultant’s letter dated 18 December 2012 had been furnished to the Committee.

The Director reported that in February 2013 Lisburn City Council had agreed to express formally an interest in acquiring the above-mentioned portions of land at Hilden Mill subject to the agreement of appropriate access arrangements. The consultants acting for Clanmil Housing had advised recently that

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5.7 Huguenot/Hilden – Potential Laganscape Project (Cont’d) discussions with DSD were at an advanced stage and requested confirmation of the Council’s position.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee confirm the Council’s interest in acquiring the above-mentioned portions of land.

For Noting

5.8 Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates

The Committee noted that for the period 22 March 2015 to 21 April 2015, 102 Full Plan Applications had been “approved” and that 10 Regularisation Certificates had been issued in accordance with the powers delegated.

5.9 Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services

The Committee noted that the Completion Notice Ready Report for the period 22 March 2015 to 21 April 2015 returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFPNI) Land and Property Services had indicated that a total of 78 properties had been identified as having reached occupiable status.

5.10 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project

The Committee noted that Home Assessment Officers within the Council’s Building Control Service in the month of March 2015 had visited 256 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 113 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE.

5.11 Memorandum of Understanding between Land and Property Services and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council

The Committee was advised that Land & Property Services (LPS) wished to form a closer working relationship with the Council in certain matters and had submitted a Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Council for consideration and comment. A copy of the MoU had been circulated to the Committee for information which included highlighted comments by Council Officers.

It was noted that as the MoU contained 9 clauses which had a direct impact on the Development & Planning Directorate and in particular Building Control Services, the Building Control Manager had met with representatives from Land & Property Services on 23 April 2015 to seek clarity in these areas.

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5.11 Memorandum of Understanding between Land and Property Services and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (Cont’d)

The Committee had been furnished with a copy of a report containing further detail on items of note relating to the above-mentioned 9 clauses.

It was noted that whilst the MoU created staff resourcing implications for the Council, the net benefit to the rate base in relation to income massively outweighed the costs to the Council.

It was agreed that the Committee notes the Memorandum of Understanding together with the Officer comments submitted to Land & Property Services, it being noted that at this stage LPS were simply seeking comment, they would be wishing the Council to enter into the MoU in the near future, at which time a further report would be brought to the Committee for consideration.

5.12 Regional Start Initiative – Programme Extension Update

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Committee was advised that a report on the Economic Development transferring functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment (DETI) had been presented to the Shadow Development Committee in September 2014. The report recommended that the Council should support an extension to the current Regional Start Initiative (RSI) contract (April 2015- October 2015) as this would ensure ongoing provision of a business start programme during the transition period to local government.

The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was the lead Council in Northern Ireland regarding the roll-out of the Regional Start Initiative by Local Government, and that approval had been given by the Committee to the programme extension and it had been reported then that there would be resource requirements as a result of this extension as Invest NI would require budget to cover programme delivery during this period. A Service Level Agreement (SLA) had been drafted by Invest NI to cover delivery of the RSI up to the end of October 2015 and delivery of the Social Enterprise Programme (SEP) up to July 2015 at a total cost of £59,600.

A copy of the SLA that had been signed and returned to Invest NI had been furnished to the Committee.

The Committee noted that a budget had been agreed for marketing of the programme during the six month extension period and that Invest NI had & identified a number of marketing options with an overall cost in the region of £150,000 across the participating councils. The indicative cost to Lisburn

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5.12 Regional Start Initiative – Programme Extension Update (Cont’d)

Castlereagh City Council, based on delivery of 93 business plans, would be a maximum of £10,500.

Both the cost of the programme delivery and marketing during this time would be deducted from the Council allocation from DETI for these transferring functions.

It was agreed that the above report be noted.

5.13 Lisburn Public Realm – Launch Event and Promotional Activities

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.

The Committee noted that Officers were in the early stages of planning promotional activities to animate the City Centre Public Realm space on the completion of the Public Realm Scheme and that all Departments of the Council would be involved in planning these activities. A date for this event would be communicated to the Committee in due course.

5.14 Transport NI – Presentation of Spring 2015 Report

It was noted that arrangements had been made for representatives of Transport NI to attend a meeting of the Development Committee scheduled for Wednesday 3 June 2015 in order to make a presentation on their Spring 2015 report.

5.15 Northern Ireland Housing Executive

It was noted that arrangements had been made for representatives of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to attend a meeting of the Development Committee scheduled for Wednesday 2 September 2015 in order to make a presentation on the District Housing Plan.

5.16 Northern Ireland Water

It was noted that the April 2015 edition of Northern Ireland Water’s in-house magazine, Waterline, was available using the hyperlink www.niwater.com/ .

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6. Confidential Business

Report by the Director of Development and Planning

“In Committee”

It was proposed by Councillor S Carson, seconded by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath, and agreed that the following item be considered “in Committee” in the absence of press or members of the public.

6.1 Lisburn City Centre Public Realm Scheme – Application for Leave for Judicial Review

The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.

The Director updated the Committee in regard to the Application for Leave for Judicial Review that the Council had received in connection with decisions by Lisburn City Council on aspects of the City Centre Public Realm Scheme.

It was proposed by Councillor M H Tolerton, seconded by Councillor S Carson, and agreed to come “out of Committee” and normal business was resumed.

Resumption of Normal Business

On the resumption of normal business it was noted that:

a) the Committee had agreed to note the report by the Director of Development and Planning, and

b) a further report on the matter would be provided to the Committee in due course.

7. Any Other Business

7.1 Regeneration Manager – Commended Councillor M H Tolerton

On behalf of the Development Committee Councillor M H Tolerton commended the Regeneration Manager on the manner in which she had managed the Milltown Regeneration Scheme, in particular having shown patience and understanding with the local community and shop owners.

7.2 Visit Lisburn Stand at Balmoral Show 2015 Councillor S Skillen

Councillor S Skillen congratulated Council Officers and staff on the standard of the Visit Lisburn stand at the Balmoral Show.

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7.3 Councillor J Baird – Sentiments of Good Wishes The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart

It was agreed that a letter of good wishes for a full recovery be sent to Councillor J Baird who had experienced a stroke the previous month.

There being no further business, the meeting ended at 6.51 pm.

______Chairman

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LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 3 JUNE 2015

REPORT BY MR COLIN MCCLINTOCK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the following:

Decisions and Recommendations

The following decisions are required:

Development Committee 03.06.15

To approve:

To note:

1. City Promotion Budget – Integrated Marketing Campaign 2. Meeting with DSD Minister – Transferring Functions 3. Meeting with DRD Minister – M1/Knockmore Link Road 4. 2015/2016 Tourism Development Small Grants 5. Milltown Environmental Improvement Scheme 6. Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network & Interact Business Networking Evening, 5.30pm, Thursday 25 June 2015, Hillsborough Castle, Hillsborough 7. Building Control Applications - Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 8. Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services 9. Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project 10. Consultation Report – “Sustainable Water – A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland”

ITEMS FOR DECISION

1. DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORT NI EASTERN DIVISION

1.1 Presentation by Transport NI Eastern Division – Spring Report

Arrangements have been made for the undernoted representatives of the Transport NI Eastern Division to be in attendance at the meeting at 7.00pm in order to make a presentation regarding the Spring Report.

• Kevin Monaghan, Divisional Roads Manager Development Committee 03.06.15

• Eamonn McMahon, Section Engineer

Recommendation

It is recommended that the representatives of the Transport NI Eastern Division be received and that such action be taken thereafter as is considered appropriate.

2. INTERIM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN 2015-2017

Following on from the Economic Development Visioning workshops for Members held on 22 January and 2 March 2015, officers of the Economic Development Unit have prepared an Interim two-year Action Plan to mirror the timeline of the new Corporate Plan 2015-2017.

The content of the Action Plan, attached at Appendix 1 contains a series of indicative projects and funding allocations, some of which have already been agreed by the Council, and some which will be brought to the Committee for consideration over the coming months. The project mix is based on the following imperatives:

• Guidance from Elected Members • Economic need identified by independent economic research • Funding and partnership opportunities

The Action Plan is sufficiently flexible to allow for any re-focusing of priorities going forward as the Local Development and Community Plans begin to emerge.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee agrees the Action Plan.

3. EVENING ECONOMY STRATEGY

Lisburn City Centre Management and Officers from the Economic Development Unit have been working (for the last two years) with an evening economy group of hospitality and attraction proprietors located within Lisburn City Centre. Officers reported the successful outcomes from the first two years to the meeting of the Economic Development Committee of Lisburn City Council in March 2015.

Outcomes over the first two years included new branding ‘Love Lisburn Nights Out’, attendance at a range of different events, participation in Lisburn Restaurant Week, and additional publicity for the City Centre. Social media have been harnessed, campaigns developed and the profile raised.

Attached at Appendix 2 is a new proposed Action Plan for years three and four that includes a number of new projects to encourage footfall in the City Centre Development Committee 03.06.15

after 5pm, raise the profile and create awareness of the things to do after 5pm, and stage a series of events to attract new custom.

Of particular note is the aspiration to work towards Purple Flag status for the City Centre, which requires a number of criteria to be met, including standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy. It is a comprehensive set of standards and management processes that are designed to help transform towns and city centres at night. It builds upon best practice elsewhere across the UK, to help towns and cities improve their evening and night-time economy. It is a positive initiative that improves perceptions by indicating an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Committee agrees a maximum budget of £25,000 to deliver this new initiative for Year 3 and a further £25,000 for Year 4 subject to achievement of appropriate outputs in Year 3.

4. 2015 BALMORAL SHOW

The Balmoral Show was recently staged over three days from 13 – 15 May at the Maze Long Kesh site bringing significant numbers of visitors into the Council area.

A report on the 2015 City Centre showcase and promotional activity, including survey results from visitors to the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council marquee is attached at Appendix 3. Generally, feedback has been extremely positive from traders and visitors to date with plans to further develop the linkages with Lisburn City Centre in future years. Members should also note that the Visit Lisburn Marquee was awarded ‘Best Stand not displaying Equipment or Food’ (reserve) by the organisers of the Balmoral Show.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Members agree to support a similar initiative for the 2016 Balmoral Show with a budget of £35,000 to be allocated from the City Promotion budget.

5. SPECIALITY FOOD FAIR – MOIRA DEMESNE

Officers from the Economic Development Unit have received confirmation that a recent application for financial assistance to DARD to stage a Speciality Food Fair has been successful. The application was submitted to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme to stage the event in Moira Demesne in Summer 2015.

The event is aimed at showcasing quality food produce including speciality and artisan foods from the local area. The event would help strengthen local food clusters and raise awareness of the range and calibre of local and regional food Development Committee 03.06.15

and beverage production. The event is to be aimed at the family market, and staged at the recently restored Moira Demesne.

It is planned that cooking demonstrations will take place in a “pop-up restaurant”, as well as child friendly activities, live music and a creative food trail produced. Finally a marketplace of local food producers and food stalls will be promoting their wares and selling their products. The Council will be liaising with Food NI with regard to the recruitment of agri-food producers – it is hoped that some 30-40 exhibitors will be represented with stalls on red meat, speciality meats, jams, relishes, breads, chutneys, fish, oils, vegetables, organic vegetables, prepared salads, dairy products, sauces, beverages and confectionery.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has many suppliers that will be approached to participate including Hannan’s Meats, McCartney Butchers, Hilden Brewery, Abernethy Butter and Brambleberry Jams to name just a few.

The financial assistance offered from DARD is £6,975, with match funding of £11,000 required from the Council. The event would take place in August/September 2015 and require external Event Management support.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee agrees a maximum of £11,000 from the Tourism Development budget to match fund a Speciality Food Fair within Moira Demesne. It is also recommended that an appropriate Event Management company be sought through the public procurement process.

6. LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH RESTAURANT WEEK

The inaugural Lisburn Restaurant Week was staged from 16 – 22 June 2014, promoting the Restaurant industry throughout the Lisburn City Council area with particular focus on the City Centre.

A full evaluation is attached at Appendix 4.

Some of activities staged throughout the week at the 27 restaurants included ‘meet the Chef’ sessions, cookery demos, themed nights, live music, and entertainment, wine-tasting, family nights, charity events, cocktail demos and comedy hours. The evaluation is not particularly positive, or well-presented and the buy-in from City Centre restaurants proved limited. However, the businesses agree that potential exists for increasing turnover and footfall throughout the week long promotion, and have indicated their desire to stage the event again in 2015.

It is therefore proposed that the efforts of the 2014 Lisburn Restaurant Week could be built upon with the staging of a 2015 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week.

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Tourism NI have also designated 2016 as the ‘Year of Food’, with new funding opportunities, collective branding and marketing opportunities available, and lead advocacy for the quality food product in Northern Ireland. A focus on interventions to support the restaurant and food industry in 2015 should position the Council to take advantage of new opportunities in the “2016 Year of Food”.

The cost to stage the Lisburn Restaurant Week would be made up from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council contributions, plus sponsorship secured by the Event Management team appointed.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee notes the evaluation of the 2014 Lisburn Restaurant Week and agrees to fund the 2015 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week up to a maximum cost of £15,000. It is further recommended that an Event Management team is appointed to deliver the project subject to a positive response from DSD.

7. YOUNG ENTERPRISE NORTHERN IRELAND FUNDRAISING DINNER – THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER 2015

Members will be aware that the Council has been developing a partnership with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, an organisation which “works to develop opportunities for young people by empowering the next generation with the confidence, ability and ambition to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy”. This partnership compliments the Council’s enhanced remit in Youth Enterprise as a result of functions transferring from Invest NI in to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

An invitation has been received to the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Fundraising Black Tie Ball taking place at the Culloden Estate and Spa on Thursday 1 October. Tickets are £100 per person with a table of 10 for £1,000.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Committee nominates the Chair and Vice Chair to attend the Black Tie Gala Ball fundraising event.

8. LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 Members will be aware of the success of the recent Lisburn City Business Awards held at Lagan Valley Island in March 2015. The Business Awards are usually held on a biannual basis, however to celebrate the formation of the new Council area and to raise the profile of businesses in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area, it is proposed that the first Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards are held in 2016, and on a biannual basis thereafter. This would mean that the Awards would be officially launched in Autumn 2015, with the first Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner for the new Council area to be held in March 2016. Development Committee 03.06.15

Given the Council’s prominence in local business development activities, it is proposed that the Council once again acts as one of the main sponsors of the awards, at a cost of up to a maximum of £8,000. Members should note that this amount of sponsorship is directly linked to the increase in the number of local businesses and sponsors expected to attend, and corresponding scale of the event, including marketing activities which will now need to take place to reflect the new Council area and business population. In line with previous years, it is also proposed that the delivery of the main Gala event and judging process is put out to external procurement, with all associated costs being covered by third party sponsorship.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Council agrees to proceed as outlined and acts as one of the main sponsors of the awards up to a maximum of £8,000.

9. SME DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2015/2016

It is anticipated that the new round of European funding (European Regional Development Fund) for Local Economic Development, Investment for Growth & Jobs 2014-2020, which will be administered by Invest Northern Ireland (INI) on behalf of the Department for Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI) will be open for full application from Councils in June 2015.

The Economic Development Unit is currently preparing scoping documents for an outline project application to this funding, however in order to allow INI to obtain the necessary internal approvals, and then to allow time for the Council to procure new service delivery contracts, it is anticipated that it’s now unlikely that these new projects will be in place until the last quarter of the current financial year.

In advance of this new round of business development initiatives, it is proposed that the Council agrees to put in place an interim programme of business development activity to ensure local businesses are able to continue to access Council led support from the end of June 2015 when the current EU funded projects come to an end, and with the flexibility to run until the end of March 2016.

Appendix 5 outlines the proposed projects to be delivered, with indicative budgets and outputs. Members should note that provision for all these payments exists with the current Economic Development budget estimates.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee agree to the interim programme of business development support as outlined at Appendix 5.

Development Committee 03.06.15

10. BROADBAND UK (BDUK) PILOT FOR BROADBAND IN RURAL AREAS

Broadband UK (BDUK) have responsibility for meeting Government targets in relation to UK wide broadband coverage. Broadband UK in partnership with the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI) is currently promoting a pilot scheme to encourage the uptake of alternative technologies for broadband provision, namely through satellite, in areas which have been identified as not having sufficient broadband coverage to merit commercial providers to operate.

Attached at Appendix 6 is further information on the scheme and a copy of a map showing areas of low broadband coverage in County Antrim. DETI have requested the assistance of all Councils in the areas highlighted in rolling out the programme locally. This would involve marketing and promotion of the programme to businesses and households located in the white areas identified, namely located in rural areas. Members should note there is scope for this project to complement activity funded as part of the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee agrees to assist in the roll out of BDUK pilot Broadband project in rural areas as outlined in Appendix 6.

11. DISCOVER WATERWAYS LISBURN PROJECT UPDATE

Members will recall that earlier this year the Lagan Canal Trust Manager presented to the Committee an update on the strategy and plans of the Trust in regard to the Lagan Navigation re-opening project and other related initiatives. The Council’s Regeneration Manager has been working alongside the Trust Manager to develop a project on part of the Navigation running from Lagan Valley Island to Union Locks at Sprucefield. The project has been given the working title of ‘Discover Waterways Lisburn’.

Lagan Canal Trust secured funding through the Northern Ireland Environment Link to produce a Masterplan with some outline designs and costings for the project. The final Masterplan is attached at Appendix 7. A very successful joint consultation was held in February 2015 here at Lagan Valley Island with many partners, stakeholders and local community representatives in attendance supporting the plan.

There are funding opportunities becoming available over the next coming months which may support delivery of parts of the plan. The first most significant being a possible Rural Tourism Grant through the NI Rural Development Programme being directly delivered by DARD. In order to be in a position to make a full application to this fund and any others that become available it is necessary to have the plans taken forward by a professional team to full design detail with full costings and in a position to be submitted for planning approval. It is therefore proposed that the Council procure the Development Committee 03.06.15

services of an integrated consultant team to assist with this element of the process with the cost being met through the Council’s Regeneration budget.

Members had indicated previously, at the Economic Visioning Workshops held in January and March 2015 that this project should be a strategic priority for the Council and for the forthcoming Tourism call under the new Rural Development Programme.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Council agree to procure the services of an integrated consultant team to take forward the Discover Waterways Lisburn Masterplan to full design detail and costings.

12. STRATEGIC REVITALISATION PROJECT

Members will be aware that a revitalisation project, part funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD), was delivered in the Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council areas during 2014-15. The two projects included initiatives to support the commercial areas of Lisburn City Centre, Dundonald and Carryduff. The types of projects funded included shop front improvement schemes; events; installation of free WI-FI; development of a Visitor App; PR and Marketing campaign; improvements to pedestrian linkages; Pop-Up Shop initiatives; procurement of event equipment.

Following on from the success of these initiatives an opportunity has become available through DSD to make an application for financial support to deliver a new strategic revitalisation project across the same three commercial centres in the new Council area. Attached at Appendix 8 is an outline of the Revitalisation project which has been submitted to DSD to be considered for £200,000 of grant funding. The overall project would require a contribution from the Council of £80,000. DSD should advise the Council in June 2015 if the application has been successful. If this is positive it is proposed that the Council commence delivery of the projects as outlined.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee agrees to the delivery of the initiatives as outlined in the Revitalisation project and to the Council contribution of £80,000 towards the overall cost subject to a positive response from DSD.

13. TENDER FOR EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF THE NI RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2007–2013

Members are reminded that at the meeting of the Committee in April it was agreed to seek appointment of a suitably qualified individual or organisation to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in the former Lisburn City Council, Castlereagh Borough Council and Belfast City Council areas.

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Attached at Appendix 9 is a report on the opening and assessment of tenders for the assignment. The Most Economically Advantageous Tender is deemed to be from RSM McClure Watters Ltd at a cost of £12,868 + VAT.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee notes the Tender Report for the assignment to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007- 2013 and agrees to the award of the assignment to RSM McClure Watters Ltd at a total cost of £12,868 + VAT.

ITEMS FOR NOTING

14. CITY PROMOTION BUDGET – INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN

The current Integrated Marketing Campaign is set to run until the end of October 2015. This Campaign involves TV, Radio, and outdoor promotional activities for Lisburn City Centre including the “You Got if for Less” pre-Christmas Promotional Campaign.

It is necessary now to tender for the new phase of the Campaign to run for a further 3 years from 1 November 2015. In line with the Council’s Accounting Manual it is necessary for a new Economic Appraisal to be produced and considered by Members.

This Appraisal document is currently under development and will, once cleared by Financial Services, be reported to and considered by the June monthly meeting of Council.

Recommendation

It is recommended the Committee notes the above.

15. MEETING WITH DSD MINISTER – TRANSFERRING FUNCTIONS

Members will be aware that due to a delay in the legislative process the intended transfer of Urban Regeneration and Community Development functions from the Department for Social Development to Councils has been postponed until April 2016.

Following reductions in the funding available for those functions the Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, had offered to meet a delegation from the Council to discuss the arrangements for the transfer of these functions.

The meeting with the Minister took place on Monday 18 May 2015 and was attended by:

Development Committee 03.06.15

Councillor Thomas Beckett Councillor Alexander Redpath Alderman William Leathem Alderman Paul Porter Councillor Brian Harney Councillor Michael Henderson Councillor Amanda Grehan Dr Theresa Donaldson Mr Colin McClintock

A copy of the briefing paper covering the issues discussed is attached under Appendix 10.

The main areas of discussion with the Minister were around secondment of DSD regeneration staff, the transferring budgets, advice services and social enterprise projects.

It was indicated that the Council would express an interest in seconding staff from the Department and discuss any proposed arrangement with DSD officials in the context of future regeneration projects.

There were clear indications that the overall regeneration and community development budget of £3.138m indicated in correspondence from the Department would transfer in April 2016 and each year thereafter.

As the outcome of the Advice Services Strategy review is unknown it was agreed that officers from the Council and the Department maintain a dialogue on this matter.

Similarly it was agreed that officers continue to discuss the future funding and operation of several social enterprise projects within Lisburn & Castlereagh.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this report be noted.

16. MEETING WITH DRD MINISTER – M1/KNOCKMORE LINK ROAD

As agreed by the Council in November 2014 a meeting had been sought with the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA, to discuss the provision of the M1/Knockmore Link Road.

The meeting took place on Wednesday 20 May 2015 and was attended by:

- Alderman Jim Dillon - Alderman Michael Henderson Development Committee 03.06.15

- Councillor Andrew Girvin - Councillor Uel Mackin - Dr Theresa Donaldson - Mr Colin McClintock - Mr Paul McCormick

A copy of the relevant briefing paper is attached under Appendix 11.

The main purpose of the meeting was to seek agreement from the Minister for Departmental officials to meet with Council officers and officials from the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation to identify potential funding models for the link road given the essential need for this road to open up development opportunities in West Lisburn and its benefit to the wider area.

It was agreed that Council officers initiate these discussions at the earliest possible date.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this information be noted

17. 2015/2016 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT SMALL GRANTS

The Tourism Development Section of Lisburn City Council traditionally provided “small grants” and/or provided assistance to groups that have organized small events in the City area that can demonstrate measurable tourism benefits.

Recently, officers of the Tourism Development Section advertised, assessed and scored a number of Tourism Development Small Grant applications against predetermined criteria. The Director of Development and Planning, with delegated authority, approved the grant amounts and the event organizers were then informed.

Attached at Appendix 12 is a summary table of grants awarded to date. A further advertisement was placed in the Belfast Telegraph week commencing 25 May 2015 to encourage further take up of the scheme across the Council area.

Recommendation

It is recommended the Committee notes the above information.

18. MILLTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

As part of Lisburn City Council’s Rural Village Regeneration Project an environmental improvement scheme was developed for the front of the commercial units at the junction of Derriaghy Road and Milltown Avenue in Milltown, Lisburn. Funding was secured for the project through the NI Rural Development Programme and the construction of the scheme was completed Development Committee 03.06.15

in April 2015. Attached at Appendix 13 are before and after images of the area which highlight the improvement made.

Some Members will be aware of issues that arose with local stakeholders during the delivery of the scheme but since the completion of the project it can be reported that a significant number of positive comments have now been received.

Recommendation

It is recommended the Committee notes the report on the completed Milltown Environmental Improvement Scheme.

19. LISBURN ENTREPRENEURS NETWORK & INTERACT BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENING, 5.30PM, THURSDAY 25 JUNE 2015, HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE & GARDENS, HILLSBOROUGH

Members of the Development Committee are invited to attend the above event which will mark the end of the current programme of activity for both the Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network (LEN) and Interact Female Entrepreneurs Network. Members will be aware that these two local business networks are funded and managed through the Council. The evening will once again be hosted by the Chairman of the Development Committee, and will feature popular motivational and leadership speaker Bryan Dunlop, as well as a key local business representative and networking with local companies. Members should note that the new programme schedules for each of the Networks will commence again in September 2015, with new branding to reflect the new Council area and new phase of business development activity.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee notes the above.

20. BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATIONS – FULL PLAN APPLICATIONS AND REGULARISATION CERTIFICATES

For the period 22 April 2015 to 21 May 2015, 85 Full Plan Applications were ‘Approved’ and 46 Regularisation Certificates were issued in accordance with the powers delegated.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee note this information.

Development Committee 03.06.15

21. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL – COMPLETION NOTICE READY REPORT TO LAND AND PROPERTY SERVICES

The completion notice ready report for the period 22 April 2015 to 21 May 2015 returned to the DFPNI, Land and Property Services indicated that a total of 60 properties have been identified as having reached occupiable status.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee note this information.

22. DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT – AFFORDABLE WARMTH PROJECT

Home Assessment Officers within the Building Control Service, in the month of April 2015, have visited 238 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 95 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee note this information.

23. CONSULTATION REPORT – “SUSTAINABLE WATER – A LONG-TERM WATER STRATEGY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND”

Members will recall the Department for Regional Development (DRD) consultation for “A Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland” that was issued last year and had a closing date of 10th October 2014.

The purpose of this report is to bring to Members attention the published DRD Consultation Report (attached at Appendix 14), in which they summarise the consultation comments received, conclusions drawn, budget issues and next steps in progression of an implementation plan.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Members note the Department for Regional Development Consultation Report, “Sustainable Water – A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland”.

COLIN MCCLINTOCK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING 28 MAY 2015

DRAFT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN 2015 – 2017

CONTENTS

BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS ACTION PLAN PAGE 3 - 15

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN PAGE 16 - 26

CITY REGENERATION ACTION PLAN PAGE 27 - 34

RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN PAGE 35 – 40

FINANCIAL SUMMARY PAGE 41

2 1. BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS ACTION PLAN

Objective 1: Expand & Diversify Employment Opportunities, including higher value jobs to strengthen the local economy  Deliver a Business Retention & Growth programme  Provide support & information to entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in LCCC  Support the development of key sectoral strategies to expand employment & investment in priority sectors, namely Life Sciences, Food & Drink, Finance & Business Services, Renewables and High Technology/ICT  Council to act as the main hub for information, advice & signposting, and undertaking information & promotional activities that support business development and promotes LCCC competitive advantages

Project Description Duration Target Group (S) Delivery Outputs Budget Measure

SME Access to generic business June 2015-March Local SMEs LCCC 200 businesses engaged £362,000 Employment support, mentoring, 2017 3rd party delivery 190 businesses access one Growth workshops and networking agents to one mentoring (ERDF income events, and will directly Local Enterprise 190 Business diagnostics £286,500) support the development of Partners completed new employment 150 business action plans opportunities. developed 100 Jobs 10% increased turnover 10 Bootcamps 2 Business Roadshows 3 Stakeholder meetings Enhanced co-ordination of local business support services 3,800 mentoring hours 50 businesses referred to Invest NI Dedicated online business support portal

Specialist Specialist mentoring, 2015- 2017 Growth orientated Private Sector 125 participants £767,000 Business coaching, workshops and SMEs Local Enterprise 100 Jobs Growth programme support to assist Partners 10% increased turnover (ERDF Income Services local business expansion. Specialist 50 referrals to Invest NI £281,750) Access to Finance: consultants 120 new sales assistance to help source Department opportunities external funding Employment & 10 export referrals to Sales Development Learning Invest NI Programme: Invest NI £500,000 external Programme to develop new Intertrade Ireland funding secured sales opportunities, 30 participants to access Export: procurement assistance Netherlands Trade from Invest NI and Development Programme Intertrade Ireland Accessing Europe 15 participants access North America DEL funded training NI-NL Trade Network 16 participants achieve Central & Eastern Europe IIP accreditation Procurement Programme: 6 Growth Events assist local businesses to 20 businesses access develop a structured and innovation support professional approach to 20 innovation audits public and large private sector 20 new products and procurement services identified Innovation: 15 companies exploit Business development opportunities in the initiative designed to increase renewable supply chain levels of innovation and R&D at a local level Leadership & Management Aimed at building the skills of senior managers through bespoke training to fill skills gaps Investors In People Group Scheme (IIP) assistance towards IIP accreditation

4 Renewable Supply Chain Opportunities Access specialist renewable industry supply chain support

Start A Participate in a new Northern Local Local Enterprise 300 new start-up £290,000 Business Ireland wide business start 2015-2017 Entrepreneurs Partners businesses Programme programme Economic 220 new jobs (ERDF Income Development Unit £176,800)

Citywide Working with key agencies 2015-2017 Potential Invest NI To promote local £100,000 Enterprise and stakeholders the Council entrepreneurs, Start Local Enterprise enterprise awareness Promotion will promote and facilitate up and growth Network initiatives on a citywide Activities enterprise development businesses South Eastern basis activities at a local level. Local residents Regional College To participate in local Includes: Local schools & Local schools enterprise awareness colleges Local private sector events and schemes Relevant To adopt a partnership Government approach to the delivery Departments (DEL, of enterprise assistance DETI etc) Increase the number of referrals to the Northern Ireland Business Start Programme

To engage with local Youth Entrepreneurship schools and colleges, private sector and youth enterprise delivery partners 4 youth entrepreneurship events

5 Female Entrepreneurship To promote female entrepreneurship & networks 4 networking event per year

Engage with 50 local Social Enterprise businesses To work in partnership with the Social Enterprise Hub, promote the development of social enterprise locally 10 new social enterprise established

Graduate Entrepreneurship 2015-2017 Local graduates 3rd party delivery 40 participating £50,000 Local businesses agent with businesses A programme to promote owned and expertise in 20 new start-up ERDF Income graduate entrepreneurship and managed by business start-up businesses £40,000 increase the levels of graduates and mentoring 28 new jobs p.a. graduates setting up and 4 new Invest NI clients running businesses in the City. identified

Key Sectoral 4 pilot programmes will be 2015-2017 Investors LCCC Research to map each £100,000 Business delivered which will identify Local SMEs 3rd party delivery priority sector locally and Development key sectors which are driving agents with identify opportunities ERDF Income Initiatives local employment and appropriate sectoral Consultation with £40,000 contributing to the growth of development existing businesses the local economy expertise 4 pilot programmes to be developed which target key sectors

Expand employment & New business investment in priority sectors, development and namely Life Sciences, Food & investment in sectors as Drink, Finance & Business identified 6 Services & High New job creation Technology/ICT

Information Council acting as the main 2015-2017 Local SMEs LCCC Annual business survey £60,000 & Market hub for local business Local SMEs Invest in dedicated CRM Intelligence engagement (information, Local Enterprise system advice and signposting) Partners Establish a programme of business engagement visits, both with FDI companies and local indigenous businesses Maintain existing local Business Stakeholder Forum Socio Economic Research

Marketing Dedicated programme of 2015-2017 Local SMEs LCCC Monthly e-newlsetter £40,000 Activities marketing activities to enhance Local SMEs complied and distributed communication and Local Enterprise to local companies engagement with the local Partners private sector, and increase Weekly communication uptake by local companies to by twitter and facebook: Council led business @investlccc development initiatives Investlisburn&castlereagh

Proactively identify and promote monthly local business success stories in local, regional and national media platforms

Work with local enterprise partners and stakeholders to improve communication, streamline business development activity, and 7 coordinate monthly event planning and referrals for business support

ongoing management and promotion of the Council’s online services

2 Business Showcase events

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards

8 Objective 2: Retain Talent & Invest in Skills, to ensure local skills match local business needs  Establish Local Skills Forum  Citywide programme of support for those furthest from the labour market, including youth unemployment

Project Measure Description Duration Target Group (S) Delivery Outputs Budget

Establish Local Skills Forum to influence 2015-2017 Local SMEs LCCC Form established £5000 Forum and facilitate local Local Schools 8 meetings held training provision Training providers and skills Local Colleges & development, and Universities to align local labour market needs and local education provision

Invest in Jobs Innovative project 2015-2017 Unemployed/Long LCCC 195 unemployed £260,000 to target those term unemployed Local Skills Forum participants furthest from the Economically Local private sector 90 work based learning labour market inactive (eg Lone Specialist delivery placements parents) agents 97 Vocational Young people 16- qualifications 24 not in completed employment, 186 record education or improvement in training personal and People with no employment skills qualifications, or 80 jobs secured having learning difficulties

9 Objective 3: Establish LCCC as a premier Investment location  Ensure appropriate supply of land & commercial premises for industry, employment & inward investment to exploit opportunities in the City Centre, West Lisburn, Knockbracken,  Build education & skills profile of LCCC  Improve connectivity to facilitate the movement of goods, people & information  Continue to use marketing, PR & events opportunities to enhance LCCC key proposition,  Develop & maintain a programme of meetings between Council & Business community

Project Measure Description Duration Target Group (S) Delivery Outputs Budget

Inward Programme of activities 2015-2017 Investors LCCC Develop and deliver the £200,000 Investment to raise the profile of Developers 3rd party specialist Time Bank including 20 Promotion Lisburn & Castlereagh SMEs delivery agents local professional service City Council as a SOFT Landing providers in each key premier investment Members category – accounting, location legal, IT/SEO advisers, marketing

Hold 4 Time Bank workshops each 12 months – each attracting a minimum of 15 SME attendees

Minimum of 15 local SMEs accessing Time Bank support each 12 months

Represent Lisburn at minimum 3 industry exhibitions / conferences in each 12 month period relevant to Lisburn target sectors (e.g. MIPIM UK)

10 Participate in 2 high profile networking events at Westminster

Further develop LCCC’s Ambassador network

Build Lisburn’s profile with 20 key multipliers; build a database of key contacts

Maintain monthly (minimum) contact with key INI/UKTI personnel. Ensure Lisburn offer is understood

Develop the Lisburn inward investment offer identifying the value propositions, key selling points and potential case studies for the City

Develop 4 sector specific offers Develop content for marketing materials and revision of website and app

10 potential projects in pipeline by March 2016 with 200 associated jobs

11 30% increase in enquiries received from INI, 50% in 2015/16

Deliver annual reports each March and a final report with details of activity, outputs, recommendations going forward by 31/3/16 for discussion April 2016 10 quarterly mentoring sessions sharing inward investment promotion best practice with Economic Development team

Planned programme of PR in place and raise profile of project website

Lobbying to positively influence land use to address employment (West Lisburn Knockbracken City Centre)

Maximise international trade links to promote investment

Connected Citywide ICT 2015-2017 Local Businesses E.g. 100 Vouchers accessed as £13,000 Lisburn & Broadband & residents BT part of the Super Castlereagh Infrastructure NTL connected broadband Programme Scheme

12 Working with the major Department of Ongoing lobby for communications and Enterprise Trade & improved broadband Internet providers, the Investment Council aims to ensure infrastructure for Lisburn maintains a Broadband UK Superfast broadband high level of broadband Local Councils Participation in the BDUK access and connectivity ‘white areas’ pilot project for business and Identification for 2 test community use sites for satellite technology provision as part of the BDUK project

Proactive role for the Lobby appropriate Council in lobbying for Government Departments improved transportation and agencies as required, links on a Citywide Work in partnership with basis developers and local businesses to address local connectivity needs

13 Objective 4: Enhanced EU Connections  Maximise opportunities for EU funding and engaging in appropriate EU networks

Project Measure Description Duration Target Group (s) Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budget £

Maximise Explore EU funding streams 2 Years e.g. Erasmus+, LCCC Develop & submit 2 £60,000 opportunities for COSME, Interreg, EU Partners new EU funding bids EU funding Horizon 20/20 Local SMEs

Small Cities Maximising City Status 2 Years Participating LCCC Identify common £50,000 Project opportunities in partnership with Local Authority Armagh City, issues and develop Armagh City, Banbridge & areas Banbridge & action plan Craigavon Borough Council, Craigavon Explore sources of Newry, Mourne & Down District Borough EU match funding Council Council, Raise the profile of Newry , the LCCC area Mourne & locally, nationally, Down District cross border and on Council an EU platform

EU Networks Identify & engage in appropriate 2015- e.g. Euro Cities, LCCC Join appropriate £10,000 EU networks 2017 Northern Ireland EU network European promote new Regional Forum business Edge Cities development Network opportunities identify new EU partners and funding

Social Innovation Explore opportunities to develop 2015- Local SMEs LCCC Map and develop £100,000 new Social Innovation concepts and 2017 Specialist 3rd new Social ideas that meet the emerging social party delivery Innovation needs of the LCCC area with a partners programme for focus on local employment and LCCC local private sector development of new products and services Identify appropriate sources match funding

15 2. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN

Theme 1: Tourism Product Development and Partnerships

Continued tourism product development and partnerships are vital for Lisburn and Castlereagh’s tourism growth.

In order to attract more visitors and associated tourism revenue to the area, it is important that new products and experiences are developed for visitors.

Products ideally should be unique, memorable experiences that allow information and interpretation where possible.

It is important for continued success that tourism experiences are developed and improved. This could be in non-traditional products and encouraging the clustering of tourism experiences to create a wider variety of things to see and do.

Desired outcomes: • Create new or enhanced product to offer visitors • Increased partnership/ packaging and clustering activities • Increased and active positive participation of local industry in tourism initiatives • Increased engagement with local industry • Improved infrastructure, signage and accessibility

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £

Accommodation Increase bed stock in all forms of 2015 - Local, national Local industry, Tourism Additional 40 new Private sector Provision accommodation across the new Council 2017 and NI, Lagan Rural bed spaces, primarily international Development B&B and Self visitors Catering within 2 years

Major Events Continue to develop 10 major events 2015 - Local, national Council and partners 321,800 visitors £300,000 annually with particular emphasis on 2017 and 27,282 bed nights supporting new events. Investigate and bid international £15,382,040 spend for new large scale events. visitors Profile and PR.

Small Events Continue to support over 12 small events, 2015 - Local, national Tourism Small Grants 20,000 visitors £28,000 increasing visitors to the area, and positive 2017 and funding to local 3,000 bed nights news stories. international organisations £956,000 spend visitors Profile and PR. 16

Famous Develop new tourism products linked to 2015 - Local, national Council, Lagan Rural Statue and Trail Funding matched by Connections famous connections i.e. Dromara 2017 and Development, DARD completed as part of Lagan Rural Development Destroyers. international overarching Village (DARD monies) on visitors Renewal project (see project-to-project basis. Regeneration)

Hillsborough Commission and develop visionary 2015 - Local, national, Council, Lagan Rural Put structures in £20,000 Master Plan Tourism Master Tourism Master Plan for Hillsborough 2017 and Development, DARD, place, based on Plan Village, to capitalise on the Hillsborough international Tourism NI, HRP Master Plan, that Castle plans and Public Realm works. visitors capitalise on targeted £666,666 – Strategic 230,000 visitors Project (match funded Application to be submitted for Strategic expected annually to £500,000 by DARD) Project once recommendations are Hillsborough Castle appraised from Master Plan. by 2019

City Plus In partnership with Visit Belfast, develop 2015 - Local, national, Visit Belfast, Sustrans, Feasibility report Part of SLA with Visit City Plus initiative to encourage City 2017 international Outdoor Recreation NI, commissioned to Belfast (Regional Tourism Break market to participate in activities visitors, and Council and industry develop City Plus Partnership) further out from Belfast City Centre. hospitality initiative, leading to industry an increase of 3% visitors and associated tourism revenue to LCCC

Lisburn and Grow Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant 2015 - Council wide Council and Local 40 restaurants £30,000 plus additional Castlereagh Week to include new Council eating out 2017 eating Restaurants participating revenue from sponsorship Restaurant experience. establishments, annually, 5% increase Week Local, national, footfall, 5% boost and trading revenue in international Restaurant Week, visitors effective marketing campaign as surveyed by participant restaurants. 17

Lisburn Evening Continue to work with City Centre 2015 - City Centre Council and City Centre Increase annual £50,000 Economy hospitality industry in developing Evening 2017 restaurants and restaurants footfall by 5% after Economy Strategy and associated action attractions, 5pm, generating at plan. Local, national, least 12 positive news and stories from Evening international Economy activities. visitors Receive positive feedback from participating group and public surveyed.

City Centre Explore opportunities to partner with City 2015 - City Centre City Centre traders and Generate positive PR £80,000 Events Centre traders in developing a calendar of 2017 traders, Local, Council for City Centre, animation events for the City Centre once national, and including at least 2 the public realm works are completed. international news stories for each visitors event, social media coverage and increasing footfall by 6% over weekends of event activities.

Increased intra-EU EU Millennials EU project stretching across 8 European 15 International Council, Irish Linen mobility of young £10,000 TOUR project partner Countries targeting Young People months visitors Centre and SERC people (total budget across all in the Low and Medium Seasons. The Increased tourism partners and work focus is on culture, heritage, education and flows during low- packages is £250,000 with entrepreneurship, allowing participants to medium seasons 75% being sourced from gain best practice learnings from a number Improved young EU funding) of different countries. people’s readiness to travel abroad

TOTAL: £1,184,666

18 Theme 2: Marketing

Marketing and promotions are key elements of tourism development. Marketing tells a story about the unique experiences a visitor will have when they come to the area. We have identified through market intelligence the profile and demographics of visitors to the area and will use this information for new campaigns going forward.

Digital marketing is becoming an increasingly important marketing tool for use in promotions and targeting visitors before they come to the area. Continued investment will be made across the upgrade in website design, social media plans and other creative ways to target visitors. This will replace the collateral literature over time.

More attention will be placed on a public relations campaign that will communicate better with our targeted audiences about the varied array of things to do and see. It will raise awareness and ‘signpost’ visitors to projects organised by both the public and private sector.

It is also important to engage with local communities within the area. More emphasis and marketing activities will be provided to showcase the product and events in the area, creating a sense of community pride within Tourism Community Plans.

Desired outcomes: • Increased awareness and demand for Lisburn and Castlereagh experiences • Increased and repeat visitation • Increased press articles and tourism profile of the area • Increasing community pride • Positive publicity

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £

Marketing Promotion of Lisburn and Castlereagh as a 2015 - Local and Council, hospitality Increase awareness of £80,000 quality tourism destination nationally. 2017 national industry, local and tourism product, Develop and implement an annual public visitors national press compete with other relations campaign, featuring positive destinations, stories about the area and its attractions, to ultimately increase media, partnership bodies and more. visitors, bed-nights, Generate publicity through competitions and tourism revenue with radio stations and newspapers. Review and update all destination marketing collateral and publications as required.

Regional Promotion and support of the Council area 2015 - International Tourism NI and Regional Increase bed-nights £80,000 Tourism within Regional Tourism Partnership e.g. 2017 visitors Tourism Partnership and trips by 10% in Partnership Visit Belfast and Lough Neagh. Attend Consortium 2015 - 2017, and consumer and industry trade shows in the spend by 7% in 2015 key markets of GB and ROI, including - 2017 into LCCC. World Travel Market, HolidayWorld and more. VIC to develop stronger links with Visit Belfast to better promote facilities to Cruise Ship arrivals, and participation within Belfast concierge programme.

Joint Marketing Promoting breaks to Lisburn and 2015 - Border region Council and industry Promote Lisburn and £49,600 Castlereagh City. Investigate the 2017 visitors (out of partners i.e. Tourism NI, Castlereagh as quality possibility of developing Rewards state) Tourism Ireland Limited, visitor destination Programme offering discounts and private sector incentives to the local community. Develop annual promotions targeting the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market. Continue to work with coach companies and group tour operators to expand the group travel market i.e. Hillsborough. Develop a campaign to increase local community pride and encourage residents to explore the attractions of the new Council area

Lisburn On completion of Tourism E-Clustering 2015 - International Council, local industry Building capacity of £80,000 (to be match Tourism Export Programme explore opportunities to do the 2017 visitors, partners, Visit Belfast, local industry x 12 funded by EU funding) Marketing next phase for industry that might include namely ROI DETI, INI and TIL tourism businesses, Programme best practice learnings abroad, e.g. and Scotland and increase clustering/ packaging. international visitors by 3% over 2 years.

Trade Visits & Public Relations 2015 - National and Council will target groups 80 journalists and £3,000 Familiarisation 2017 international tour operators invited Tours journalists and resulting in at least 20 tour operators news stories to increase international profile. Increase tour operator’s knowledge of local product resulting in 10% increase in tour groups stopping in LCCC area.

Market Profiling visitors and a range of market 2015 - Local, national Consultants Identify trends £20,000 Research intelligence including influencing factors, 2017 and developing to target visitor satisfaction, tourism spend, impact international specific segments of of marketing, and more. visitors market

Advertising Advertise in key markets using a variety of 2015 - Local, national Trade and consumer Promotion of LCCC £30,000 different media outlets including regional 2017 and publications events portfolio television, newspapers and online international within at least 15 campaigns. visitors trade publications annually assisting in increasing visitor numbers to events by 6% per annum.

Signage Audit and erection of brown signage for 2015 - Local tourism Council, Tourism NI, Directional tourism N/A tourism industry 2017 industry Department Of signage for visitors to Develop a visitor signage scheme for whole providers Environment the Council area new Council to include key train and bus stations Explore the possibility of welcome signage within gateways to the new Council area

Website Regularly review and update the 2015 - Local, national Council and partners Increased out of state £20,000 Development visitlisburncastlereagh.com site to ensure 2017 and interest in local that content is current and well presented. international tourism and Focus marketing efforts on ‘must see, must visitors hospitality product by do’ experiences in the area with secondary 3% annually. benefits to whole industry. Continue to Increase unique users improve search engine optimisation for the of website to average visitlisburncastlereagh.com site 5,000 per month.

Integrated Continue to support the delivery of 2015 - Local, national Council, private sector Increase retail & £300,000 Marketing marketing and promotional opportunities 2017 partners visitor footfall by 5% Campaign generating awareness and footfall into the per annum. Highlight (City Council area. LCCC as a positive Promotions) lifestyle destination. Promote the USP’s of shopping & leisure.

Balmoral Show Continue to support Balmoral Show 2015 - Local, Council, RUAS and City On site marquee with £70,000 creating linkages and opportunities for City 2017 national, and Centre traders at least 30 retail and Centre traders international attractions visitors participating annually. Produce 40,000 voucher booklets, ‘meet and greet’ staff at Train Station and welcome bannering throughout City Centre. Ultimately, increase footfall by 5% in City Centre throughout month of May each year.

TOTAL: £732,600

22 Theme 3: Visitor Servicing

The role of a Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is to influence visitors to stay in the area longer than originally planned, increasing tourism revenue, enriching the visitor experience through contact with enthusiastic staff, and referring visitors on to the local tourism sector.

The VICs are part of a Tourism NI network with the Councils two Centre’s being Destination VICs in key strategic locations of Hillsborough Village, and Lisburn City Centre. The service is valuable to both community and the local tourism industry.

There is the potential to improve the VICs in the new Council area via the establishment of a new Information presence in the North East part of the new Council.

Desired outcomes: • Establish a new VIC (budget dependent) at Forestside Shopping Centre and/ or Dundonald Ice Bowl • Increasing the number of outreach projects taking Visitor Information to the people • Continue to meet and exceed visitor expectations via Customer Service Excellence accreditation and provision of comprehensive information and services offered.

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £

Visitor Servicing To provide a first class service to visitors 2015 - Local, national Council, Tourism NI 269,814 – 2 TICs £473,540 and locals including accommodation 2017 and combined (£78,000 Income) booking, bureau de change, gift and international (Hillsborough & souvenir centre, free literature, advice on visitors Lisburn) tours and attractions and assistance with genealogy.

Training of VIC staff. Support VIC casual 2015 - Local, national Council, Tourism NI Better knowledge/ N/A staff in their role as information providers 2017 and skills of staff such as by providing regular training and international how to deal with familiarisation trips visitors disability awareness / difficult customers

Review and update all destination 2015 - Local, national Council, Tourism NI More easily Refer to Marketing marketing collateral and publications as 2017 and accessible (above) required including Visitor Guide, Visitor international information Map, Eating Out Guide, Arts and Crafts visitors Guide, Hillsborough Walking Guide, Lisburn Historic Quarter, Alternative

23 Language Guides, Harry Ferguson Trail, Events Guide. 2015 - Local, national Council, Tourism NI Capital project Continue to investigate and support new 2017 and proposals for Visitor Information Centres international located in the North East of the new visitors Council, e.g. Forestside Shopping Centre and/or Dundonald Ice Bowl

Outreach Outreach projects – presentations to groups 2015 - Local, national Council and Partners Present to over 250 £1,500 Programme and such as PROBUS, WI and SERC students. 2017 and potential visitors to Tour Guiding international the area, distributing visitors guides, providing advice and selling the destination.

Roundabout Manage the provision of roundabout 2015 - Local, national Council Raising revenues for N/A Sponsorship sponsorship for all gateway sites into the 2017 and grounds maintenance (£10,500 income p/a) new Council area, ensuring appropriate international of at least 7 gateway license agreement in place with Transport visitors roundabouts into the NI. City.

Customer Maintain Customer Service Excellence 2015 - Local, national Council, Accreditation Successful £3,000 Service Accreditation for Lisburn and Hillsborough 2017 and Assessment accreditation of Excellence Visitor Information Centres international award, improved visitors efficiencies and service offered.

Exhibitions/ Promotion of Lisburn and Castlereagh City 2015 - Local, national Council, Tourism NI Attend at least 6 £8,000 Shopping Centre Council as a tourism destination 2017 and exhibitions/ shopping Promos Continue to promote the Council area with international centres per annum. a visitor information presence at key events visitors Distribute over 5,000 eg tourism exhibition trailer at major Visitor Guides, events. provide advice, and sell LCCC. TOTAL £486,040 24 Theme 4: Industry Support There are many organisations involved with the promotion and funding of tourism within Northern Ireland. It is important at a local level to have in place linkages and partnerships for small, local operators to benefit from the range of various programmes and funding opportunities available.

Council will continue to support tourism within the area and foster collaborative projects for collective success. By working together industry can achieve common objectives by pooling resources and contributing to the advancement of the areas assets.

Desired outcomes: • Lisburn and Castlereagh area represented at networks and partnerships including Visit Belfast and Lough Neagh Destinations. • Tourism industry working together for the benefit of the area, i.e. clustering campaigns • Calendar of development opportunities, supported and attended by industry

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £

Industry Liaison Promotion and advice to businesses in the 2015 - Local business, Council, Tourism NI and Signposting business N/A Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area 2017 community Partners to appropriate groups and contacts, offering accommodation advice and assistance to help grow their tourism business.

Training Provide and support a range of customer 2015 - Hospitality Council, DEL, Tourism Industry training for £2,000 service and communication training for 2017 industry NI hospitality sector local industry e.g. World Host. employees x 100

Develop and deliver capacity building skills to tourism industry e.g. mentoring, business development, out of state marketing strategies and promotions.

Packaging Develop a number of themed packages in 2015 - Hospitality Council, Tourism NI Develop at least 6 £6,000 readiness for new international markets. 2017 industry packages that may be used for promotion in local/ international markets.

B&B and Self- Campaign to target prospective 2015 – Private sector Council, Tourism NI Leaflet, advice and £3,000 Catering accommodation proprietors in LCCC area, 2017 support to grow Awareness namely B&B and Self Catering. accommodation base Campaign with 40 new bed spaces over 2 years

Planning Industry liaison with new tourism planning 2015 - Private sector Council More product N/A Support applications seeking support, including 2017 development accommodation providers.

TOTAL: £11,000

Abbreviations: LCCC – Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council NITB – Northern Ireland Tourist Board BVCB – Belfast Visitor Convention Bureau DETI – Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment INI – Invest Northern Ireland DARD – Department of Rural Development TIL – Tourism Ireland DOE – Department of Environment

26 3. REGENERATION ACTION PLAN

THEME 1. URBAN REGENERATION The following place-based initiatives seek to reinforce and support appropriate development of the City Centre, commercial areas and towns across the Council area. They will promote development of key sites and buildings that respond to each area, encourage investment and encourage stronger links to and better use of the wider environment. Project Name Description Duration Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Group Partners Budgets £ Delivery of City Centre Masterplan

Lisburn Linkages Public Improved pavements, street 2015-2017 City Centre DSD (until 1 Delivery of a public £2,700,000 Realm Scheme furniture and lighting across the Stakeholders; April 2016) realm scheme in streets linking to the heart of the Private Antrim Street; City Centre. Sector; Local Bachelors Walk; Residents; Railway Street; City Centre Castle Street and Visitors Bridge Street.

Laganbank Quarter Development of delivery strategies 2015-2017 Developers; DSD (until 1 Production of: £100,000 Development Scheme and commencement of Land Investors; April 2016); - Soft Market (£50,000 Assembly to support delivery of a Private Private Sector Testing Report DSD) comprehensive development Sector - Business Case scheme. (Green Book standard) - Requirements Specification - Land Assembly Strategy - Delivery Strategy - Procurement Strategy

Opportunity Sites: Support for appropriate 2015-2017 Developers; DSD (until 1 Ongoing support for £50,000 Car Parks development of Lisburn City Investors; April 2016); Private Sector in Jordan’s Mill Centre Opportunity sites. Private Private Sector; development of Railway Street Sector Landowners opportunity sites.

Station Square Public Realm Development of a new public 2016-2017 City Centre Translink; Development of £10,000 and Park and Ride Car Park square outside Lisburn train station Stakeholders Transport NI concept design plan alongside plans to develop a park for public square at and ride facility. Lisburn train station.

Masterplan Review Review of City Centre Masterplan 2015-2016 City Centre City Centre Production of a £20,000 to update original research and Stakeholders; Stakeholders review report on reconsider opportunity sites and Developers; Lisburn City Centre development plans. Investors; Masterplan. Private Sector

Revitalisation Project Delivery of a strategic 2015-2016 Private DSD (until 1 Delivery of a series £280,000 revitalisation programme of Sector; Local April 2016); of initiatives to (£200,000 initiatives to support the Community; Private Sector include: DSD; £80,000 commercial centres of Lisburn City Visitors - Development of LCCC) Centre, Dundonald and Carryduff. Markets and Events - Direct PR and Marketing Programme - Delivery of Business Development Programmes

Newtownbreda Commercial Development of an EI Scheme, 2015-2016 Private Private Sector; Delivery of £20,000 Centre improved signage, linkages and Sector; Local Transport NI environmental and support for promotional events in Community; infrastructure the commercial area of Visitors improvements to Newtownbreda. support commercial activity in the commercial area of Newtownbreda.

Hillsborough Public Realm Improved pavements, street 2015-2017 Stakeholders; Historic Royal Delivery of a public £2,750,000 furniture and lighting across the Private Palaces; realm scheme in centre of the village of Sector; Local Transport NI; Hillsborough village. 28 Hillsborough linking closely to the Residents; Landowners; development of new infrastructure Visitors Private Sector; and plans at Hillsborough Castle. Local Community

Moira Public Realm Improved pavements, street 2015-2017 Stakeholders; Transport NI; Development of £60,000 furniture and lighting across the Private Landowners; detailed designs and centre of the village of Moira. Sector; Local Private Sector; plans for a public Residents; Local realm scheme in Visitors Community Moira.

Delivery of Castlereagh Urban Integrated Development Framework

Dundonald Public Realm Improved pavements, street 2015-2017 Stakeholders; DSD (until 1 Development of £30,000 furniture and lighting in the village Private April 2016); designs for a public of Dundonald. Sector; Local Transport NI; realm scheme in Residents; Landowners; Dundonald. Visitors Private Sector; Local Community

Carryduff Public Realm and Improved pavements, street 2015-2017 Stakeholders; DSD (until 1 Development of a £15,000 Transportation furniture and lighting in the centre Private April 2016); concept design for a Improvements of Carryduff. Sector; Local Transport NI; public realm scheme Residents; Landowners; in Carryduff centre. Visitors Private Sector; Local Community

Carryduff Town Centre Support for appropriate 2015-2017 Stakeholders; Private Sector; Ongoing support for £10,000 development of opportunity sites at Private Landowners; Private Sector in Carryduff town centre as identified Sector; Local Local development of in the CUIDF. Work could include Residents; Community opportunity sites. appraisals, research, and traffic Visitors study.

Dundonald Local Centre Support for appropriate 2015-2017 Stakeholders; Private Sector; Ongoing support for £10,000 Opportunity Sites development of opportunity sites Private Transport NI; Private Sector and 29 and infrastructure in Dundonald Sector; Local Landowners; other partners in centre as identified in the CUIDF. Residents; Local development of Work could include appraisals, Visitors Community opportunity sites and research, and traffic study. infrastructure improvements.

Comber Road Opportunity Support for appropriate 2015-2017 Stakeholders; Private Sector; Ongoing support for £10,000 Sites development of opportunity sites Private Transport NI; Private Sector and and infrastructure on Comber Road Sector; Local Landowners; other partners in as identified in the CUIDF. Work Residents; Local development of could include appraisals, research, Visitors Community opportunity sites and and traffic study. infrastructure improvements. Total Budget (Urban Regeneration) £6,065,000 Capital £2,904,000 Revenue £365,000 Transferring £2,546,000 Functions from DSD Grant Income £250,000 THEME 2. CITY CENTRE INITIATIVES While it is important to improve the physical environment and have a critical mass of commercial development in urban centres, they will also need to support businesses and other uses outside normal business hours, such as hospitality, retail, cultural and other services. This will create an environment where businesses are encouraged to be dynamic and to attract trade and activity. The following economic initiatives are based on opportunities to instigate investment and urban renewal, and will be supported by place-based initiatives and changes to the planning system. They seek to strengthen diversity and resilience of the city centre’s economy. Project Name Description Duration Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Group Partners Budgets £

City Centre Management Development of new projects and 2015-2017 Private Sector; Development and £50,000 Service initiatives to support City Centre City Centre delivery of city businesses and other stakeholders Residents; Other centre initiatives. to attract investment; visitors and City Centre to further enhance the newly Stakeholders improved environment.

CCTV Scheme Support for the management, 2015-2017 Lisburn £280,000 monitoring and maintenance of the Commerce 30 Public Space CCTV Scheme in Against Crime; Delivery of Public Lisburn City Centre; Hillsborough PSNI Space CCTV and Moira. Service.

Lisburn Historic Quarter Delivery of initiatives in Lisburn 2015-2017 SERC; SE Development and £30,000 Development Strategy Historic Quarter to develop the Health & Social delivery of key area as a celebrated historic Care Trust; initiatives in support destination, attractive investment LHQ Schools; of the LHQ location and retain the strong NI Fire & Development community support role. Rescue Service; Strategy. Transport NI; Community Interest Groups; LHQ Residents; Landowners

Trading Spaces Delivery of ‘Pop Up’ opportunities 2015-2017 Private Sector Fit-out of retail and £40,000 (Pop Up Shops Initiative) for new traders and other initiatives hospitality units across the commercial centres. across Lisburn City Centre, Dundonald and Carryduff.

Pilot BIDs Programme Development of a Pilot BIDs 2016-2017 Private Sector Set up of a Pilot £20,000 Programme across Lisburn City BIDs Programme in Centre businesses or another one commercial commercial centre. centre and delivery of at least two new partnership initiatives to support the members.

Public Art Strategy Development of a public art 2015-2017 LCCC Arts Production of £20,000 strategy for Lisburn City Centre to Service; Arts Lisburn City Centre complement the public realm Council Public Art Strategy improvement plans.

Parking Strategy Development of a parking strategy 2015-2017 Lisburn City Production of £20,000 for Lisburn City Centre to support Centre Lisburn City Centre delivery of future development Management; Parking Strategy plans. Transport NI Total Budget (City Centre Initiatives) £460,000

THEME 3. RURAL REGENERATION An opportunity exists to regenerate rural villages to improve their physical appearance, regenerate their local economies, improve rural service provision, improve facilities for children and young people and elderly and vulnerable members of the local community and also facilitate greater community cohesion. Project Name Description Duration Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Group Partners Budgets £

Rural Village Projects Development of Rural Village 2015-2017 DARD; Lagan Support rural village £70,000 Projects and initiatives to attract Rural communities to funding through the NI Rural Partnership develop projects and Development Programme make applications to 2014-2020 the NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Total Budget (Urban Regeneration) £70,000

32 THEME 4. LAGAN CORRIDOR REGENERATION The importance of the River Lagan and Lagan Navigation as a regional asset is well recognised, with the potential to provide a wide range of environmental, social, community and economic benefits across the Council area and beyond. With increased development, awareness and usage of the waterway it is hoped to create a high quality riverside environment with enhance leisure and tourism focus, improved amenity, recreation and public realm facilities that will result in significant investment form both the public and private sector.

Delivery of Lagan Corridor Strategic Framework Project Name Description Duration Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Group Partners Budgets £

Delivery of Lagan Corridor Production of Landscape 2015-2017 Lagan Canal Development of £40,000 Strategic Framework Development Plans along Lagan Trust; Private designs and plans for Corridor Sector; Lagan Corridor (Lambeg to Maze) Landowners; Opportunity Sites. Local Community

Lagan Canal Trust Support Lagan Canal Trust Core 2015-2017 Lagan Canal Continued Lagan £130,000 Operations in the development and Trust; Belfast Canal Trust Core delivery of the Lagan Navigation City Council; Operations. Ongoing re-opening project and programme Armagh City, development of re- of works. Banbridge and opening project Craigavon plans. Borough Council; DCAL; NIEA

The Waterways College Development and delivery of The 2015-2017 Lagan Canal The Waterways £40,000 Waterways College as a co- Trust; Private College set up and operation project. Sector; Local projects delivered Community along Lagan Navigation.

Pilot Lagan Corridor Storm Development of Flood Risk and 2015-2017 Lagan Canal Development of £20,000 Water Management Storm Water Management Project Trust; DOE; Flood Risk and Initiative along the Lagan Corridor. NIEA; QUB; Storm Water UUJ; NIEL; Management Project Private Sector alongside application Partners to EU LIFE Fund. 33

Greenways and Links Development of Greenways and 2015-2017 Local Lagan Canal Development of £20,000 Recreational Opportunities along Community; Trust; DOE; designs and plans for the Lagan Corridor linking to the Local Transport NI new Greenway links Lagan Navigation. Schools; along the Lagan Private Corridor. Sector

Discover Waterways Lisburn Development of Union Locks and 2015-2017 Private Lagan Canal Production of full £120,000 Navigation House site as a visitor Sector; Local Trust; Private detailed designs and destination. Improved access and Community; Sector; NI plans for linkages to the Lagan Navigation. Regional and Housing redevelopment of the Restoration of Union Locks and International Executive; SE Lagan Navigation Becky Hoggs Lock and Weir. Visitors Health & Social and environs from Care Trust; Lagan Valley Island to Union Locks.

Total Budget (Lagan Corridor Regeneration) £370,000

THEME 5. STRATEGIC PROJECTS Project Name Description Duration Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Group Partners Budgets £

Development of Strategic Support of strategic development 2015-2017 Developers; MLK Ongoing support for £60,000 Projects projects across the City to include Investors; Development development plans West Lisburn; Knockbracken Private Company; across strategic Healthcare Park Sector; Private Sector; opportunity sites. Landowners Landowners Total Budget (Strategic Projects) £60,000

34 4. RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN

Theme 1: Investing in Rural Businesses

Rural businesses have proven to be key contributors in terms of rural economic growth, increased rural employment opportunities and sustainable rural development. Within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council there is a need to maintain and increase the income of farm households by supporting diversification into non – agricultural activities. There is also a need to create employment opportunities through the promotion of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation to develop the rural economic infrastructure.

Desired outcomes: • Increased uptake of farmers or members of the farm household diversifying into non-agricultural activities in rural areas • Increased creation and development of micro enterprises and small enterprises in rural areas

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Farm Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Farmers, Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 20 £250,000 Diversification invest in the development of farm Members of Council, Local Enterprise farm diversification Support diversification initiatives Farm Centres, DARD, Invest businesses Households NI,

Micro Business Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years New Rural Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 5 new £100,000 Support invest in the development of new rural Business Start Council, Local Enterprise rural business start- business start-ups and existing micro Ups, Rural Centres, DARD, Invest ups and 5 rural micro businesses Micro NI, businesses Businesses (less than 10 employees)

Small Business Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Rural Small Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 10 £150,000 Support invest in the expansion of existing small Businesses Council, Local Enterprise rural small businesses businesses (less than 50 Centres, DARD, Invest employees) NI,

Theme 2: Investing in Rural Community Infrastructure

Investment in rural community infrastructure is key to improving access to community service provision and improving quality of life in rural areas. Within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council there is a continued need to support investment in the setting up, improvement or expansion of community facilities and community led service provision.

Desired outcomes: • Increased opportunities for the delivery of capital and resource focussed rural service provision which will improve the quality of life of rural dwellers

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Community Led Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 10 £200,000 Service invest in the development and expansion of Associations, Council, DARD, community led Provision – capital build programmes to improve Social projects Capital Grant community facility provision Economy Businesses, NGOs

Community Led Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 2 £40,000 Service invest in the development and expansion of Associations, Council, DARD, community led Provision – innovative community led schemes Social projects Resource Grant targeting at improving identified rural Economy service provision needs Businesses, NGOs

36 Theme 3: Investing in Rural Villages

Investment in the development of villages through previous regeneration programmes has proven to be a key catalyst in improving the vibrancy of rural village communities. Within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council there is a continued need to support residents of targeted villages and surrounding areas to create a vision and an integrated action plan to fully develop the potential of their local village and to provide related capital support to develop identified priority areas.

Desired outcomes: • Creation of integrated action plans in conjunction with Council and other government departments for targeted rural villages • Related investments in derelict and vacant site enhancement, environmental improvements, shop front enhancements and recreational infrastructure

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Integrated Grant aid for the development of 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to £20,000 Village Action community led integrated action plans Associations, Council, DARD, develop new Plan Social community led Development Economy integrated action Businesses, plans

Capital Village Grant aid for the development of linked 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to £160,000 Renewal capital projects identified by the above Associations, Council, DARD, develop 4 capital Investment community led integrated action plans Social village renewal Economy schemes Businesses,

37 Theme 4: Investing in Rural Broadband Provision

Investment in rural broadband access remains to be a key priority in rural areas. Within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council there is a continued need to create, improve and expand rural broadband infrastructure and the provision of better access to broadband in rural areas.

Desired outcomes: • Creation of access to rural broadband in very rural ‘not spots’ that are not within the scope of any other government initiatives • Development of innovative community led solutions for local access to an improved rural broadband service

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Creating New Grant aid investment in community led 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 2 pilot £50,000 Rural initiatives to create/enable access to Associations, Council, DARD, DETI rural broadband Broadband broadband infrastructure including Rural Micro access schemes Infrastructure backhaul facilities and ground equipment Businesses, Rural Small Businesses

Upgrading Grant aid investment in community led 2 years Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 2 pilot £50,000 Existing Rural initiatives to upgrade existing broadband Associations, Council, DARD, DETI rural broadband Broadband infrastructure (increased reliability, speed, Rural Micro upgrade schemes Infrastructure capacity & reach) Businesses, Rural Small Businesses

38 Theme 5: Investing in Rural Tourism

The continued development of rural tourism in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will help maximise the potential for rural areas to attract tourist revenue which will in turn contribute towards reducing rural poverty and improving the sustainability of rural areas.

Desired outcomes: • Increased investment in the strategic development of built and natural recreational infrastructure for public use • Increased investment in small to medium scale activity based tourism initiatives

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Strategic Rural Supporting grant applications to DARD for 2 years Hillsborough Lagan Rural Partnership, Drawdown of £1 million (See Tourism Tourism two key strategic tourism projects Village, Lagan Council, DARD, £500,000 funding for Development & Investment Canal Trust the development of Regeneration Themes) Hillsborough Village Tourism Masterplan,

Drawdown of £500,000 funding for the development of the Lagan Canal Rural Tourism Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Rural Tourism Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 10 £150,000 Business invest in the development and expansion of Businesses Council, DARD, Tourism projects Support rural tourism initiatives NI

Built & Natural Grant aid to project promoters that will 2 years Rural Tourism Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 4 £100,000 Rural Heritage invest in the development and expansion of Businesses, Council, DARD, Tourism projects Investment built and natural rural heritage schemes Social NI Economy Businesses, NGO’s

39 Theme 6: Investing in Cross Border and European Co operation

Networking and co-operation remains to be an important aspect of economic development. There are opportunities within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to identify rural issues or sectors which could benefit from participation in cross border and European co-operation projects focused on improving best practice, experiential learning and the potential for collaboration.

Desired outcomes: • Increased opportunities for cross border and European co-operation collaborations to address issues effecting rural communities in terms of tourism, skills development and volunteerism

Project Name Description Time Target Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Budgets for Group(s) Council £ Cross Border Grant aid for the development of a Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 1 pilot £45,000 Rural Tourism complementary cross border motorcycle 2 years Associations, Council, DARD, Tourism initiative tourism trail and marketing campaign Social NI Economy Businesses,

Cross Border Grant aid for the development of a Community Lagan Rural Partnership, Grant award to 1 pilot £45,000 Rural Heritage complementary cross border Waterways 2 years Associations, Council, DARD, Tourism initiative & Skills College initiative that will increase skills in Social NI Promotion rural heritage conservation and Economy volunteerism Businesses,

Financial Statement

The above themes are expected to be funded 100% through Priority 6 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. It is expected that a project budget of £2,512,000 will be spent in the period 2015 – 2020 which will be delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group. It is envisaged that out of the £2,512,000 available, a project budget of £1,360,000 will be expended under the above themes by 2017 as follows:

Theme 1: Investing in Rural Businesses - £500,000 Theme 2: Investing in Rural Community Infrastructure - £240,000 Theme 3: Investing in Rural Villages - £180,000 Theme 4: Investing in Rural Broadband Provision - £100,000 Theme 5: Investing in Rural Tourism - £250,000 Theme 6: Investing in Cross Border and European Co-operation - £90,000

It is also envisaged that a further £1million will be drawn down as a result of applications direct to DARD for 2 Strategic Rural Tourism projects outlined under Theme 5. 40

A B C D (E = A – D) F ECONOMIC INDICATIVE INDICATIVE INDICATIVE INCOME NET COST TO INDICATIVE DEVELOPMENT UNIT TOTAL COST CAPITAL REVENUE COUNCIL 2 YEAR SECTION EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE (Revenue) BUDGET ESTIMATES

Business Competitiveness £2,827,000 0 £2,827,000 £1,359,270 £1,467,730 £2,802,966 Tourism Development £2,414,306 0 £2,414,306 £599,000 £1,815,306 £1,832,660 Regeneration £7,025,000 £5,450,000 £1,575,000 £2,796,000 £4,229,000 £1,368,788 Rural Development £1,360,000 0 £1,360,000 £1,360,000 0 £1,360,000

GRAND TOTAL £13,626,306 £5,450,000 £8,176,306 £6,114,270 £7,512,036 £7,364,414

*Assuming new Programme 2014 – 2020 project costs only

41 Lisburn Evening Economy Proposal

Year 3 and 4 (April 2015- March 2017)

Outline

The proposal for Year 3 and 4 of the Evening Economy initiative aims to further address the perception that there is little to do in Lisburn City Centre in the early/late evening.

A group of businesses united in 2013 to address this perception and promote Lisburn as a vibrant and enjoyable place to visit in the evening. The established membership group consists of businesses including Restaurants, Pubs, and Coffee houses as below:

Angelo’s Del Toro Square Bistro The Favourite Bar Tuesday Bell Weatherspoon The Three Crowns Hague’s Bar Alexanders Bar Pizzarelly’s Ed’s Bar and Grill Cookie Box Marco’s

A number of partners have been made with the Arts and Leisure sector that include R Space Gallery, Lisburn Historic Quarter Arts Group, Island Arts Centre, and Atlas Women’s Centre.

It is hoped that as this initiative gains momentum that Retail businesses will become involved to complement the evening Hospitality offering.

Building on activities in 2013 – 2015, the new strategy for 2015-2017 aims to utilise the new public realm event space in Market Square to host events and outdoor cooking demonstrations.

Year 1 and 2 Evening Economy Initiative Review

The feedback from businesses in 2013 and 2014 was very positive. In Year One of the initiative (2013) members experienced an increase in footfall and turnover. Half of members experienced a 0-5% increase in footfall in Lisburn city centre after 5pm in Year One of the initiative, compared to the previous year and 40% of members experienced a 5-10% increase in footfall.

In addition, 10% experienced a 10-15% increase in turnover in Year One of the initiative, compared to the previous year. In Year Two of the initiative members experienced a further increase in footfall and turnover; 40% of members experienced a 0-5% increase in footfall in Lisburn city centre after 5pm, 30% of members experienced a 5-10% increase in footfall and 10% of members experienced a substantial increase in turnover of 10-15% in Year Two of the initiative, compared to the previous year.

Membership

Who qualifies as a member?

 Restaurants, bars, cafes, retail establishments, arts, culture and leisure providers  Must be located within the city centre or Lisburn Leisure Park  Must be open after 4pm at least once a week (to allow maximum opportunity for members to participate) All members will be encouraged to attend regular meetings and take part in developing and delivering the action plan. Members will communicate details of offers, events etc and help to promote the evening economy. In addition to contributing to the group with in-kind prizes, incentives etc each member will contribute £250 each year for the financial years 2015-2017. It is anticipated that as the initiative gains momentum, membership will increase, and retail businesses will be targeted to become involved.

Strategic Aims/ Objectives

1. Increase awareness of evening activities in Lisburn City Centre after 5pm by over 10% and carry out surveys with sample of over 400 people each year.

2. Develop more evening activities and extend opening hours beyond 5pm across the City Centre in at least 10 businesses each year.

3. Increase footfall by over 10% in Lisburn City Centre after 5pm each year.

4. Increase Evening Economy members' turnover by over 5% after 5pm each year.

5. Aspire to achieve the Purple Flag Status over the two years and achieve one new criteria each year.

The strategy will include a range of activities and key events in Year 3 (April 2015- March 2016) and Year 4 (April 2016-March 2017).

Activity Actions Year 3 Year 4 EE Leverage Budget

Strategic Aim 1. Increase awareness of evening activities in Lisburn City Centre after 5pm

Marketing - Point of Sale / Merchandise in members’ April 15- April 16- £2,000 £600 in activities outlet March 16 March kind and Public - Promotion Team in Lisburn City Centre 17 members Relations - Promotion at events through the city via Visitor Information Centre staff In kind - Event promotion partner - Source a PR consultant to increase awareness advertisin g Old Pubs of - Organise tours around city centre pubs and August 15 March 17 £2,500 £500 in Lisburn share the history of each establishment. March 16 kind Tours - Increase awareness of pubs open late in members Lisburn City Centre

NI Food and - Organise and coordinate a stand to promote Oct 15 Oct 16 £1500 £1000 in Drink Show evening activities in Lisburn kind Belfast at - Showcase restaurants and bars members King’s Hall - Encourage members to attend show and provide food and drink samples

Halloween - Coordinating food activity 31st Oct Oct 16 £4,000 £500 in event - Hire of marquee and signage designed 15 kind members

Evening - Develop booklet promoting evening and Oct 15 Jan 17 £2,000 Free space Economy hospitality product for information - Recipes included distributio booklet - Distribute through member outlets and other n city centre locations - Support and create awareness of online activity

Cooking - Trade at large events such as the Circuit of May 15- April 16- £1500 demonstrati Ireland Fun Day and increase awareness March 16 March 17 ons on the - Utilise the new event space at Market Square main street with cooking demonstrations

Other - Encourage members to maximise marketing April 15- April 16- £1000 £1000 In Activities opportunities and organise other events to March 16 March 17 kind raise their profile and that of the group members - High quality images to use for promotional activities/press releases - Nights out photos for Facebook promotion (Christmas and Mother’s Day)

Strategic Aim 2. Develop more evening activities and extended opening hours beyond 5pm across the City Centre.

Retail - Encourage retail sector to coordinate late Oct 15-Dec Oct 16- £0 promotion opening hours throughout Christmas period. 16 Dec 17 Evening - Work with groups such as LHQAG, Island Arts April 15- April 16- £0 Activities Centre, Atlas Centre, R-Space and SERC to Mar 16 March 17 encourage and promote complementary evening activities. - Encourage groups to use the new event space after 5pm

Strategic Aim 3. Increase Footfall in the City Centre after 5pm

Culture - Working in association with the Lisburn Fri 20 Sept Sept 16 £8,500 £3,500 Night Historic Quarter Arts Group 15 LHQ - Bringing a cultural showcase to Lisburn £2000 In - Musicians and bands to play in each member’s kind business Christmas - Encourage members to get behind and take Nov/Dec Nov/Dec £500 promotion part in the You Got it For Less Campaign 15 16 - Work with members to provide a lunch or dinner package for Christmas shopping trips to the city.

Strategic Aim 4. Increase turnover in City Centre businesses after 5pm

Restaurant - Restaurants and bars to hold traditional taste November 2016 £1,000 £2000 in Week (TBC) sessions with wine tasting, live music and 15 kind entertainment, cooking demonstrations, members celebrity chef etc.

- Promotion of event: advertisement in The Ulster Star, radio, leaflets, social media March Music - Music and entertainment in the bars and March 16 March 17 £6,000 £1000 in Event restaurants at night kind - Similar to Culture Night activity members Ongoing - Coupon leaflet for Balmoral Show April 15- April 16- £1,500 Marketing - Promote evening activities and businesses March 16 March activities - Listings in local media and radio 17

Website - Website to include business/members April 15- April 16- £0 £400 in directory, offers, opening hours, news and March 16 March kind LCCM events 17 Social media - Develop Facebook page and Twitter account April 15- April 16- £500 Staff Time to promote events March 16 March LCCM - Facebook Advertisements 17 £1000 in - Develop a large following on social media sites kind (target 4000 followers) - Promote offering, news and events (Three times per week) - Encourage people to share Lisburn’s evening activities through social media: run minimum of four competitions - Offline promotion of online presence - Prize Draws Strategic Aim 5. Aspire to achieve the Purple Flag Status

Transport - Areas of criteria which still need to be April 15- April 16- £0 £500 in Safety addressed include appropriate late night March 16 March kind Entertainment public transport provision, a more vibrant 17 members choice and rich mix of evening entertainment and for all ages and an attractive destination. groups

-The Evening Economy Group is currently improving the range and mix of evening entertainment for all ages and it is anticipated that completion of the new event space and public realm works will assist in meeting the criteria set out for an attractive destination at night in public spaces.

Total £32,500 £13,500

Year 3 and 4 Monthly Activity Plan

April 15/16 Opportunity to trade at Circuit of Ireland Easter event This event is always well attended with over 8,000 people visiting Lisburn. Members were able to sell food at the event and increase awareness.

May 15/16 Balmoral Show. Members to promote group and give out samples and voucher booklets Designated area within the Lisburn and Castlereagh Marquee The number of visitors to Balmoral Show in 2014 was over 80,000 people, with estimates that over two thirds of attendees will visit the marquee and/or receive a voucher booklet in 2015.

August Old pubs of Lisburn tour 15/16 Organise tours around city centre pubs and share the history of each establishment. Coordinate tour with photographers and their Old pubs of Lisburn photographs.

Sept. 15/16 Culture Night Lisburn 15 After the success of the first Culture Night in 2013, Culture Night 2014 was bigger and better with a wider variety of activities taking place throughout the night. Approximately 6,000 people attended one or more events on Culture Night and members were delighted with the event and have a passion for growing this event in 2015.

October NI Food and Drink Show stand at King’s Hall 15/16 The evening economy group will take a stand at the event and brand it ‘Love Lisburn Nights Out’. Menu cards and promotional items will be distributed to thousands of people throughout the weekend and food and drink samples will be given out by members.

Food trading at LCCC Halloween event (To be confirmed) Members of the group hope to set up a food stall at the Halloween event in Lisburn City Centre.

November Lisburn Restaurant Week (To be confirmed) 15/16 Involvement in ‘You Got it For Less’ campaign and television advert Members will be encouraged to support and take part in the You Got it For Less Campaign. This weekend campaign will be widely advertised and will be an excellent opportunity to advertise the evening offering in Lisburn.

December Christmas offering and Christmas nights out photos on facebook 15/16 Christmas menus to be promoted and professional photos to be taken over three weekends in December of people enjoying a night out in Lisburn. Photos to be posted on facebook and people encouraged to tag and share the photos.

February Valentines Promotion 16/17 Special Valentines menus will be promoted on facebook and twitter.

March Mothers Day competition 16/17 Promoted via social media

Music Event A day of free activities for all the family with live music in the restaurants and bars in the evening.

Funding Year 3

The following table shows a breakdown of sources of funding. Target membership: 16 members £4,000 Lisburn Historic Quarter £3,500 (To be spent on an event in September) Total £7,500 Funding requested from Lisburn & Castlereagh City £25,000 Council TOTAL £32,500

Year 4

The Activity Plan and Action Plan from Year 3 will be replicated in Year 4 with £25,000 requested from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The evening group has now established a yearly calendar of events which have previously been successful.

Conclusion

In conclusion the marketing and event activities proposed require a budget of £32,500 with funding of £25,000 from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council each year for years three and four. This investment will help to further develop a vibrant evening economy in Lisburn City Centre. The funding in Year One and Two has provided a platform for businesses to work together to promote a more vibrant evening economy, and as a result, this collaboration of businesses plan to further promote the Lisburn City Centre Evening Economy product over the next 2 years.

Funding for 2015-2017 will be subject to ongoing evaluation, and provided that success can be demonstrated, will form the basis for the development of a more substantial evening economy initiative going forward.

Balmoral Show – 2015 Report

Background Members will recall at the June 2014 Economic Development Committee it was agreed to showcase and promote activities surrounding the Balmoral Show to a total value of £30,000 to create linkages between Lisburn City Centre and the Balmoral Show.

Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee The Visit Lisburn marquee in 2015 was 10m longer than the previous year - 12m x 35m marquee with a professional shell scheme, graphics and lighting to showcase the best of the Lisburn City Centre retail offering and Lisburn and Castlereagh leisure attractions to the expected 90,000 visitors to the Show. Once again, the marquee location next to the entrance was optimal for creating awareness and maximising exposure.

Being awarded the ‘Reserve Best Presented Marquee not including Food or Equipment’ by the organisers of the Show proved a positive accolade. The internal shell scheme was visually appealing and consistent with the Council’s marketing brand guidelines. Certainly, the purpose built shell scheme, with images, logos and vibrant colours throughout added to the ‘wow’ factor of any visitor entering the marquee.

The marquee was heavily branded on the outside and inside, showcasing what the Lisburn City Centre has to offer with a ‘High Street’ shopping village highlighting local retailers from the City Centre, and visitor attractions from the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and a sample of restaurants from the Lisburn Evening Economy Group all promoting their wares.

Other activities Whilst the marquee was the show piece throughout the three days of the Balmoral Show, numerous other activities took place surrounding the event. These marketing efforts included:

Discount Voucher Booklet – 40,000 copies published with discount offers from all participating traders at the Balmoral Show. These vouchers were part of the booklet that was valid for the month of May, and therefore could be distributed at all events throughout the month.

Website links – in 2015 all accommodation requests were handled by the Visitor Information Centres at Lisburn and Hillsborough. A link was created from the Balmoral Show official website to the www.visitlisburn.com website for accommodation with staff following up the availability from industry on a regular basis. The priority is always to keep trade in the local accommodation providers. This worked extremely well with most proprietors getting bookings on the back of these efforts.

Dedicated landing page on www.visitlisburn.com/balmoralshow – highlighting a pdf of the dedicated leaflet with exclusive offers in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

Official Launch event – this created an opportunity for the Elected Members and Officers to liaise in an informal environment with visitors and business owners in the marquee. Invitations from Economic Development went out to all business databases, including the hospitality industry.

Branding – limited branding throughout the City Centre (due to Public Realm works) was erected welcoming the Balmoral Show and its visitors to Lisburn. This included large 5m x 1m banners erected in appropriate locations. One such banner was erected on the Hillsborough Roundabout with a reputed 30,000 commuters passing each day.

Meet and Greet – Visitor Information Centre staff alongside South East Regional College students were on hand as ‘Meet and Greet’ Officers. This encouraged people using public transport to come into the City Centre. Advice, suggestions and directions were all available to visitors alongside collateral literature being distributed.

Surveys – 324 surveys were completed with analysis attached as Appendix A. A competition in partnership with Fone House, Lisburn was used as an incentive to complete the surveys.

Response for traders They received space in the Discount Voucher Booklet and also space within the Visit Lisburn marquee. Those participating within the Visit Lisburn marquee included the following:

Dobbies Garden Centre Little French Barn Ballance House The Bead Shop Hillsborough Oyster Festival Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Layer Cake (NI) Hilden Brewery Brown Bean Hillsborough Castle Collar and Tie Menswear We Are Vertigo Sportsdock Lagan Valley LeisurePlex Midas Jewellers Coca Cola Visitor Experience Shannon’s Irish Linen Centre and Linen Museum McCalls Sprucefield Shopping Centre Smyth Patterson Welcome area (Visitor Information) Lyons Karting Lisburn Evening Economy Group - LCCM Restaurants x 6 Fonehouse Sam Baird Optician Menarys Thorntons Sew N Knit Style House Debonair Floral Boutique

A survey from the traders was completed shortly after Balmoral Show finished with the findings attached at Appendix B. Again, all those trading found the experience of participating on the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee very worthwhile.

It would be expected that even more interest in the initiative could be generated for 2016, and this brings other dilemmas on the size of the marquee and participation costs for same.

Costs A summary breakdown is attached below:

Expenditure Marquee and flooring £5,636 Shell scheme and fit out £13,566 Discount brochure £3,340 Promotion and other £3,175 Website costs & expenses £1,150 Site Fee £3,000 Electric £3,083 Launch event £1,740 Visitor Services Staffing £1,624 Total £36,314

Income Traders contributions £6,320

Net Cost £29,994

Conclusion Business was up for the participating traders whilst others (such as the attractions) found the exercise a good tool for promoting their facilities. Visitors found it useful to find out more about Lisburn City Centre and indeed some of the hidden gems within the Council area.

By supporting this initiative the Council received positive publicity and has forged even better relationships with RUAS, traders, attractions, restaurants and event organisers. A similar initiative should be considered for May 2016.

Recommendation It is recommended that Members note the content of the attached report and agree to support a similar initiative for 2016 with a budget of £35,000 allocated from the 2016 City Promotion allocation.

Andrew Kennedy Tourism Development Manager

18 May 2015 Appendix A – Public Survey Balmoral Show 2015

Results based on 324 responses to this question

1. How did you find out about the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee?

2. What do you think of the of the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee?

3. How do you think the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee could be improved?

• Bigger marquee • Air conditioning • One way system • More space between stands • Food and drink samples • Bigger room for prams • Bigger entrance • Couldn’t be improved

4. How far did you travel to attend the show?

5. Who are you here with?

6. When did you last visit Lisburn City Centre?

Appendix B - Balmoral Show Retail Survey Results

1. On a scale of 1 - 5 how successful do you think the event has been for you? (1 being poor, 5 being excellent)

Increasing sales

Creating awareness

1 2 3 4 5 Total Weighted Average

0.00% 5.00% 25.00% 45.00% 25.00% Increasing 0 1 5 9 5 20 3.90 sales

0.00% 0.00% 8.00% 46.00% 46.00% Creating 0 0 2 13 13 28 4.39 awareness of your business

2. How do you rate the layout and design of the marquee? (1 being poor, 5 being excellent)

Layout and design

1 2 3 4 5 Total Weighted Average

0.00% 0.00% 11.00% 43.00% 46.00% Layout and 0 0 3 12 13 28 4.35 design

3. How do you think the marquee could be improved?

• I thought the marquee was very well thought out and organised, not sure how we could improve it but happy to think about that for next year! • Sort out bottlenecks, make marquee bigger and longer. Maybe change location of emergency exit door to the corner of marquee. • Bigger space options • Security. CCTV cameras at entrances/exits over the 3 days • More Lisburn High Street Signs, more signage outside showing which shops are inside the marquee • Introduce one way system • Signage outside that indicated there were shops inside. • Not as many stalls in the middle - more space • Perhaps made a little wider. There were bottle necks from time to time. • More divides between attractions to make it more obvious who was who. • Bigger marquee, deeper stands • I think it could be much bigger with more of Lisburn's shops and leisure facilities on show. • Some bigger stands. • More samples, more space, more slots available • More chairs outside for lunch etc. • More space, a bit cramped when busy. • Very cold. • A few more bins would be great, especially with people giving out samples. • Bigger with more trader / variety interest • Give it a more creative name than the Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh Marquee

4. Would you recommend this event to other City Centre traders?

Answer Choices Responses 100.00% Yes 28

0.00% No 0

0.00% Maybe 0

Total 28

5. Would you be interested in exhibiting at the Balmoral Show 2016?

Answer Choices Responses 100.00% Yes 28

0.00% Answer Choices Responses No 0

0.00% Maybe 0

Total 28

6. How much would you be willing to pay to exhibit at the ‘Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh’ marquee 2016?

• Same as this year • £200-300 • £300-400 maximum • No more than this year but would pay extra for a bigger stand • The same as this year or less • Same as this year, would pay more for bigger stand • As little as possible- the same as this year • As little as possible • £750 + VAT. • Same • Same again • Same as this year • This year's fee was fair, it makes it worthwhile. • The Same • £400 • Similar amount again to this year • About the same if possible

EVALUTION REPORT

Prepared by Inform Communications

Background Lisburn City Council’s aim is to develop new and exciting quality tourism product offerings for locals and visitors to the area. Lisburn Restaurant Week’s aim is to promote the City as a quality visitor dining destination which provides first class service, hospitality and value for money. LRW offers marketing support and promotion to the local hospitality sector. Lisburn City Council acted as the main sponsor of LRW and the initiative was managed through the Councils Tourism Development Unit.

Lisburn Restaurant Week Objectives

Key Objectives –

• Creating awareness of the selection and diversification of the food and drink offering within the council area • Building a community and a brand that’s synonymous with fine dining in Lisburn • Increase footfall to restaurants, bars, hotels and eateries • Increase in dining spend for restaurants, bars, hotels and eateries • Offer a marketing platform for eateries to promote their establishments and offerings • Build a successful annual event which grows and develops each year • Build relationships with key stakeholders and the hospitality industry • Increase hours spent in the Lisburn City Council area

Measurement Strategies –

Sponsorship

• Sponsorship and ‘buy-in’ was sought from local businesses to enhance and give credibility to LRW • Bespoke sponsorship packs were distributed to potential targets both locally and further afield • Follow up calls were conducted with key sponsorship targets and meetings were secured • Our focus was to create positive relationships with engaged companies in order to ensure future buy-in in 2015 and beyond

Recruitment of Restaurants

• A spokesperson for the trade was sought and used to endorse the early messaging along with a Council Representative. Derek Patterson from the Plough was identified and agreed upon by LCC. A new representative will be recruited each year • Traditional PR, digital marketing and social media was used to facilitate initial awareness to trade • A database of all potential eateries which were eligible for participation was created, categorised and stored on our in-house CRM system • All restaurants were contacted by email and telephone to drive registration on a regular basis • Continued contact through e-flyers at least once a week • A 3 day door to door campaign was carried out in order to engage face to face • Attendance at evening traders committee meetings on a regular basis • A presentation was made to the evening traders group

PR & Marketing

• Ulster Star was recruited as a media partner • A FB and Twitter page was created • A LRW website page was created and hosted on Visitlisburn.com • A promotional event was delivered on Bow Street to increase awareness • 5000 A5 leaflets were distributed throughout LCC and BCC • 5000 LRW brochures advertising all restaurants and offers were distributed in LCC and BCC • Each restaurant was provided with x2 A3 posters and a window Decal to advertise LRW • Public Information Event and local chef demonstrations took place on Bow Street to raise public awareness and engage with key demographic groups

Results ______

Restaurant Recruitment

• 27 restaurants participated in LRW 2014 (target was 20) • A variety of successful fringe events hosted by the restaurants themselves included meet the chef sessions, cookery demos, themed nights, live music, wine tasting, family nights, cocktail demonstrations and comedy nights.

Media Coverage Summary

1. PRINT - Direct Advertising Equivalent Value (AEV): £28,183.96In terms of equivalent advertising spend by a multiplier of 3.5 as recommended by Chartered Institute of Public Relations: £98,643.86 2. OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE/AEV - ONLINE - 3,715,000 / £18,970 BROADCASTS – 703,000 / £1,229.50 3. TOTAL ADVERTISING VALUE - £118,843.36

Sponsorship

• A database of 20 local businesses were approached to engage either financially or by way of contra or added value

The following Companies / Organisations were secured as partners of LRW

• SMEG Appliances (value £2000) • Love Food Hate Waste (DOE) (value £1000) • Coca Cola – supported through their on the ground outlets • Brakes Foods – (value £250)

Sponsorship Total Value (Financial and equivalent) = £3,250

Participant Feedback

27 eateries took park in Lisburn Restaurant Week (target was 20).

18 evaluation forms were returned. From the findings some interesting outcomes include:

• 71% of the survey suggests Lisburn Restaurant Week has the potential to boost revenue and increase footfall. Overall, it was felt that the short lead in times did not allow for proper promotions in 2014 and based on this much longer lead-in times would be required for a 2015 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week. • 64% of the survey restaurants would recommend Lisburn Restaurant Week to other eateries. The collaboration of the industry working together strengthens the product offering and all eateries benefit from the additional marketing campaign. • Best dates for Restaurant Week – Summer/ Autumn. A later date in the year may be an option to allow for longer lead in times to maximise the full potential of the event.

Challenges and Future Recommendations

Key Objectives Achievement Summary

Having reflected on the key objectives and the feedback received via the participant survey it is reasonable to say that key objectives were met. All participating restaurants agree that there is a requirement for such a marketing platform that is supported by council and private sector and support its return.

A high percentage of participants would like to see further investment made in events to drive awareness of LRW and in advertising spend.

Relationships between key stakeholders were built with many restaurants taking part in the Launch event on Bow Street and contributing by either providing a chef to demonstrate or by providing free samples to hand out.

1. Communication with Restaurants

The hospitality business by nature works outside of what are deemed as normal working hours so communication can be delayed.

Recommendation • All stakeholders (LCCC & LCCM) to reiterate to restaurateurs the importance of prompt feedback • Take into account delayed responses when setting deadlines for the submission of information from the participants • Ensure all stakeholders are aware of the progress of each stage so they can assist with the communication process through their daily business • Factor in more labour hours for phone canvassing

2. Restaurant Participation

Ensure registration forms are returned in the most efficient manner.

Recommendation • Allow for longer lead in times to ease the pressure of deadlines slippages • Reiterate/explain to the participants how vital it is for marketing and sponsorship activity, that they submit information as quickly as possible

3. Lisburn Restaurant Week Ambassador

Appointing a suitable spokesperson who is accepted by all participating traders

Recommendation • LCCC representative or industry personality to be the spokesperson

4. Sponsorship Recruitment

LRW was greatly received by many companies and satisfactory sponsorship was achieved. Having now delivered a successful inaugural year the sponsorship income can be developed for future years.

Recommendation • Create a new sponsorship sales pack including pictures from all the wonderful fringe events and launch events along the success stats and figures

5. Media monitoring

Ensure all press clippings are collated.

Recommendation • Allocate a budget for media monitoring

6. Promotion

All participants are keen to see as much promotional activity as possible.

Recommendation • A radio media partner would be particularly useful such as City Beat or Cool FM as the restaurants are keen to encourage visitors that would predominantly dine in Belfast city centre • More prominent banners or 48 sheet advertising within a city centre location • Increased marketing spend • More targeted Facebook advertising to drive more visitors to the launch events and the week as a whole • Bigger launch event to enhance the buzz and highlight the start of the week

7. Launch Event

The launch event which took place on Bow Street Mall involved six chefs from participating restaurants who took to a mobile demonstration kitchen and enticed the public with delicious tasters of their LRW menus. The event was well received by the public with crowds gathering to receive a LRW brochure and treats from Jeffers Bakery along with food samples. The event was also supported by Love Food Hate Waste and Brakes Group who both attended the event and have shown interest for events going forward.

Recommendations • Host two separate launch events various locations within Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. • Ideally have chefs from Lisburn and Castlereagh eateries demonstrating in pop- up style restaurants selling a sample from their menu • Incorporate local food and drink producers with stands creating a market feel • Create an event with a family appeal which will include family friendly attractions, great local food and drink and cooking demonstrations. A street food day was suggested with speciality breads & crafts. • Competitions leading up to the event should be arranged on social media to also promote awareness by all those who are participating. • All the participants would really like ongoing engagement and would like to take part in LRW 2015.

Social Media Results Summary

Facebook

The Page was launched on 19th May and grew to 775 likes by the start of Restaurant Week.

 Fan Demographic - 76% are female - Largest age category is 25-34 (32%)

 Facebook Post Reach - Reach peaked at 2,000 people seeing the posts in one day

 The number and frequency of Page and Tab visits - The visits to the Page peaked at 240 on 19th June  The number of Likes, Comments and Shares - Likes peaked at 120 in one day on 19th June  The times of day when people viewed the page - The most popular visit time was between 9pm and 10pm

Facebook Evaluation

The Page was launched on 19th May and grew to 775 likes by the start of the Restaurant Week.

Please see below screenshots outlining the following -

 Demographics of fans - 76% are female - Largest age category is 25-34 (32%)  The reach of the Facebook posts - Reach peaked at 2,000 people seeing the posts in one day  The number and frequency of Page and Tab visits - The visits to the Page peaked at 240 on 19th June  The number of Likes, Comments and Shares - Likes peaked at 120 in one day on 19th June  The times of day when people viewed the page - The most popular visit time was between 9pm and 10pm

Twitter

 Followers to date are 133  This will be developed continually through regular interaction with businesses that participated in LRW 14 and possible participants for LRW 15.

Visual Content

Photography was continually posted on Twitter in the lead up to and throughout LRW creating a buzz around the event and providing followers with quality visual content.

Customer Engagement

The LRW Twitter provided a platform for customers to provide feedback on their experiences in the participating restaurants thus encouraging further custom.

Connection with Online Promotional Voices

Twitter allowed for connection with other online social voices allowing for further promotion and increased customer reach.

SME DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2015/2016 The table below outlines the proposed projects to be delivered as part of an interim programme of business development support to be put in place in advance of new EU funding being finalised, with indicative budgets and outputs. Members should note that these projects are a continuation of initiatives which are currently being successfully delivered across the new Council area. Members should note that provision for all these payments exists with the current Economic Development budget estimates.

PROGRAMME OUTPUTS BUDGET

Evolution Business 50 companies engaged £25,500 Mentoring Programme 30 companies receive mentoring 425 hours one to one mentoring 3 business referred to Invest NI 5 new jobs 10% increased turnover

Generate Renewable 9 companies recruited £27,000 Supply Chain 9 capability profiles developed Specialist one to one mentoring 4 businesses referred to Invest NI to exploit opportunities in the energy supply chain to undertake 1 Industry Meet the Buyer event 10% increased turnover

Competitive Edge Sales 10 companies recruited £29,950 Development 60 sales opportunities identified Programme 10% increase in turnover 2 businesses referred to Invest NI 2 businesses referred to Intertrade Ireland

Future Industries 8 companies recruited £25,000 Innovation Programme 8 Innovation Audits completed 2 Innovation Roadshows 8 new products, processes or partnerships identified 2 businesses referred to Invest NI

Graduate Into Business 20 companies recruited £20,000 2 Graduate promotional events 10 new Graduate businesses 10 referrals to Invest NI support 10 new jobs

Netherlands Trade 6 companies recruited £29,950 Programme 36 opportunities identified in the Netherlands 2 companies achieve 10% increase in export sales 20% businesses referred to Invest NI

Central & Eastern 6 companies recruited £29,950 Europe 36 new opportunities identified in Central & Eastern Europe 2 companies achieve 10% increase in export sales 20% businesses referred to Invest NI

Business Networks 10 networking events £10,000 10 Expert Speakers identified Schedule of events published Min of 25 businesses per event

TOTAL COST £177,400

Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee agree to the interim programme of business development support as outlined.

BROADBAND UK (BDUK) MARKET TESTING PILOT

Broadband UK have responsibility for meeting Government targets in relation to UK wide broadband coverage, and Members will recall the Broadband Voucher Scheme which the Council recently agreed to participate in which is also rolled out by Broadband UK. Another scheme which Broadband UK is currently promoting is a pilot scheme to encourage the uptake of alternative technologies for broadband provision, namely through satellite, in areas which have been identified as not having sufficient broadband coverage to merit commercial providers to operate. These areas are known as ‘white’ areas. As part of a UK wide pilot, Antrim and Fermanagh have been identified as the only areas of Northern Ireland eligible to participate in the pilot which is being managed locally by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) and Avanti, who have secured the contract to deliver the pilot scheme. The cost of the equipment and installation to households and businesses in these areas is covered by Avanti, with a monthly fee charged depending on the broadband speed required. All fees will be held for a 5 year period. The attached map shows white, grey and black areas of broadband coverage in County Antrim. White areas are those where there is no adequate broadband coverage and where the telecoms industry is not expected to improve coverage in the next three years, hence those areas eligible to participate in the project. As can be seen on the attached map these areas cover parts of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area, and DETI have requested the assistance of all Councils in the areas highlighted in rolling out the programme locally. This would involve marketing and promotion of the programme to businesses and households located in the white areas identified, namely in rural areas. Avanti is developing a marketing campaign with a website, banner stands, flyers, and email marketing activities in these areas, and have requested the use of participating Council logos for marketing materials. In addition Avanti have requested that the Councils work with them to identify two test trial sites per Council area which can be used to help demonstrate broadband speeds using satellite technologies. There is also scope for this project to complement broadband connectivity activity funded as part of the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. This is reflected in the programme branding which has been developed, ‘Better Rural Broadband’, and dedicated programme website which will be launched over the next few months. Members should note that there are no budgetary requirements from Councils for the campaign, with Council input being namely staff time, use of the Council logo and rural networks to help promote the pilot. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee agrees to assist in the roll out of BDUK pilot Broadband project in rural areas as outlined above.

Hazel King Economic Development Manager 28 May 2015

Discover Waterways Lisburn

Access Strategy Report

March 2015

1.0 Introduction The remit for this report was • Production of an updated deliverable masterplan for Navigation House and Union Lock’s and masterplans for the Becky Hogg’s Lock carpark site and the NIHE owned riverside site, • Access plan to include previous decisions and also highlight potential future links • Cost estimates separated into separate project zones

2.0 Masterplan Proposals The proposals are located along the River Lagan and comprise three distinct zones, (1.) Navigation House and Union Locks environs, (2.) proposed riverside path and (3.) Becky Hogg’s Lock environs, collectively termed ‘Discover Waterways Lisburn’. The masterplan proposals aim to improve the amenity value of the sites, improve visitor experience and numbers and facilitate access (refer to Appendix 2). The new and augmented proposed project elements are outlined below and are subject to landowner agreements, further consultation, detailed survey, statutory permissions and funding.

2.1 Navigation House and Union Locks environs (includes Blaris Road Carpark)

The Union Locks are considered the most interesting feature of this site, due to their relative uniqueness, as a flight of several locks. The previous proposals included for the restoration of the canal locks, floating pontoons and new access points. In addition, the revised proposals include re-watering of the formal canal channel located immediately south of Union locks, a section of new path, widening of existing paths, a potential new bridge and reconfiguration of the Blaris Road entrance area.

A key feature of the new Union Locks masterplan is to ‘re-water’ the existing dry remnant canal channel, adjacent to the locks. This would require the removal of an area of fill material and slight re-profiling of the basin, subject to scheduled monuments consent and archaeologist supervision of works. The ‘re-watered’ area will improve the appearance of the space by adding a large water body and facilitate understanding of Union Locks and the former canal. The maximum water level would be influenced by the storm drainage infrastructure located in the proposed residential development site, located on the opposite side of Blaris Road and requires detail design. The potential ‘re-watering’ of this basin and the Union Locks may require protection or fencing to some of the water edges, particularly near ‘gathering’ or potential ‘bottleneck’ spaces.

The Navigation House proposals include for formalised car parking (exact position yet to be agreed), a sloping access path linking to Union Locks and a proposed visitor recreation garden. The proposed sloping path would require re-profiling of most of the garden, which would require future detail design. The design of the garden could be linked to the proposed café and grow ornamental fruit, vegetable and herbs.

2.2 Proposed riverside path & potential of existing towpath

The proposed new section of riverside path would act as an extension to the existing towpath and facilitate access from the residential area north of the Lagan into Union Locks.

The path would require ramps to link to the existing Lagan footbridge and access points through the boundary fence with the residential area, yet to be agreed.

To further integrate the proposed projects, it is proposed to widen the existing towpath located between Lagan footbridge and Becky Hogg’s Lock. A wider path would better facilitate combined cyclist and pedestrian movements on the path. This proposal would require detailed survey to access the feasibility of path widening, due to the various ground levels and potential canal heritage located adjacent to the Lagan Canal.

2.3 Becky Hogg’s Lock environs

The proposals include for a formalised carpark, near the existing small hard surface area and augmentation of the existing access road. These proposals can facilitate the future Lagan Navigation proposals.

3. 0 Access Strategy The access strategy plan (refer to Appendix 1) illustrates the projects within their wider context and both existing and proposed access routes. Key potential future access proposals include; • Lagan Navigation route • Proposed riverside nodes in proximity to the site (West Lisburn Development Framework Consultation Draft November 2014)

The sites are located on and near long distance walkways and cycleways. The Ulster Way is a long distance waymarked walking trail and the Lagan Valley Towpath forms a portion of this trail. The Lagan Valley Towpath runs between Belfast and Lisburn and approximately 19km in length. On a local level, pedestrians may access the towpath from several points, including Moore’s Bridge, however the steps there are relatively steep.

National Cycle Route Number 9 is a long distance signed cycle route between Belfast and Slieve Gullion, which may connect to Dublin in the future. Between Belfast and Newry, the route follows the Lagan towpath. The Lagan and Lough Cycle Way connects Lisburn, Belfast and Jordanstown, and is located on National Cycle Network Route number 93 and 9. The route starts/finishes in Loughshore Park and Union Locks, Blaris Road, Lisburn. The longer distance cycleways are likely to facilitate tourists as well as local and regional visitor access.

The important future/improved strategic access links, as highlighted by Sustrans in response to the consultation email are;

• Links to the Maze/Long Kesh Site,

• Links to Sprucefield Shopping Complex,

• Links to existing and proposed Sprucefield Park & Ride Facilities,

• Future links alongside proposed realigned navigation,

• Links to Knockmore Road and West Lisburn,

• Improvements to existing towpath from Union Locks to Island Site,

• Illustrate improved linkages to housing and business development sites alongside the tow path,

• Linkages to Lisburn and connections to public transport.

Sustainable travelling methods should be encouraged and facilitated. The nearest train station to the sites is Lisburn station, due to the distance, a combined train and cycle journey to the sites would be a more viable option rather than train and walk journey to the sites. In order to facilitate pedestrians and cyclists on widened and new paths, it is recommended that minimum path width would be 4m.

4.0 Specific Site Access Proposals 4.1 Navigation House – Vehicle Access During the review of the Navigation House masterplan, an alternative (staff and wheelchair user) car park arrangement was proposed. This alternative arrangement comprised a cluster of ten car park spaces to the front of Navigation House, edged with a screening hedge. NIEA built heritage expressed concern about this option, citing potential adverse impact on the setting of the house.

Photosketches of the original layout option, the alternative option and a ‘combined compromise’ option show the potential visual impact of the cars and car parking, to allow comparison of layouts (see appendix 3). The parking spaces could be surfaced with grasscrete to reduce the visual impact (when cars not parked).and potential canoe trailer parking (location to be confirmed) could also comprise a grasscrete surface. In addition to the importance of the house’s setting, the health and safely implications of pedestrians traversing the site, the convenience of pathways for disabled persons and the garden design should be considered. The potential view from the café/terrace/main garden area towards the access road would likely be more pleasant without the intrusion of car parking. Post production of the photosketches, a further alternative layout option was proposed by LCT, comprising carparking located to the front of the stable yards. This would avoid potential visual intrusion of car parking to the front of Navigation House, but would require an access road along the side of Navigation House. This car park and access road layout would impact on this previous pedestrian zone, specifically the café area and decrease the potential size of the side garden. The road would potentially visually and physically separate the proposed café and garden area. Within the time period of the study, the car park layout was not agreed, but the access road was widened to facilitate immediate use of the site.

In order to facilitate canoeists accessing the Lagan beside Union Locks, a (grasscrete) canoe trailer parking space and turning area would be required at Navigation House. The vehicles transporting the canoe trailers would be parked at the proposed Blaris Road car park, after dropping of the trailer. The main car park layout option is included in this report for review (see appendix 4, plan 1). In addition, the detail plans should facilitate emergency vehicle access to the buildings.

4.1.1Navigation House – Pedestrian Access As all cyclists and most pedestrians are likely to access Navigation House from (the Blaris Road carpark), through Union Locks, an access is required between their shared boundary.

The boundary embankment is part of the Union Locks scheduled monument and therefore the proposed access should be designed in a sensitive manner. In consultation with NIEA, it was agreed that the most appropriate solution was a narrow gated access, cut into the embankment at the existing Union Lock footpath level. To facilitate the required levels, a proposed gently sloping (1:21) path would meander through Navigation House garden. This sloped path would require re-profiling of the garden and would determine the future garden design. The detail proposals should not hinder future potential (pedestrian) access into the Lock Keeper’s Cottage property, in case this becomes part the site in the future. The potential access between Navigation House lands and Lock Keeper’s Cottage lands is likely to be located at the northern garden boundary and would require level access. This access point should be designed in relation to the proposed access between Navigation House lands and Union Locks environs.

4.2 Union Locks– Pedestrian/Cyclist Access An existing path runs over an area of fill to the south of Union Locks and connects the path from the Blaris Road entrance and the path from the Lagan footbridge. The proposed ‘re- watering’ of the remnant canal channel would remove this fill and the associated section of path. Therefore, a bridge is proposed to facilitate future access. This bridge should be a visually ‘light’ design, to minimise any potential visual impact on the setting of the Union Locks and also facilitate universal access, if feasible. The agreed bridge design could become a prototype for other bridges, along the Lagan Navigation route. A proposed additional path to the east of the ‘re-watered’ channel would facilitate separation of pedestrians, cyclists and the neighbouring landowner’s vehicle right of way in this space.

4.2.1Union Locks environs – Water (access and recreation) The proposed tiered floating pontoons could facilitate a range of canoe and boat users and accommodate the fluctuating river levels. Provision of DDA compliant ramped path from the west banks of the Lagan, adjacent to the footbridge, would facilitate wheelchair users to access the pontoons. As suggested by Canoe NI, there is an opportunity for the Union Locks environs to become a canoe hub and a training room could be provided near Navigation House. A shower room/storage area could double as cyclist facilities. A reduced size temporary canoe pitch could be erected in the Lagan, beside the footbridge and potentially a set shalom gates. These proposals would require a feasibility survey to address potential construction, river and visual impact issues. A pleasure boat could offer (weekly) trips on the flight of locks. The frequency of the trips may be limited due to the length of the trip (up to an hour to travel through the gates) and also the potential requirement to pump water to the highest lock.

4.2.2 Blaris Road Carpark (Vehicle and pedestrian access) The Blaris Road car park was previously proposed to facilitate general visitors travelling by car and mini-buses. The proposed Toucan crossing on Blaris Road was designed to link this car park and the entrance to Union Locks. The entrance road from Blaris Road was reviewed by URS traffic engineers and outlined below.

URS Traffic Engineers Design Assumptions 1. Speed limit on Blaris Road has been taken as 60mph (national speed limit). Given there is an adjacent housing development currently being built, the speed limit may change along Blaris Road and therefore relax the visibility requirements for this access.

2. ‘x’ setback distance should probably be taken as 4.5m at this location due to the increased number of parking spaces however the ‘y’ distance visibility will be greatly reduced due to the position of the adjacent fence line. 2.4m setback will allow increased visibility but not to full standard. Departures from Standards will need to be applied for, for reduced visibility either way. 3. Forward visibility to the proposed junction should be equivalent to that given in Table 3 of DMRB TD9/93 (215m for 60mph speed limit). Any reductions will require Departures from Standard. 4. The vertical alignment of the existing Blaris Road has not been considered at this time however this should be checked in case it has a negative effect on visibility to and from the proposed access.

At time of study, proposals for a residential development adjacent to the car park site were advancing and would potentially impact the location of the proposed car park entrance and potentially also justify a review of the permitted maximum road speed. Following, the carpark proposals and proposed Toucan crossing should be reviewed on confirmation of the development’s layout. The design assumptions should be re-assessed prior to detail design, in consultation with TNI.

The proposed car park masterplan would also facilitate the section of the existing long distance walkway, abet slightly re-routed path, within the site. The former Lagan canal route could potentially be interpreted at this location.

4.3 Becky Hogg’s Lock - Vehicle Access In order to facilitate the proposed additional (and formalised) car parking near Becky Hogg’s Lock, the access road from the Hillsbourgh Road was reviewed by URS traffic engineers. The findings were that the proposed Hillsbourgh Road entrance and access road should be reconfigured slightly. The required sightlines at the entrance are a 2.4m setback, with 90m along road. The access road should be widened to 4.1m, for at least the first 15m from the entrance and 3.5m wide for the remainder of the access road. In addition, it is proposed to provide 2 no. passing bays, sized to facilitate a car and canoe trailer, off the access road. Ideally, a separate path should be provided for pedestrians, if car movements increase significantly following provision of the formalised car park. Otherwise a 1m wide verge may be sufficient. Forward visibility of 33m would be required at the bend in the access road. The proposed visitor car park, comprises ten standard spaces and four car with canoe trailer parking spaces (see appendix 4, plan 2).

URS Traffic Engineer’s Design Assumptions • Speed limit on the Hillsborough Road has been taken as 30mph. • Future development plans have not been considered at this time i.e. requirements for access arrangements including visibility set back and access width are likely to change if the volume of traffic using the site increases (more than anticipated for access to 10 parking spaces) • If access is to be design as a shared surface i.e. for use by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic, the width should be increased to 6m (this typically applies to housing developments and might therefore be excessive for this access road) • Vehicles used for design (AutoCAD AutoTrack) – Car and caravan (closest to replicate 4x4 and canoe trailer) & small car. • Land/folio boundaries not yet confirmed. • Kerbing not considered at this time. • An alternative option of a continuous 4.1m access with no passing bays has not been shown however may be a better option if increased usage is expected.

These design assumptions should be re-assessed prior to detail design, in consultation with TNI.

4.3.1Becky Hogg’s Lock - Pedestrian/Cyclist Access

This lock is currently accessible from the towpath and also from Hillsborough Road, through existing intermediate access road. As part of a separate future project, the Lagan Navigation works, Becky Hogg’s Lock would be made accessible and the adjacent piece of land would become an ‘island’. Any potential bridge to the ‘island’ should be sensitive to the setting of the locks and facilitate universal access if possible. Similar to the proposed Union Locks bridge, its design could become a prototype for future restoration elsewhere on the Lagan Navigation Route.

4.3.2 Becky Hogg’s Lock – Water sport opportunities

The Lagan navigation project proposes a replacement weir, which would be wider than the existing. There are opportunities to provide a fish pass and counter and potentially design the weir for watersport ‘play’, subject to detailed assessment. The proposed upstream and downstream tiered floating pontoons would provide access for boats and canoes/kayaks. Signs warning of the approach to the weir and barriers along the weir are also recommended.

4.4 Proposed Riverside path - Pedestrian and Cycle Access and Potential Fishing

This site is currently a grass river bank and embankment in the Lagan floodplain. There is no path or formalised direct access between the adjacent residential estate and the River Lagan, nor the Union Locks/Navigation House beyond.

The proposed path could potentially commence at the Drumbeg Drive open space and follow the bottom of the embankment to reach the River Lagan footbridge, near Union Locks. The path would act as a continuation of the existing towpath and DDA compliant ramps would be required to join with the existing footbridge. As a combined walkway and cycleway, there may be potential conflicts between the needs of various users, so the path should be as wide as feasible. The proposed path ‘loops’ around the future ‘island’, which would be formed by the proposed Lagan Navigation works. Fishing stands could potentially be proved in this area and could be designed to facilitate wheelchair users. Further investigation would be required to confirm whether the area is suitable for fishing.

Within the period of the study, the design and location of the potential entrance points from the residential area were not confirmed and require further consultation. The existing and proposed towpaths may be periodically inaccessible during flood events.

5.0 Signage and Interpretation

5.1 Signage and way-marking

The need for clear and consistent directional signage and way-marking has been identified. On a large scale, brown signage should be considered to direct non-local visitors to the Discover Waterways Lisburn specific sites. Proposed brown signs would need to be agreed with NITB and Transport NI, once the visitor facilities are confirmed.

Nearby visitor attractions should ideally include directional signs and promote access links to the proposed projects. The consistent use of appropriate branding logos will help to create a cohesive visually identity that visitors will easily identify and recognise. It is proposed that the signage concept should be integrated with the Lagan Valley Regional Park signage strategy which is not yet published, at time of writing.

5.2 Heritage Interpretation

The interpretation proposals should interface with Lagan Canal Trust and Lagan Valley Regional Park strategies. The interpretation should be people focused and potentially highlight the Historic Canal.

Future proposals include for internal interpretation of the Union Locks and Navigation House, potentially in Navigation House. External interpretation should also be offered directly beside Union locks and potentially at the Blaris Road carpark site, to facilitate understanding of the canal. All external interpretation elements should be designed in a sensitive manner to their context.

A proposed interpretation feature could be located in the Drumbeg Drive open space or at one of the pedestrian accesses to the riverside walk. The interpretation could explain the development of the area in relation to the Lagan and orientate the walker/cyclist to nearby attractions and walkways. External interpretation could also be provided at Becky Hogg’s Locks, on restoration of the locks.

QR codes could offer visitors the opportunity to access information through their mobile devices. However, the value of this interpretation is limited by the visitor’s access to an appropriate mobile device and awareness of the QR system and how to access it.

The Lagan Valley Regional Park has a heritage trail and the signs include QR codes, which may be scanned by Smart mobile phones. The trail also has audio files which may be downloaded prior to visiting the site. This QR code system could be further extended into the Discover Waterways Lisburn sites. There is an existing interpretation panel at the Union Locks Blaris Road entrance, which includes a QR-code to access additional information.

6.0 Consultation

6.1 Community Consultation Event

A public consultation event was held on the 23rd February 2015. It was estimated that there were over 60 attendees, of which 31no attendees submitted written feedback. The masterplans for each of the three zones and access diagrams were presented and explained by the design team, who also answered queries on the proposals.

The feedback regarding the proposals was generally positive and the written feedback was formalised in Table 1(please see Appendix 4). Feedback included a comment noting that the access steps to the towpath at Moore’s Bridge are difficult and a concern regarding the Blaris Road speed limit. Another comment suggested that potential funding should concentrate on the riverside walk, rather than Union Locks. Specific feedback on the Becky Hogg’s lock environs suggested that a zip line from the higher area to the proposed island should be considered. One attendee noted that the riparian vegetation and connectivity needs to be preserved, also the flood plain vegetation and that otters are using the area. One feedback form noted that the canoe polo and shalom gates are a good idea and that canoe steps at regular intervals would be useful. Another form stated that they are pleased to see the potential extension of the cycle path to the Maze site. Two residents neighbouring Navigation House noted concern about potential noise levels caused by visitors and potential smells from the proposed café. Other local residents noted concerns about privacy. Feedback considered adverse is highlighted in red text, in the table.

Potential opportunities noted social enterprises, such as coffee shop, guided tours, boat house, bicycle hire, boat hire and community projects. The responses from the forms were typed up in a table as a formal record.

6.2 Stakeholder consultation

Key stakeholders were contacted by phone and email, in January and February 2015, outlining the proposals and requesting feedback. Meeting were arranged with some stakeholders to facilitate further consultation. Feedback was not received from all stakeholders contacted, but feedback was concentrated on specific issues and is summarised in Table 2 (see Appendix 4). Additional consultation would be required as design details are developed.

Consultation highlighted information on specific issues, the opportunities for future co- ordination with specific agencies and opportunities to link to larger strategic projects. However, there may be potential conflicts of interest between future specialist users. . At detailed design stage, all potential user groups should be re-consulted to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest generated in the design.

7.0 Management and maintenance

The project is not considered to be at a sufficiently advanced stage to require a management and maintenance plan. Also, the proposals are located on lands currently owned by various landowners. In conclusion, the masterplan proposals include generally standard materials which should not require onerous maintenance. A key management issue is likely to be the management of visitors on site and also site security of Navigation House. It is understood that the invasive species at Union Locks are currently managed by an ongoing maintenance programme.

8. 0 Cost Estimates The outline cost estimates are based on the March 2015 masterplan proposals (see Appendix 5). The estimates are for guidance purposes only, to assist the allocation of funds and project phasing and subject to detailed surveys and design. As the Union Locks environs are a scheduled monument, specialist works and archaeologist supervision of construction would likely be required and may require significant costs. Further cost estimates would be required to accommodate future consultation feedback, any design changes and detail design.

9.0 Conclusion The proposals would offer enhanced visitor facilities and new access options to the sites. The proposed riverside walk would provide a new direct walking route from the nearby residential area to the existing towpath and Union Locks. New and widened paths, cycle parking and potential cyclist facilities would likely increase the number of local and long distance pedestrians and cyclists using the site. The proposed car parks would facilitate visitors with mobility issues and those travelling from a longer distance to the sites.

Re-watering of Union Locks and the adjacent canal section would greatly enhance the appearance of the space and understanding of this heritage asset. The re-watering of the remnant canal section will create a strong hub and the combined visitor offering, linking Union Locks and Navigation House. The proposed interpretation would offer a better understanding and enhance the visitor experience. Provision of a canoe hub at Navigation House would cater to the needs of specialist user group and also opens up the potential that training room and comfort facilities could be used by cyclists or other user groups.

The proposals may be implemented in phases, considering the elements of all three masterplans and the scheduled monuments and canal archaeology within the sites. The restoration programme for the locks and the potential future purchase of the Lock Keeper’s Cottage would be key projects would could determine the programming of works.

Appendix 1.

Plan Diagram 1. – Access Concept Strategy

Plan Diagram 2. – Strategic Access Diagram

Appendix 2.

Plan 1 – Beck Hogg’s Locks Masterplan shown at the public consultation event

Plan 2 – Navigation house and Union Locks Masterplan shown at the public consultation event

Plan 3 – Riverside Path & Towpath widening proposals Masterplan shown at the public consultation event

Appendix 3.

Existing view - looking from existing access road looking towards Navigation House

Photosketch Option 1 - Car parking both sides of driveway as original layout

Photosketch Option 2 - Disabled car parking on right hand side of driveway with additional car parking in front of the house

Photosketch Option 3 - Car parking as new layout all in front of the house

APPENDIX 4.

Plan 1.– Layout Option illustrating Navigation House carpark spaces on both sides of the access road and an potential location for the canoe trailer parking

Plan 2.– Layout Option illustrating the propsoed Beck Hogg’s Lock parking spaces and potential amendments to the existing access road.

A list of key stakeholders were agreed with the Lagan Canal Trust and initially contacted by email including an overview of the proposed projects and an invitation to comment. The stakeholders feedback was received by email and telephone and stakeholders were also invited to the consultation event. Discover Waterways Lisburn –

Stakeholder Response Suzanne Lutton, Suzanne Lutton was part of design team meetings and consultation event , during the per iod of the report Lisburn City Council Mark Gregg , No feedback by was received by close of study. Grounds Maintenance Potential Issues Manager,- -Maintenance resources LCC -Preferred materials -Exact landownership boundaries and security of properties Rosemary Petrie and Eileen No feedback by was received by close of study. Cowan, DCAL Inland Waterways Branch

Stephen Bill, Response by email dated20/03/15, summary; NITB • Interested in seeing the internal layouts and offer. • White on Brown Tourist signage, an initial application should be made to the local Council (contact Andrew Kennedy at Lisburn Borough Council)

Aine, Summary/key points of NIHE email response NIHE • Will the existing fencing be removed or will separate access/openings/gates be created through the fencing? If so, will these be secured at night? • Confirmation is also required on the extent of NIHE lands required for the proposed project zone - We would seek clarification as it would be best not to leave strips/portions of land which would require ongoing maintenance from NIHE grounds maintenance team • Confirmation of the extent of lands required and legal responsibility of use of lands • An application for 6 houses has been approved on lands adjacent to 81-82 Lagan Walk, 171 Avonmore Park and opposite 104-108 Avonmore Park Old Warren. Planning Reference: S/2011/0900/F This new development should be taken into consideration to the proposed scheme • Local knowledge from the area has confirmed that last year’s Bonfire site was held adjacent to the proposed hub • It has also been noted that dumping has taken place at various points of the proposed walkway – • Confirmation is required as to who will maintain these areas when a transfer takes place • With reference to the access points and paths which are noted on both indicative plans can we request at your earliest convenience the finishes of the pathways proposed – paved, tarmac etc. • Community Consultation with local residents is advised. Planning Considerations - Local Landscape Policy Area ( LC 21 ), Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (LC 20/21), community Greenway ( LC 39/02 )

Rodger Hamilton , Canoe Association NI Summary of meeting - Ashley Hunter & CT, on the 05/02/15 • Canoe accessible jetties, which tier down from required boat levels, to bottom step of 150mm off water level • Floating pontoon would also require tiers, floating pontoon may be shorter, as less steps to water level required. floating pontoon with steel posts is likely to last longer than wooden structure • AH would like to relocate Glenmore canoe club to the site, potentially requiring a basic shipping unit as store. A shower and changing room and a canoe/kayak store would be required. A small classroom would facilitate coaching/video displays for the ‘development squad’ to enhance flat water training area. • This would require car and trailer access to the Navigation House environs, to allow trailer & canoe drop-off, for parking in Blaris Road site. (Otherwise crossing Blaris road with canoes may be a health and safety issue.) • Cables for shalom gates would be useful potentially near the footbridge, but may have a slight visual impact • Signage/direction of adjacent canoe facilities would be useful • Polo pitch ( temporary) could be facilitated in the river, without impacting on navigation • Floodlights on the Lagan footbridge would facilitate evening/night time use of river. • Floodlights at union locks would facilitate evening/night time use

Becky Hogg’s Environs • This site is most interesting to canoeists due to the replacement weir • Lack of other facilities make it less suitable for a canoe club • Canoe NI would like input into the detail design of the weir, to create a facility which would integrate a fish pass, canoe use, play area for kayaking surfing/freestyling, which has big potential. • Floodlights would facilitate evening/night time use • The proposed island could be a good camping spot • 3-4 cars should be catered for in formalised car park area • Ashley requested flow rates, water depth and width at the proposed weir to allow specialist detailed design input • Add sign/warning before weir at Becky Hogg’s Lock Mike McClure, Email reply on 20/01/15 to say he is in favour of proposals and suggested contacting Canoe Assoc.NI Sport NI

Mark Scott, Mark stated that it was too early to view scheme as rivers agency would only be interested at Schedule 6 application stage (o nce this is approved there is a 12month period to carry out works) Rivers Agency

Gail Russel l, Gail and NIEA colleagues met us on site and in design meetings, following, it was agreed in principal NIEA Built and Natural • that minimum staff car parking and wheelchair user parking would be provided at Navigation House, layout to minimise any adverse impact on setting of house. Heritage • also agreed in principal to create a narrow pedestrian access from the Navigation House gardens, through a cutting in the embankment to Union locks, which would require re-profiling of the garden. • To ‘re-water ‘ the remnant canal channel, located adjacent to Union Locks (this area was previously proposed as wetland area) • A proposed bridge over the ‘re-watered’ area, subject to detailed design to ensure no/ minimum visual impact on the setting of Union Locks

Nigel Russe ll, Issues raised by email , dated 30/01/15 Waterways Ireland • If this scheme is going to accommodate the potential opening of the navigation what is the design water draft? • Can the existing sill /floor levels of Becky Hogg’s lock accommodate boats at existing low river levels? Ditto the river bed downstream of the lock. What water draft is there at low levels? • As water levels will fluctuate floating moorings should be used along all river sections . • I presume the pathways are going to be pedestrian and cycling friendly. Is there any access accommodation being made for fishing and more specifically access for disabled anglers. i.e. direct vehicle access /wheelchair access close to the water edge. • Canoe polo would be an interesting option in the centre of Lisburn. This would be an option for the pondage above the Council offices.(has good water space, car parking and viewing sites.) • Why re-water the small area to the south of Union Locks . There are already areas of water/wetland areas in the general vicinity of this site. • Account should be taken for the annual /cyclic maintenance, cost of the locks/lock gates and the cost of supplying water to this flight of locks.

Andrew Grieve, Meeting (02/02.15, Cycle unit & CT) notes summary Transport NI • Cycle units prefer a 4m wide path and 4m wide Toucan crossing (Cycle Unit) • Existing footbridge is too narrow, potentially replace with wider bridge • Material not a priority, but Connswater is a good precedent, depending on maintenance requirements. • Would like section of towpath between Union Locks footbridge and Becky Hogg’s to be widened to 4m (note marshy ground conditions and bridge over towpath) • Requested cycle parking at Navigation House and some stands at Union Locks • Strategic vision is a network of cycleways on old railways and canal towpaths, to act as a spine for minor routes, small portions of this route existing e.g. Belfast to Union Locks. The Eastern area is priority due to concentration of population. Union Locks is a priority to extend the existing parts of network and also the Belfast to Dublin route. • The option to follow the route of the motorway is less complicated, as most of land is owned, except for some farms. Union Locks would be on the thoroughfare of this route. • The third option is to go by the riverside, which would be located in floodplain and also have landownership issues. • Therefore options 1 & 2 would help the Union Locks business case. • The long distance cycle routes are also potential attraction for tourists • Blaris Road car park environs cycleway/walkway has issues due to the potential width of path development may provide for route, a 4m wide path is unlikely. Drainage may also be an issue

David McCaw, Email response from David McCaw 19/01/15 to state that roles have changed. No feedback by was received by close of study. Transport NI • Simon Wells has taken over Sam’s role with regards to structures in the Southern TNI area.

• Colm McMullan has taken over David McCaw role in the East • Structures Client’s for South and East are now Brian McClelland and David Grills respectively. • David Grills is also the client for Minor Works in the East which would include things like footways and parking may also be comment from the Division’s Development Control Section

David Peoples, No feedback by was received by close of study. Premier Inn Hotel

Gordon Clarke, Email received 11/02/15, summary - the plan should at least indicate the following: Sustrans • Links to the Maze / Long Kesh Site • Links to Sprucefield Shopping Complex • Links to existing and proposed Sprucefield Park & Ride Facilities. • Future links alongside proposed realigned navigation • Links to Knockmore Road and West Lisburn • Improvements to existing towpath from Union Locks to Island Site. • Illustrate improved linkages to housing and business development sites alongside the tow path. • Linkages to City Centre and connections to public transport.

Dr. Andy Bridge , Park Summary of telephone conversation with Andy ; Manager, • No development plans for the area at the moment. Lagan Valley Regional Park • Signage strategy is still in draft form. • Andy would be in favour of extending the heritage trail, especially the QR codes/audio files on website. • The 3 no fishing stands near civic centre do not seem to be used. Clare Jones , Product No feedback by was received by close of study. Development Manager, Outdoor recreation NI

Michael Coulter Key points of Michael’s Feedback by email; DOENI • Best way to preserve/conserve) of our heritage of (formerly) navigable waterways is through reuse. • suggest that, to ensure an appropriate amount of reuse of these locks, we need to encourage a demand to travel through them (by boat), • Say creation of ‘marina’ and or boat maintenance/repair facility at the top of the flight of locks. • Such an area could be particularly important when the Lagan is in flood. • Can have consequences for the proposed viewing facility and the existing wetlands area. Note - Depth of water in ‘re-watered’ area may be too shallow? Marcus Patton was consulted about the project by LCT and following are Marcus Patton’s comments, specifically in relation to the proposed (staff and disabled access user) car parking at Navigation House . Marcus Patton, Key points of Marcus’s Feedback by email, dated 27/04/15; Hearth Housing • need to restrict the parking or keep it well hidden. (current landowners of • Presumed that drive up to the house being used by one or two cars, most of the time and shouldn't look out of place and when the trees grown. Navigation House) • grasscrete spaces along the drive as discussed, because most of the time they should just look like grass. • a car park in front of the house would change the character considerably • There is talk about the view from the cafe area. The yard is going to be enclosed rather than looking out, and most of the time is unlikely to spill out into the garden, • the view on arrival is probably more important. • If you need a formal car park I think that is the place for it rather than in front of the house.

Consultation highlighted information on specific issues, the opportunities for future co-ordination with specific agencies and opportunities to link to larger strategic projects. However, there may be potential conflicts of interest between future users and this may require further consultation at detail design stage.

Lagan Canal Trust

Discover Waterways Lisburn draft project proposals Public Consultation Event, 23rd February 2015 Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn

Consultation Comments

Name Contact General comments Navigation House/Union Riverside Walk Becky Hogg’s Details Locks George Carnreagh House I have walked most of the canal towpath I agree with the proposal Bicycle riders need to ring bell Murphy 02892 682497 from Belfast. Hope someday to see a passing walkers. Need more barge going along it parking John 20 Lough Moss Keep Pushing Campbell Carryduff Mr& Mrs Drumbeg. Very Informative Easier access to the towpath at Rollins BT179LG Moors Bridge would be mush appreciated. Elderly knees find the existing steps very difficult Kris 07871647081 I would like to get involved in Trust as a If union locks were made Area adjacent to Warren Restoring Becky Hogg should be Jurczenko Lagan Canal volunteer. Both in the office and on site. navigable it would cause carpets could be developed as priority. A zip line from top to present and problems. I propose a barge to car park. Possibly outdoor island should be considered future be placed there, as beside lock 3 gym or campsite. Its better rather than campsite. Car Park there should serve as a café. location than island. All on top is a great idea. Should remnants of mill race should be made large. be levelled. Shed behind Wallace pub, it’s an eyesore. Its should be considered as a water sports/adventure centre Mr&Mrs Lisburn As we live beside Navigation Good use of poor land Watson BT275LN House, we are concerned about noise levels caused by visitors, and we are concerned about cooking smells from the proposed café at navigation house. Alan Clarke Lisburn Buildings Very well presented information and Great to see this important Very encouraging seeing ideas Valuable addition to the scheme Presentation informative explanations heritage asset being protected for both a riverside as this restoration is essential to Trust and brought to community walking/cycling route along get boat traffic back on this poundhill@btinte ownership. This will make a the river. And a second route section to union locks and rnet.com fabulous addition to the via M1 lane to the Maze, with Navigation House, Navigation by re-uniting it back link to Sprucefield Retail Park. to the canal.

Gary Gracey Rivergate Lane Excellent Concept Navigation House will be a great This is a great asset, for the 07734063494/07 asset to promote the canal. My development. Waste and dog 856434807 house is now exposed to the bins along the path clearance above the lock opposite navigation house. I would like consideration of fencing to stop walkers approaching the side of my house. A sizable fence to return the privacy that has been lost due to the clearance of the trees. Brian 07714124452 Looks good Would be good to have this look It would be great to have this Nice to have this improved. Cushnie well, but never going to be land better landscaped and functional locks, so think that path extended. money would be better spent on the riverside walk rather than working on locks that go nowhere.

Terry Lagan IWAI Encouraging Progress Needham 02891 872138

Richard Rivergate Great News Great Concerns for Blaris Road Darragh Development Speed limit, dog fowling. 07970524420 Double yellow restrictions for traffic. Calming and safety.

John Ball Spucefield close Deeply annoyed by the communication to Support bringing this back to Great if properly navigated, Spot on 07967830436 date and site worked which have left a use, ands what is proposed, but safe, secure, and funded muddy, unsightly hole and taken deep cuts to date have been disappointed sufficiently to allow proper, on the slope running up to my home. by communication with those quick phasing of the work. Concerns over safety and security if car most closely located. park built and uncontrolled Marcus 02892662883 The new ‘flooded basin’ can be Riparian vegetation and Fishery interests need to be Malley used to improve water quality connectivity needs to be taken into account. with reed bed etc. preserved. Also the flood plain The proposed walkway should vegetation. Otters are using be extended south of the M1. A this area rout already exists Gavin History Hun An excellent project worthy of support by A hidden asset for Lisburn. Good to develop the towpath Another asset requiring Bamford Ulster the council and community Tourist potential with access between locks. Seats and development and public 07510287981 from Navigation House and lighting required support Hotel Jonathan 00353 872828905 Excellent scheme Well needed local facility, many Beaumount potential uses, easily accessible Mary Doyle Canoe association Glad to see canoeing being included in the Canoe polo and slalom gates are Good access to the river. of NI plans a good idea Canoe steps at regular ashleyhunter@ca intervals would be useful ni.org.uk

Alex Minish LVRP It is very encouraging to learn of the This is a great start and together 07803186113 proposals with the proposal extended footways in the vicinity should generate more leisure use of the river and canal, with growth of walking/cycling as leisure/tourism participation. There should also be useful economic benefits to the Lisburn area

Elham, 07886994675 Interested in understanding the work of Navigation House should be Ahmed the Trust and help with its work connected to the towpath as it was in the 1800s Paula Stepping stones Social enterprise opportunities S/E development like, coffee Jennings NI like, coffee shop, boat house, shops, gardens, guided tours. Paula.jennings@s bike hire, boat hire other teppingstones.org community projects .uk Desmond Railway press Very Interesting Brownlie society 02892638017 Finny Lisburn Historical Very impressed by all proposals. Wish you o’sullivan Society every success for the full project. [email protected] Springvale Springvale I live in Belfast and had no idea the Navigation House has been Female Navigation ran from Belfast to Lough neglected long enough great Neagh. its great to be involved with this plans project through Springvale Springvale Springvale No idea about all of this. Can we get to Male know more? Glad to be here taking videos and stills of the event. Cyclist Great idea to connect Union Locks to the Maze. Will bring lots more people from Belfast along a longer route. Local It will be nice to pop into Navigation House The extra parking on Blaris Resident and find out all about the history of the site Road will mean that we can and the whole Navigation. easily get to Union Locks and Navigation House via a safe road crossing as the traffic is very busy in this area. Adie Bird Resurgam This is a good, well thought out project community which will attract a number different development funders - we are fully supportive of the Lisburn proposals Erskine Chairman Lagan Our project will mean that a greater An opportunity to partner homes Canal Trust. number of communities can access the with NIHE on land which is Navigation for a number of reasons, travel unmanaged to work, school and facilities at Spucefield which are traffic free. When the Navigation is possible, boats will bring increased visitors to Navigation House and its facilities. We also look forward to bring school parties onto the site to learn about the waterways history. Jim Henning A great scheme with the potential to bring This will bring more interest to Camping on the Island could be economic benefits the project possible

Resident of A café at the Navigation House will be very Hillborough well received as we take our weekend road walks along the towpath. Resident pf We cycle the towpath as far as union locks Lambeg and are pleased to see the extension to the maze

DISCOVER WATERWAYS LISBURN LISBURN, COUNTY ANTRIM Budget Estimate Job No: 47066960 Date: 23rd February 2015 Sub total (£) Total (£)

1 Blaris Road Car Park (a) Site clearance, demolitions and earthworks 72,812 (b) Roads and pavings 79,833 (c) Drainage 16,500 (d) Soft landscaping 28,600 (e) Street furniture and signage 8,800 (f) Provisional Sums 49,500 Base Cost Estimate 256,045

2 Navigation House Lands (a) Demolitions and alterations 9,845 (b) Roads and pavings 92,043 (c) Drainage 11,000 (d) Soft landscaping 32,318 (e) Rams, steps and walls 66,594 (f) Street furniture and signage 50,600 (g) Provisional Sums 16,500 Base Cost Estimate 278,900

3 Union Locks Development (a) Site clearance, demolitions and earthworks 77,440 (b) Roads and pavings 47,960 (c) Bridges and decks 254,100 (d) Wall restoration 140,525 (e) Soft landscaping 50,023 (f) Street furniture and signage 23,650 (g) Provisional Sums 214,500 Base Cost Estimate 808,198

4 Becky Hogg's Lock Carpark (a) Site clearance, demolitions and earthworks 5,995 (b) Roads and pavings 36,383 (c) Drainage 16,500 (d) Soft landscaping 9,515 (e) Street furniture and signage 6,600 Base Cost Estimate 74,993

5 Towpath Widening, Union Locks and Becky Hoggs Lock (a) Site clearance, demolitions and earthworks 19,195 (b) Roads and pavings 99,165 (c) Drainage 16,500 (d) Soft landscaping 3,630 (e) Street furniture and signage 9,900 Base Cost Estimate 148,390 6 Proposed River Path (a) Site clearance, demolitions and earthworks 19,195 (b) Roads and pavings 60,500 (c) Drainage 16,500 (d) Soft landscaping 3,630 (e) Street furniture and signage 9,900 Base Cost Estimate 109,725

Base Cost Estimate 1,676,251.00 Allowance for design development risk @ 20% 335,250.20 Cost Limit 2,011,501.20 Allowance for construction stage risk @ 10% 201,150.12

Total Budget Estimate 2,212,651.32

Assumptions Normal ground conditions

Exclusions VAT Future inflation Professional fees Site surveys & ground investigation Removal of asbestos containing materials Statutory authority charges White goods Loose furniture Kitchen / Catering equipment Replacement of kitchen range

URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Ltd

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LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH STRATEGIC REVITALISATION PROJECT 1. Project Background

BACKGROUND TO LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH

Lisburn and Castlereagh is a new local government district launched on 1st April 2015. The new Council consists of the combined areas of the City of Lisburn and the Borough of Castlereagh, not including the wards of Gilnahirk, Tullycarnet, Braniel, Merok, Cregagh, Wynchurch, Glencregagh and Belvoir, Colin Glen, Poleglass, Lagmore, Twinbrook, Kilwee and Dunmurray, which transferred to the jurisdiction of Belfast City Council. The new Council is known as Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC).

Due to the close proximity to Belfast, LCCC face a tough challenge creating an environment which encourages highly skilled people to relocate to Lisburn and the increase of job opportunities in the new Council area. The new Council will endeavour to address the implications, risks and opportunities presented by the changes brought on through the review of Local Government. Having both gained and lost wards through LGR, we are faced with the challenge of understanding the economic structure of the new Council boundaries. This will have an implication on the structure of the local economy and the City’s future growth prospects.

The location of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is one of the area’s key strengths due to its strategic location and good road and rail links. The M1 motorway connects the Council area to the west of Northern Ireland, and the A1 route which connects Belfast to Dublin passes through the district. The Northern Ireland rail network connecting Belfast to Dublin also crosses the Council Area. Northern Ireland’s two largest airports are within 30mins drive from the City.

The merger has added to the economic offering already existing in Lisburn. Castlereagh is an attractive residential location and has a lot of recreational potential with a wide range of outdoor leisure assets. This excellent location has advantages for businesses who want to transport goods into or out of the Lisburn area and vice versa. The main connectivity issue in the Council area is that whilst Lisburn is well connected at a national and international level, connectivity within the city itself could be improved. The high street is no longer the key location for retail, which is now focussed in complexes such as Sprucefield, and has no ‘easy’ links to the City Centre. Another issue is that Castlereagh’s public transport offering is limited to bus and taxi services, as no rail routes pass through that area.

In 2010 the then Lisburn City Council, in partnership with the Department for Social Development, produced a City Centre Masterplan which identified that the city centre has a unique and pivotal role to play in the future economic success of the area. The vision for the masterplan was to ensure that Lisburn plays a more significant role within the region and develops the range of facilities and attractions that are expected of a regionally significant city. The vision also denotes what is really special and distinct about the city centre – its fine heritage and attractive historic form. In 2014 Castlereagh Borough Council completed an Urban Integrated Development Framework (CUIDF) which sets out the long term, high level, inspiring vision for the commercial centres of Carryduff, Dundonald and Forestside.

The new Council are aware that in order to increase economic activity in Lisburn City Centre, continued investment is required in the surrounding areas. Proposals for major new retail provision at Sprucefield and evolving plans for the 360 acre former Maze complex are essential for the future development activity of Lisburn City Centre and other commercial areas of the new Council area. The Council is in full support of investment in theses areas.

Lisburn and Castlereagh Revitalisation Project One of the emerging priority projects coming out of the Masterplan was the need to invest in the City Centre public realm. Market Square is a key part of the City Centre and plans were developed to redesign and improve the area providing an opportunity to create a versatile public space that is also suited to use as an events space. It was envisaged that investment in the public realm of this main area of the City Centre in the first instance will help to raise the quality of the environment ensuring it rivals that of squares in other European cities. Following a successful funding bid to the Department for Social Development and further financial commitment from the Council an investment of some £5.1 million is being made in improvements to the public realm in the heart of the City Centre. This commenced on the ground in October 2013 and is scheduled for completion in May 2015.

Throughout the period of the public realm works Lisburn City Council has held a number of meetings in Lisburn City Centre with a range of stakeholders to discuss and prioritise activities in the City Centre. It was seen that such activities could support the improving environment both during the works taking place and, once complete, to build on the achievements of the project while working to address the ongoing economic needs within the project area. Given the length of the works period a considerable amount of negativity has arisen amongst stakeholders and in the local media. This situation needs to be managed and counteracted with appropriate activities to ensure the proposed positive outcomes of the public realm scheme are realised, upon the completion of the construction works.

Castlereagh Borough Council, through their work to develop the CUIDF, have also worked with relevant stakeholders to highlight issues that require support and development to ensure they complement any initiatives identified in the framework plan.

The new defined Action Plan is detailed below.

The individual actions are discussed in more detail in the Options Section of this document.

NB (Savings in one capital/revenue element of the project can be redirected to other capital/revenue elements, subject to approval by RDO Southern Area Office).

2. Strategic Context

DSD’s overall policy objective for regeneration, in pursuance of the Department’s statutory authority, is to promote and implement a comprehensive approach to tackling social, economic and physical regeneration and redressing disadvantage in cities and towns across Northern Ireland. DSD therefore plays a central role in co-ordinating the implementation of urban regeneration programmes throughout the province including Lisburn and Castlereagh city centre.

Department for Social Development’s Statutory Authority - The Department’s statutory regeneration authority derives from: Part VII of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended by the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, Article 31), which provides the legislative basis for comprehensive development schemes, land acquisition and disposal of land, and the extinguishment of public rights of way; and the Social Need (NI) Order 1986 which provides the statutory basis for granting financial assistance to projects in areas of special social need and undertaking environmental improvement schemes.

The Department’s powers are exercised in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. In exercising its powers the Department also has a duty to promote equality of opportunity as required by Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and to give regard to Government’s New TSN objectives in relation to combating unemployment and increasing employability. The Department therefore plays a central role in developing and co-ordinating the implementation of urban regeneration programmes throughout Northern Ireland.

Priorities and Budget - sets out the Government’s main policies and priorities and sets Departments’ budget allocations. The 5 priorities for the Government’s work in the coming years have been carried forward from the Programme for Government. In the Programme for Government, the Executive stated “We want to regenerate and sustain our cities, towns and rural areas, building strong communities” and that it would “objectively identify the urban areas and neighbourhoods in greatest need” and “develop and deliver co-ordinated programmes to bring about real improvements, not only in physical infrastructure, but also in people’s lives and economic opportunities.” The Executive also committed itself to producing and implementing a strategy for the re-invigoration of town and city centres. The proposed scheme fits with ‘Priorities and Budget 2010-2012’ since it would contribute to town centre reinvigoration.

DSD’s Corporate Plan and Business Plan - The Department’s mission statement is: “Together, tackling disadvantage, building communities.” In support of its mission statement, the Department has set three key strategic objectives. The third of these objectives – “to improve the physical, economic, community and social environment of neighbourhoods, towns and cities in Northern Ireland with a particular emphasis on tackling disadvantage” – relates to the Department’s role in urban regeneration. The proposed scheme fits with the objectives on urban regeneration set out in the Department’s Corporate Plan.

The Department’s policy on Town and City Centre Reinvigoration - Vital and Viable; A good practice guide for breathing new life into cities and towns. This good practice guide sets out DSD’S suggested approach to the reinvigoration of urban towns and cities. Based on lessons learnt, current regeneration issues and consultations with interested parties the following are considered key ingredients for any proposed town and city centre development: -

1. Be sustainable; 2. Have high amenity value; 3. Be accessible; 4. Offers appropriate attractions; 5. Promote civic pride; 6. Demonstrate clear leadership and ownership; 7. Provides for a peaceful future; 8. Contribute to a flourishing region.

DSD recognises the importance of town and city centres to the life of the community in Northern Ireland. They are the location for most commercial activity, they offer employment, services and facilities for all the community and they can provide shared environments where people meet and interact.

A new Strategy and Action Plan is currently under development for the new Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council but is anticipated to continue to deliver the main aims and objectives of the two separate Councils strategic plans:

Lisburn City Council Strategy 2012-2015

The main aim of the Council’s strategy in this term is: ‘To lead and represent our citizens, promote and advance our City area, provide the best, most cost-effective and responsive service possible, and to work increasingly in collaboration with all levels of government and other sectors towards a better more sustainable future for all.’

One of the main outcomes of the strategy is ‘Achieving Best Outcomes in Serving Citizens’.

The Council aims to achieve this through ‘Working tirelessly and efficiently towards the realisation of the City’s potential in terms of sustainable development economically and socially and including planning, regeneration, and tourism activity.’

Lisburn City Council Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015

Central to the strategy are the key imperatives: • To improve and maintain the economic competitiveness of the City; • To accelerate long term economic growth.

The strategy is based on a detailed analysis of economic trends, characteristics and priorities of the local economy, as well as highlighting the need to take advantage of new economic opportunities and to address the development needs of the city.

The strategy aims to: • Ensure appropriate development of key opportunity sites throughout the City. • Further enhance Lisburn City’s economic circumstances and infrastructure. • Develop and link relevant development with the River Lagan.

Castlereagh Borough Council Economic Development Strategy 2011-2015

Strategic Objective 2011 – 2013

The objective of Council-led Economic Development Activity in the Borough of Castlereagh is to…

“facilitate local economic prosperity through strategic assistance and mutually beneficial partnerships to create the innovative conditions for a sustainable and competitive private sector”

“increase the capacity of local stakeholders (including businesses) to create tangible strategies towards physical regeneration of areas where economic need is greatest”

“promote and develop the public and private tourism sector in Castlereagh and provide excellent visitor servicing through the provision of accessible information, signage and interpretation”.

Lisburn City Centre Masterplan

The City Centre Masterplan aims to transform the physical, social and economic fabric of the city. The final proposals for future regeneration objectives laid out in the document include:

• rejuvenation of the historic Market Square as the heart of the City Centre; • investing in a high quality public realm to support private investment in the City Centre; • reconnection of the City Centre with the River Lagan • creation of a portfolio of development opportunity sites to help attract inward investment.

The masterplan will guide development and ensure that Lisburn is able to compete with other major towns and cities while maintaining its distinctiveness and environmental heritage for generations to come.

In support of the Masterplan a detailed Transport Study was also carried out looking at the impact of new developments on the transport system and road network across the City. The transport study was jointly funded by the Department for Social Development and Lisburn City Council.

The Lisburn Design Compendium was produced as a complementary document to the Lisburn City Centre Masterplan. This is not a prescriptive document, but offers guidance to prospective development parties as to how to respond to the form of the masterplan, and to maximise the opportunity for new development to contribute positively to the urban form.

The Council’s vision for Lisburn and Castlereagh is that it will be a strong city playing a significant role within the region developing the range of facilities and attractions that are expected of a regionally significant city. The Council aims to create an investment environment that will support the diversification of the economic base; strengthen the retail offer and the leisure offer. Through delivery of this, the vision sees Lisburn and Castlereagh as an active city centre with a strong mix of independent and national retailers, a rich evening economy and cultural offer operating successfully alongside a range of occupied modern office accommodation. In addition to this it is envisaged that more people will live in the city centre, mainly in a newly developed riverside quarter, which will see mixed use development.

Castlereagh Urban Integrated Development Framework

The Castlereagh Urban Integrated Development Framework (CUIDF) focuses on the commercial centres of Carryduff, Dundonald and Forestside and sets out a long term, high level, inspiring vision up to the year 2022.

The CUIDF acknowledges the economic challenges facing the three centres and sets out a vision as to how the centres can become vibrant and attractive places to live, work and a focus for investment. It demonstrates how collectively the three centres can complement each other and draw on their strengths to project a confident and prosperous urban area.

The Action Plan prioritises the projects identified to realise the vision for each centre, while the Implementation Plan described the new relationships and partnerships required within and between public sector agencies, the private sector and the community and voluntary sector in order to bring about change. The CUIDF will be used as a tool to guide and direct development in order to deliver on the untapped regeneration potential within the three centres.

This project will continue to assist in the delivery of most of the above strategic objectives and will continue to impact on their achievement long after the project completion.

3. The Need for the Project

The proposed projects aim to create an environment which projects an image of Lisburn and Castlereagh as a viable destination for shopping, tourism and investment. There is an integral need for the new Council to promote a cohesive strategy across both Lisburn and Castlereagh that is inclusive of both Council areas. The projects have been scoped to address the need for retail growth in Lisburn city centre and retail hubs across the main commercial centres of Castlereagh by creating pop up opportunities, using the current level of vacant retail space across the new Council area. The proposed projects aim to address the need for the development of an evening economy and liaison with current and prospective business to develop a PR and marketing programme which will enhance the perception of Lisburn and Castlereagh as a city centre to be part of.

The need for projects of this type was originally highlighted in the Lisburn City Centre Masterplan and the Castlereagh Urban Integrated Development Programme but in latter times during many stakeholder meetings working to develop a new strategy for the commercial centres of the new Council area the need was reinforced. The scope of the project was originally agreed through walkabouts and site visits by LCCC, Lisburn City Centre Management and Lisburn traders in the development of the agreed Action Plan. The Revitalisation Project seeks to address the need for this activity in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Centre.

Lisburn’s perception issue

Through this research, it became apparent that Lisburn may have a ‘perception issue’. That is, whether it is a ‘suburb of Belfast’ and somewhere to live and commute from; or whether it is primarily a work destination. This question was raised because there is a ‘green wedge’ between Lisburn and Dunmurry which ensures that Lisburn is distinctly separate from Belfast. Yet, with Belfast in such easy commuting distance, and with so many of Lisburn’s residents working there, it may be considered a commuter area for Belfast workers.

The Revitalisation Project seeks to address the following issues:-

• the need to embrace the new Council area and ensure that businesses across Lisburn and Castlereagh, who which to be included, feel incorporated in the revitalisation plan. • the feeling locally that Lisburn City Centre is being left behind by retail developments elsewhere, including Sprucefield; • the need to respond by securing a future that is not dependent on High Street retailers across the commercial centres; • underused heritage and natural assets; • an evening economy that is not well developed or supported; • break down social division and tension to promote the Government’s Shared Future agenda.

The City Centre Public Realm Scheme in the centre of Lisburn City Centre is due for completion in the Spring of 2015. The Revitalisation Project will further enhance the public realm work as it is developed and build on the improved environment that will be achieved on completion. Other public realm interventions are planned for the commercial centres of Dundonald and Carryduff. This project will support the stakeholders and attract private sector investment to enhance the main works.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, along with local traders that are represented on the various trader and stakeholder groups are fully supportive of the Revitalisation Project. The Lisburn and Castlereagh Revitalisation Project will aim to address the economic needs of the City Centre and other commercial centres. The physical improvements in relation to the green space linkages element will continue to address the need for physical regeneration in the town centre and the promotion of public / private sector investment. The events planned will build on the smaller scale animation activities already delivered by the two Councils to increase visitors, turnover and footfall to the centres and footfall and customer expenditure will also be increased by the marketing activities proposed for the area.

4. Details of Revitalisation Project:-

Projects £ Capital

Fit out of vacant units across the new Council Area for pop-up and alternative uses – particular focus on Lisburn Square and the Carryduff/Dundonald area to drive footfall in both areas. £60,000

Procurement of infrastructure relating to Farmers/ street markets – stalls, barriers, marketing material £40,000

Improvements to the access to the city centre from Castle Gardens at the edge of Lisburn Cathedral – create a new upgraded link to green space from retail core £65,000

Total £165,000

Revenue

Evening economy and hospitality business development programme £30,000

Month long light festival – Lisburn & Castlereagh December 2015 £60,000

Bespoke PR and Marketing Campaign - Lisburn & Castlereagh £30,000

Total £120,000

TOTAL COST of Project £285,000

TENDER REPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL

Appointment of Consultant to Undertake an Evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council & Belfast City Council

TENDERS RECEIVED

The tender competition for the above exercise closed on Friday 15 May 2015 at 12 Noon.

A total of 8 suppliers were invited to quote. a) 4 tender submissions were received by the closing date/time, details of which can be found below.

Tenders were received from:

Company Name Price Quoted

1. Locus Management Consultants, Belfast £13,220 2. RSM McClure Watters, Belfast £12,868 3. Venture i, Donaghmore £11,687 4. Cogent Management Consulting, Belfast £11,000

b) 2 suppliers indicated that they were unable to quote due to time constraints. They were:

Company Name

1. Rural Development Council, Cookstown 2. Community Evaluation NI, Belfast c) 2 suppliers elected not to respond to the invitation to quote. They were:

Company Name

1. Keys Consultancy, Moneymore 2. PKF FMP, Belfast

TENDER EVALUATION

The tender submissions returned were opened and scored at a meeting held in the Island Civic Centre on Tuesday 19 May 2015 at 9.30am

The Evaluation Panel included:

Mr Padraic Murphy - Rural Development Manager Mrs Niamh O’Carolan - Peace III Manager

The tenders were scored by the Evaluation Panel against a previously compiled and circulated evaluation matrix. The matrix was applied to each tender submission, with weighted scores broken down as follows:

Company Experience Pass/Fail Project Team Experience Pass/Fail Mandatory Documentation Pass/Fail Methodology 40% Demonstration of an Understanding of the Project Brief 10% Cost 50% 100%

The weighted scores and rankings achieved are shown in the table below:

Criteria RSM McClure Locus Cogent Venture i Watters Management Management Cost 50% 42.74 41.6 50 47.06 Quality 50% 50 42 30 32 Total 100% 92.74 83.60 80.00 79.06 Ranking 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

The aforementioned tender evaluation process concluded at 11.30am.

Summary and Recommendation

It is considered that The Most Economically Advantageous Tender is deemed to be from RSM McClure Watters taking into consideration combined scores against cost (42.74%) and methodology (50%) = 92.74%.

It is recommended therefore to agree tender award to RSM McClure Watters, in the sum of £12,868 + VAT.

DSD MINISTERIAL MEETING, 18 May 2015 at 2.15pm

BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS

Venue

Parliament Buildings, Stormont

Attending

Councillor Thomas Beckett, The Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Alexander Redpath, Deputy Mayor Alderman William Leathem, Chairman, Governance and Audit Committee Alderman Paul Porter Chairman, Leisure Services Committee Councillor Brian Hanvey, Chairman Environmental Services Committee Councillor Michael Henderson, Chairman, Planning Committee Councillor Amanda Grehan , Vice Chairman, Corporate Services Committee

Dr Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive Mr Colin McClintock Director of Development and Planning

Purpose of the meeting

The purpose of the meeting is to meet with the DSD Minister following correspondence received from his office with regard to the budgetary position for 15/16 and the budget to transfer to local government from 1 April 2016.

Context

• Following a number of unsuccessful attempts to secure Executive agreement to the introduction into the Assembly of a draft Regeneration and Housing Bill, the Minister for Social Development announced on 11 November 2014 that the transfer of Regeneration and Community Development powers (and associated assets and liabilities to councils be deferred until 1 April 2016.

• In March 2015, the Minister for Social Development wrote to the Chief Executives of the 11 new Councils outlining the final budget allocation associated with the transfer of urban regeneration and community development. The original allocation model, finalised in June 2014, has been revised to take account for budget reductions to be implemented by DSD during 2015/16 financial year, which has reduced Department’s regional expenditure in relation to the transferring function from £65.7m to £56.5m

The revised allocation for LCCC can be summarised as follows:

Original Allocation Revised Allocation June 14 March 15 Total Allocation £3.699m £3.138m Urban Regeneration £1.883m £1.451m Tackling Disadvantage £1.253m £1.095m Community Development £267,000 £300,000 Staffing Costs £296,000 £292,000

• Notwithstanding the delay in the transfer, work has continued between Council officers and Departmental officials to develop a robust programme of work to ensure the effective transfer of functions and to seek to mitigate the potential impact of budgetary cuts on both capital and revenue investment.

• LCCC officers continue to work with DSD officers in 2015/16 to deliver agreed projects. These include:

- Lisburn City Centre Public Realm Scheme Project in the final stages of completion.

- Lisburn Linkages Public Realm Scheme Procurement of Integrated Consultant Team due to commence in Summer 2015 with capital works expected to commence in early 2016. DSD financial commitment in place to support consultancy phase.

- Lisburn and Castlereagh Strategic Revitalisation Project Delivery of a series of initiatives in Lisburn City Centre, Dundonald and Carryduff to support businesses and revitalise the commercial centres. £200k committed from DSD against a programme cost of £320k.

- Laganbank Quarter Development Scheme Integrated Consultancy Team to be appointed to take forward procurement strategy; land assembly strategy and initial market testing in 2105/16. £50k committed from DSD for this initial phase of the work.

• Previous Projects Delivered with DSD include:

Lisburn City Centre Masterplan Lisburn City Transport Study Lisburn Car Park Development Briefs Lisburn Revitalisation Project Castlereagh Revitalisation Project Castlereagh Urban Integrated Development Framework

• DSD have proposed an opportunity to second officers from the Department across to Councils from 1 April 2016 to work on the delivery of future projects. An expression of interest must be submitted by 30 June 2015 should the Council be interested in this proposal.

• Pending the transfer of functions on 1 April 2016, LCCC continues to deliver the District Council Community Support Programme. This Programme currently funded by DSD contributes to the provision of community development programmes and local advice services. In the Minister`s correspondence of March 2015 the final budget allocation towards community development which encompasses this Programme and the provision of advice services is £300k [see Table above]. Members should however note that funding assistance to the Council for both the Community Support Programme and advice services from DSD in 2015-2016 amounted to only £242k. In this context and given likely ongoing pressure on DSD budgets the Council requires to be reassured that the allocation of £300k for 2016 -2017 will be achieved by the Department.

• DSD at the beginning of this year carried out a consultation exercise in regard to the development of a new Strategy for the Provision of Advice Services in NI. Publication of the new Strategy is still awaited and the Council should hesitate to be content with the allocation in respect of Community Development [which will encompass a contribution for the provision of local advice services] until it has sight of the new Strategy and the expectations it might place on councils in supporting the provision of advice services.

• DSD has in recent years supported a small number of specific community development projects in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area from funding sources that are not transferring to local councils from 1 April 2016. These funding programmes were due to end at 31 March 2015, but in some cases have received extensions from the Department for a further 12 month period. No exit strategy has been developed by the Department in regard to this funding. There is consequently a danger that local groups that have benefited will expect the Council to provide follow on funding from 1 April 2016. A proper exit strategy in regard to these projects requires to be developed by DSD.

Issues for the Council

• The LCCC budget allocation for the transfer has been reduced. This will have an implication on future delivery of projects with additional financial and human resource commitment needed to be sourced elsewhere.

• Council is not in a position to confirm the need for seconded staff from DSD until budget and projects are agreed.

• The Council view the Laganbank Quarter Development Scheme as a strategic project of regional significance. An initial request has been made through officers for additional technical support from the Strategic Investment Board being facilitated by DSD.

• Council propose to deliver a large portfolio of significant urban regeneration capital projects and other initiatives in future years. With the DSD urban regeneration allocation not meeting all of the estimated budget additional finance will be required from other sources. The proposed projects include:

Hillsborough Public Realm Scheme

Moira Public Realm Scheme

Dundonald Public Realm Scheme

Carryduff Public Realm Scheme

Laganbank Quarter Development Scheme

• The likelihood of the budget allocation model figures being achieved.

• The level of funding for advice services without sight of the new NI Advice Services Strategy.

• The expectation from community organisations, which have benefited from other DSD community development related funding, that the Council will continue to fund projects from 1 April 2016, without this being considered in the budget allocation model.

Preferred outcome of the meeting

• Council should seek urgent confirmation on the revenue and capital commitments by the Department for 2015/16 period as this will provide the baseline position and inform the financial planning for 2016.

• Council should seek confirmation on the allocation for 1 April 2016.

• Council should propose that an expression of interest will be submitted in relation to the potential to second DSD staff to Council but that confirmation would not be possible until later in 2015.

• Given the regional significance of the project the Council should seek support for the delivery of Laganbank Quarter Development Scheme through additional technical support from the Strategic Investment Board, facilitated by DSD.

• Request that DSD publish the new NI Advice Services Strategy before the allocation model is finalised, thereby allowing the Council to assess its likely funding commitment and the adequacy of the provision in the model.

• DSD to develop an exit strategy in consultation with the Council in regard to projects funded up until 1 April 2016 but not included in the development of allocation model.

KNOCKMORE SPRUCEFIELD LINK ROAD – DRD MINISTERIAL MEETING

BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS

Venue

DRD, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT28GB

Attending

Alderman Ewart Chairman, Development Committee Alderman Dillan Vice Chairman, Development Committee Alderman Henderson Chairman, Planning Committee Councillor Girvin Vice Chairman, Planning Committee Dr Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive Mr Colin McClintock Director, Development and Planning Mr Paul McCormick Head of Economic Development

Purpose of the meeting

The purpose of the meeting is to lobby Minister Danny Kennedy MLA in relation to the delivery of the proposed M1/Knockmore Link Road.

Context

• The Council has been active for some time in seeking delivery of the M1/Knockmore Link Road. With the successful completion of the Lisburn North Feeder Road this road is now the one missing link in the outer orbital road network around Lisburn and the key to opening up the zoned lands in West Lisburn for development.

• Some major developments have taken place at Knockmore in anticipation of the link road being built – Coca-Cola being the most notable but there are many other companies which have located in the Knockmore area with that expectation. The Minister may be aware of the problems caused by heavy vehicles from the Knockmore industrial estates using the village of Hillsborough to gain access to the A1.

• In the Spring of this year the Council completed the West Lisburn Development Framework, working with colleagues from the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation and a range of other stakeholders, which sets out the overarching Vision and Strategy for the West Lisburn area as a precursor to the work now underway in relation to the new Area Plan, to give direction and guidance for future planning and investment in the West Lisburn Area.

• West Lisburn is defined as covering the following lands: Maze Long Kesh, Blaris, Knockmore, Lissue and Sprucefield.

• A map outlining the overall area including proposed land use zonings is attached at Appendix 1.

• Early in the study work for West Lisburn it became apparent that the single most important action for the public sector was to provide the M1/Knockmore Link Road: “The………..Road is a vital piece of infrastructure that must be delivered as soon as possible in order to unlock large areas of development land in the West Lisburn Area”.

• A copy of the relevant extract form the Framework document is attached at Appendix 2.

• Independent economic forecasts suggest that within four years the Blaris, Knockmore and Maze Long Kesh plan zonings will create or sustain upwards of 3,396 jobs and potentially would need 101 acres of development land. The road is critical to unlocking this in the short term.

• Conservative economic forecasts predict that this jobs figure would rise significantly to 4,371 jobs over a ten year period and 6,350 jobs over a twenty year period.

• DRD policy would currently prioritise the Sprucefield By-pass above the M1/Knockmore link as the By-pass is deemed to be part of the Strategic Route Network whereas the Link Road is not. The Council will request that this policy position is reconsidered for all the reasons stated above.

• In the wider view the delivery of this road would massively alleviate the problems in Hillsborough and would enhance accessibility to the Departments Rail based Park n Ride facility at Knockmore.

Issues for the Council

• DRD and current BMAP policy states that the delivery of the road will be “developer-led” but the Council would contend that this is not a realistic assumption given the prevailing investment climate and significantly lower yields from development land since 2008. At present there would be insufficient development value in the zoned land at Blaris to fund such a road scheme purely from developer contributions.

• That being the case the Councils concern is that if the Department holds to the developer led approach then the link road is undeliverable and the largest potential growth area in the Council is blighted for many years into the future.

• The Council would contend that an alternative delivery model is needed, possibly involving the delivery costs being covered “up-front” by the public purse, which would then be reimbursed by private sector developer contributions as the West Lisburn Area is built out.

• A new development in the debate is the fact that the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation has an interest also in the provision of the Road in terms of unlocking the MLK site and the wider area – it may be that the Corporation could make a contribution to the development of the road.

Name of Event Maximum Scoring Total Equivalent Total Total Possible Matrix Score % Amount Amount Score Obtained Requested Agreed

31-40=100% 21-30=80% 11-20=60% All Ireland Italian Motor Event 40 As above 27 80% £900.00 £720.00

Belfast Dog Show Society 40 As above 33 100% £1000.00 £1000.00 General Championship Hillsborough Ploughing Match 40 As above 28 80% £735.00 £588.00

72nd International Ploughing 40 As above 30 80% £1000.00 £800.00 Championships Lest We Forget, Great War 40 As above 23 80% £1000.00 £800.00 Exhibition Lisburn Classic Cavalcade 40 As above 22 80% £455.00 £364.00

MGA’s Return to Dundrod 40 As above 25 80% £600.00 £480.00

29th National Balmoral 40 As above 32 100% £1000.00 £1000.00 Championships The Edible Garden Festival and 40 As above 25 80% £990.00 £792.00 Dog Show The Little Craft and Food 40 As above 23 80% £800.00 £640.00 Market TOTAL £7,184

MILLTOWN - BEFORE EI SCHEME

Consultation Report

Sustainable Water

Draft Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2014 – 39)

April 2015

Contents

1. Introduction 3

Context 3

Purpose of this Report 3

2. Public Consultation 5

3. General Consultation Feedback 7

4. General Comments and Responses to Consultation Questions 8

Part 1 - Strategy Overview 8 Part 2 - Drinking Water Supply and Demand 11 Part 3 - Flood Risk Management and Drainage 15 Part 4 - Environmental Protection and Improvement 20 Part 5 - Water and Sewerage Services 24

5. Implications of Draft Budget 2015-16 and Spending and Savings 30 Proposals

6. Conclusion and Next Steps 31

Annex A - List of Consultation Respondents 32

Annex B - Glossary 33

1. Introduction

Context

1.1 The Department for Regional Development (DRD) has undertaken a public consultation exercise on the draft Sustainable Water - A Long- Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2014-2039) (“the Strategy”).

1.2 The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the draft Strategy.

1.3 The consultation document set out a range of proposed measures as well as 15 specific questions.

Purpose of this Report

1.4 This report records the public consultation findings. It details how consultation on the Strategy was undertaken, summarises the responses received and indicates how they will inform policy decisions.

1.5 The Department (DRD) is grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process.

Background

1.6 In 2003, the Department carried out a consultation exercise on the Reform of Water and Sewerage Services in Northern Ireland. This included obtaining views and suggestions on domestic charging. A large number of respondents to this consultation argued strongly that metering (either optional or mandatory) should feature as part of the charging regime. In addition, they argued that metering would encourage the economical use of water supplies.

1.7 The draft Long-Term Water Strategy is a 25 year strategy aimed at achieving a sustainable water sector in Northern Ireland. Although current government policy is not to introduce domestic water charges, this may change over the life of the Strategy and therefore it was important that it should seek the latest views of the Northern Ireland public, especially on how best to encourage the efficient use of drinking water, to help inform future government policy and therefore do what is best for Northern Ireland.

2. Public Consultation

2.1 The draft Sustainable Water - Long-Term Water Strategy was published on 20 June 2014 for a 16-week public consultation period. The consultation closed on 10 October 2014. Hard copies of the draft Strategy were issued to 68 stakeholders including Councils, environmental groups and professional bodies. Letters were also sent to those on the Department’s Section 75 contact list informing them of the launch of the consultation and inviting their comments.

2.2 The consultation was advertised in local newspapers and a copy of the document was placed on the Department’s website at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/water_policy.htm

2.3 The Department received 41 consultation responses. These were received from councils, environmental groups, professional bodies and internal stakeholders. Annex A lists the consultees who responded.

2.4 Since the close of the consultation period the Department has reviewed all of the consultation responses and considered the comments received.

Context

2.5 Once the final Strategy has been approved by the Minister for Regional Development and the Northern Ireland Executive, an Implementation Action Plan will be prepared containing actions aimed at delivering the high level proposed measures in the Strategy. Actions will be a mix of short, medium and long-term to cover the Strategy’s 25 year outlook.

2.6 The Implementation Action Plan will assign responsibility for each individual measure / action and include agreed timescales for completion of actions.

2.7 Inter-Departmental working groups will be established to take forward these measures/actions and in doing so they will carefully consider the consultation responses to help inform the final policy decisions.

3. General Consultation Feedback

Overview

3.1 The consultation responses to the draft Strategy supported the need for a strategy and its key principles and strategic aims.

3.2 The majority of responses also supported the need for longer-term planning to help deliver improved water and sewerage services as well as more sustainable solutions.

3.3 Other issues highlighted included: (i) the need to emphasise measures to encourage reducing water consumption (including introducing meters for all water users) so that we have sufficient water to meet future needs; (ii) the need to continue to protect the environment; (iii) the need for NI Water to continue to improve its performance in delivering water and sewerage services; and (iv) the need to reduce pressure on our drainage systems to help reduce the risk of flooding and pollution.

3.4 Chapter 4 outlines general comments and answers to specific consultation questions. It highlights individual comments and suggestions from the consultees.

3.5 Not all respondents answered all questions, and some respondents made general comments about the chapter subject rather than on the individual questions. These comments have been taken into consideration within this report.

4. General Comments and Responses to Consultation Questions

Part 1 - Strategy Overview

Chapter Overview

This chapter explains the need for a Strategy, the approach adopted, what we hope the Strategy will achieve, as well as the Strategy’s key principles and structure.

General Comments

One consultee stated that the importance of groundwater sources to sustainable water supplies should be included in the Strategy. They added that groundwater could make a significant contribution to deliver a number of the aims of the Strategy.

One consultee thought that the wider benefits of Sustainable Catchment Management Programmes (SCAMP NI) should be highlighted such as enhancing landscape and biodiversity.

One consultee stressed that no measure impacting on a designated inland waterway should be put in place without full consultation with, and approval of, the statutory navigation authority.

One consultee stated that the delivery of the Strategy would require a significant budget and that securing funding to deliver the Strategy should be a priority for DRD.

Consultation Question SO1: To help deliver the Strategy, do you think that all water policy areas should be transferred to one government department?

Summary of comments

Twenty six consultees answered this question, with twenty four stating that the Strategy should be delivered by one government department. This was largely based on their assumption that it would help policy development and operational delivery as well as improve accountability for water policy.

Research undertaken by the Consumer Council supports the Strategy being delivered by one government department, with the public stating concerns that the involvement of too many bodies may delay decisions or actions being taken and that no department would take responsibility or be accountable.

A number of consultees also stressed the need to ensure that environmental regulation of the water environment was delivered by a different department to that responsible for water policy.

Response:

At present a number of departments have responsibility for different aspects of water policy. The Northern Ireland Executive has reviewed department’s responsibilities and agreed that policy direction for NI Water along with responsibility for Rivers Agency and Inland Waterways will all be within the same government department following the 2016 Assembly elections. This new department will be the Department for Infrastructure. Another new department, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will also be formed at the same time and its responsibilities will include the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (excluding Built Heritage) and Inland Fisheries.

Consultation Question SO2: Do you agree that the Strategy should be reviewed every six years to align with the timeframes of future water industry investment periods, River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans?

Summary of comments

Twenty two consultees answered this question, with eighteen supporting the six year review to align with the timeframes of future water industry investment periods, River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans. This was largely based on the need to ensure measures and actions remain relevant and that the Strategy can also take account of new legislation both local and European.

Three consultees expressed the need for more regular reviews stating 2-3 years as a more suitable review period, with one consultee stating the need for regular reviews but not specifying a timeframe.

Response:

To help ensure that the Strategy remains relevant the Department believes a formal review every six years, as well as an informal 3 year review would be prudent. The review will be led by the Department in conjunction with other key Departments and will involve reviewing and updating policy measures, initiatives and associated actions.

Part 2 - Drinking Water Supply and Demand

Chapter Overview

This chapter considers how best to provide safe, sufficient supplies of drinking water. The challenges include funding, drinking water compliance, security of supply, environmental protection and resilience.

Our proposed long-term vision is to provide high quality, sustainable supplies of drinking water to households, industry and agriculture. To help achieve this we will focus on the following three aims:-

(i) manage drinking water quality risks in a sustainable manner from source to tap;

(ii) meet the water demand needs of society, economy and environment; and

(iii) resource efficient drinking water treatment and supply chains.

General Comments

One consultee was concerned that if fracking was permitted it could contaminate nearby water sources and therefore would be detrimental to sustainable catchment management. They also pointed out that fracking was a very water intensive process and therefore could have an impact on water supply.

Two consultees stated that groundwater could make an important contribution to the public water supply.

One consultee welcomed the requirement to comply with the water supply regulations to reduce the risk of contamination or waste supplies through defective water fittings.

Consultation Question DW1: In England and Wales, water scarcity is already a major issue (particularly in the south). The English target is to reduce average consumption to 130 litres per head per day (l/h/d) by 2030. It is proposed that NI should adopt a similar consumption target for 2039.

• Do you support the need for a long-term water consumption target?

• Should Northern Ireland’s target be the same as that of England and Wales? • Should average consumption/head be used as the measure?

• Do you think the proposed target to reduce average consumption (currently at 155 l/h/day) to 130 l/h/day by 2039 is challenging?

Summary of comments

(i) Do you support the need for a long-term water consumption target?

Twenty eight consultees answered this question, with twenty five supporting the need for a long-term water target. This was based on the view that we need to ensure we have a sufficient quantity available to meet our society’s needs now and in the future.

One consultee stated that consideration should be given to a modelled target for buildings or setting flow rates for key water fittings.

Response:

The Department supports the need for a long-term water consumption target to help ensure we can meet the future water demands of society. The Department will examine all possible options including those raised to help decide what is best for Northern Ireland.

(ii) Should Northern Ireland’s target be the same as that of England and Wales?

Twenty one consultees answered this question, with eighteen stating that Northern Ireland’s long-term water consumption target should not be the same as that of England and Wales, with only three stating that it should.

Those who opposed matching the target of England and Wales did so because they believed Northern Ireland was not a region of water scarcity, had different demographics to England and Wales and also that more evidence was needed to support the proposed target of 130l/h/day.

Response:

The Department supports the need for a long-term water consumption target to help ensure we can meet the future water demands of society. Further work will need to be carried out to establish what is an appropriate target for Northern Ireland.

(iii) Should average consumption/head be used as the measure?

Nineteen consultees answered this question, with eight stating that average consumption/head should be used as the measure.

Six consultees thought a whole building target would be better and that this could be achieved by setting flow rates for key fittings within the building.

Response:

The Department, in conjunction with key water stakeholders, will consider all options including those raised, to help determine the best measure of water consumption for Northern Ireland.

(iv) Do you think the proposed target to reduce average consumption (currently at 155 l/h/day) to 130 l/h/day by 2039 is challenging?

Nine consultees answered this question, with only two stating the proposed target to reduce average consumption to 130 l/h/day by 2039 was challenging. Six consultees believed the target was not challenging because of the continued development of water efficient appliances and improved user behaviour.

Response:

Further benchmarking will be undertaken and the Department will work closely with the Regulator to help with the assessment.

Consultation Question DW 2: How should households be encouraged to efficiently use drinking water and meet the aims of the Water Framework Directive?

(1) Education and Public Awareness Campaigns

(2) Requiring water savings devices and measures (e.g water butts, aerated shower heads, etc)

(3) Introducing metered household water charges

(4) A combination of all or some of the above options?

(5) Other – please specify?

Twenty five consultees answered this question, with twenty three indicating a combination of all or some of the options was the best way to encourage households to efficiently use drinking water. Seven consultees acknowledged the important role which water charging and metering in particular would have

14 to play in the future to ensure the efficient use of drinking water and to meet the aims of the Water Framework Directive.

One consultee stated that water-saving devices and measures should be standard in all ‘new build’ houses.

Response:

The Department considers that a combination of measures (options) is the best way to encourage households to efficiently use drinking water. The Department will continue to work with NI Water to promote this message to encourage households to use drinking water efficiently. The Northern Ireland Executive has set out in its current Programme for Government that no domestic water charges will be introduced during the current Assembly mandate.

Part 3 - Flood Risk Management and Drainage

Chapter Overview

This chapter considers how flood risk can be sustainably managed to facilitate social, economic and environmental development as well as meet our obligations under the Floods Directive.

Our proposed long-term vision is to manage flood risk and drainage in a sustainable manner. To help achieve this we will focus on the following five aims:-

(i) deliver sustainable flood resilient development;

(ii) manage the catchment to reduce flood risk;

(iii) provide sustainable integrated drainage in rural and urban areas;

(iv) improve flood resistance and resilience in high flood risk areas; and

(v) be prepared for extreme weather events.

General Comments

One consultee stated that research undertaken by the Consumer Council shows that consumers support investing in flooding solutions such as upgrading drainage systems and spreading the cost over many years as well as investing in more sustainable, less expensive ways of managing rain water above ground.

One consultee stated that the advent of council-led community planning may help to deal more effectively with flooding.

Consultation Question FRMD 1: FRMD policy 2C is about making space in our urban areas for sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS). It involves improved temporary flood storage and recognition that not all rainwater should be collected in underground pipes.

Do you support a policy of actively managing surface water and making provision for flood storage in our urban areas? Please outline your reasons or concerns.

Summary of comments

Twenty six consultees answered this question and all supported a policy of actively managing surface water and making provision for flood storage in our urban areas. This was based on the need to reduce pressure on our drainage systems to help reduce the risk of urban flooding and also the risk of pollution of rivers and groundwater sources.

Their concerns included the lack of a robust regulatory regime, standards and procedures as well as the long-term management of ‘non-private’ or community SuDS schemes in housing developments and the impact on biodiversity.

Response:

The Department believes that actively managing surface water and making provision for flood storage in our urban areas is key to helping reduce the risk of urban flooding and also the risk of pollution of rivers and groundwater sources. To help achieve this, the Department has established a Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Programme Board. The Board will develop a strategic drainage infrastructure plan to address flood risk and better integrate water into the urban environment (SuDS etc), for consideration by the Executive. The Department’s proposed Water Bill also requires the consideration of SuDS for residential and non-residential development.

Consultation Question FRMD 2: How do you think surface water management and drainage should be organised and funded? Do you think the drainage functions of government departments should be integrated into one drainage authority?

Summary of comments

Twenty six consultees answered this question, with twenty one supporting the establishment of a single drainage authority funded by central government. The reasons endorsing this approach included a single point of contact for all involved, better sharing of information amongst stakeholders to help understand flooding issues and risk, as well as an improved response to flooding.

Consumer Council research endorsed this view with the public survey stating that a single government body would be better placed to provide a consolidated flood response. 17

One consultee thought a single drainage authority could become too unwieldy and therefore inefficient, and another highlighted concerns if drainage standards for buildings were to be removed from building regulations.

Response:

The Department believes that the consolidation of the flood response agencies within a single department, would improve our ability to respond to emergency situations, and thus improve the service we provide to the public. The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed that following the 2016 Assembly election a new department will be formed, the Department for Infrastructure, which will have responsibility for the policy direction of NI Water along with responsibility for Rivers Agency and Inland Waterways. .

Consultation Question FRMD 3: How could sub-regional emergency response planning and Community Flood Forums help to improve local planning and response to flooding emergencies? What other action could be taken?

Summary of comments

Twenty consultees answered this question, with eighteen acknowledging the important role that sub-regional emergency response planning and Community Flood Forums could play in helping to mitigate the risk of flooding. Two other consultees advocated the need for better long-term forward planning and the need for these forums to be part of the planning consultation process.

Consultees believed that sub-regional emergency response and Community Flood Forums could help empower communities at risk to defend themselves and also enhance better partnership working especially in high risk areas. They added that they would also improve planning and response to flooding

18 emergencies through a detailed understanding of local issues, improved communication and understanding of resources.

Other suggested actions that could be taken included: localised test exercises to validate the arrangements in place; better publicity of the Flood Incident Line and what to do in the event of a flood and improving advanced weather warning systems.

A consultee also encouraged the inclusion of appropriate local government officer representation on the inter-departmental Flood Investment and Planning Group.

Response:

The Department in conjunction with other key water stakeholders will seek to improve flood and emergency response taking account of the comments received.

Part 4 - Environmental Protection and Improvement

Chapter Overview

This chapter is about improving water quality in the environment. Our proposed long-term vision is to achieve the environmental requirements of the Water Framework Directive in a sustainable manner. To help achieve this we will focus on the following five aims:-

(i) sustainable environmental policy and regulation;

(ii) sustainably manage the catchment to improve water quality;

(iii) effective and efficient wastewater collection and treatment;

(iv) maintain sustainable levels of water in the environment; and

(v) improve river and coastal water morphology and biodiversity.

General Comments

One consultee supported Northern Ireland having an independent, transparent and accountable Environmental Protection Agency to robustly and consistently protect and regulate the environment.

One consultee stressed the need for more research into the issues associated with fracking to help inform policy decisions on future proposals.

One consultee thought government should work in partnership to encourage sustainable land management practices.

One consultee believed that enforcement and penalties do little to deliver improved water quality and that a more advisory and educational approach should be adopted in catchments in Northern Ireland.

Two consultees stated that more emphasis should be placed on the importance of groundwater protection and more acknowledgement of the role of groundwater in the water catchment cycle.

Consultation Question EP 1: Do you agree that a more sustainable approach to environmental regulation should be adopted to reduce administrative burdens and promote ‘low energy’ natural ways of protecting and improving the quality of our inland and coastal waters?

Summary of comments

Twenty one consultees answered this question and all agreed that a more sustainable approach to environmental regulation should be adopted.

Consultees advocated the need to use more natural solutions to protect and improve inland and coastal waters such as Sustainable Catchment Management Programmes (SCAMP NI). They also believed that more needed to be done to promote and raise the awareness of sustainable solutions and encourage a partnership approach to help deliver the best results.

Response:

The Department in conjunction with the other key regulation partners will strive to deliver a more sustainable approach to environmental regulation taking account of best practice in other areas where possible.

Consultation Question EP 2: Do you agree that NI Water should continue to invest in educating consumers on the importance of not flushing inappropriate items/substances into the sewerage network to help prevent sewer flooding and pollution?

Summary of comments

Twenty five consultees answered this question and all agreed that NI Water should continue to invest in educating consumers on the importance of not flushing inappropriate items/substances into the sewerage network to help prevent sewer flooding and pollution.

Consultees realised this was an important action to raise awareness and help change behaviours. They also acknowledged that by doing this, it had the potential to reduce NI Water’s costs for clearing blocked sewers.

Response:

The Department has highlighted this as a priority in its Social & Environmental Guidance for Water & Sewerage Services and will continue to encourage NI Water’s delivery of this key message.

Consultation Question EP 3: Do you agree that NI Water should gradually transform its wastewater assets through sustainable treatment technologies to help manage future operating costs?

Summary of comments

Twenty five consultees answered this question and all agreed that NI Water should gradually transform its wastewater assets through sustainable treatment technologies to help manage future operating costs.

Consultees acknowledged it was important to try to reduce NI Water’s energy costs and sustainable solutions such as integrated constructed wetlands and 22 short rotation coppice would help. Another consultee added that most of the larger works would continue to use conventional solutions due to their location and footprint constraints.

Response: The Department has highlighted this as a priority in its Social & Environmental Guidance for Water & Sewerage Services and will encourage NI Water to deliver this objective.

Part 5 - Water and Sewerage Services

Chapter Overview

This chapter is about providing water and sewerage services that meet the needs of customers including agriculture, business, industry and households without impacting on the environment.

Our proposed long-term vision is to provide sustainable water and sewerage services that meet customers’ needs. To help achieve this we will focus on the following five aims:-

(i) provide efficient and affordable water and sewerage services;

(ii) provide high levels of service to water and sewerage customers;

(iii) provide high quality customer service and information;

(iv) provide resilient and secure assets, infrastructure and systems; and

(v) provide wider benefits for the environment and the local community.

General Comments

One consultee believed that all water users in Northern Ireland should be metered, with another stating that it was important that Government investment and resourcing supports the plans agreed and established through the Price Control process.

Another consultee was concerned that budget cuts would expose NI Water to significant risk and hamper the efficient delivery of agreed programmes as well as having an impact on service delivery to customers.

Consultation Question WSS 1: Do you agree with the identified principles of regulation currently applied? Should further consideration be given to best practice in other regulatory sectors?

Summary of comments

Eleven consultees answered this question and seven agreed with the principles of regulation currently applied.

Four consultees thought the current governance arrangements of NI Water are sub-optimal creating tension between the current economic regulatory regime, public funding and governance and the efficient management of NI Water.

Five consultees stressed the need to keep the regulatory framework under review and to examine best practice in other regulatory sectors to help ensure the model used delivered the best results.

Two consultees thought the lack of a consistent and sustainable funding strategy to deliver the outcomes in the consultation should be highlighted in the strategy.

One consultee stated it was unrealistic for NI Water to deliver efficiency levels achieved in other parts of the United Kingdom under incentive-based economic regulation whilst operating under the constraints of the current governance and funding arrangements.

One consultee stated that efforts must be made to reduce or eliminate discharge consents and that better policing and testing was needed in the short term.

Response:

The Department in conjunction with the Utility Regulator will continue to regulate NI Water to improve operational efficiency and close the efficiency gap with the water and sewerage industry in the United Kingdom. In doing so, the Department will seek to reduce future regulatory costs and look to adopt best practice in other regulatory sectors.

Consultation Question WSS 2: Do you agree with the current policy of prioritising funding for maintaining existing water and sewerage assets first before investing in service improvement?

Summary of comments

Fifteen consultees answered this question and eleven agreed with the policy of prioritising funding for maintaining existing water and sewerage assets first before investing in service improvement. This was based on the need to maintain the existing levels of customer service.

One consultee stated that it was important to maintain the existing water and sewerage assets as well as meeting European obligations to minimise the risk of infraction.

Four consultees stated that this policy should include consideration of sustainable treatment technologies and a move to a ‘whole life’ approach to cost benefit analysis.

One consultee believed that to address the legacy of underinvestment and to enable economic growth by both maintaining the existing assets and investing in service improvement should be a top priority for NI Water.

Response: The Department supports the current policy and will work with NI Water to help deliver it through their investment programme. 26

Consultation Question WSS 3: Do you agree with the current investment policy of targeting localised quality issues to ensure all customers receive wholesome, safe drinking water rather than investing £millions to achieve small improvements in overall compliance?

Summary of comments

Thirteen consultees answered this question and eleven agreed with the current investment policy of targeting localised quality issues to ensure all customers receive wholesome, safe drinking water rather than investing £millions to achieve small improvements in overall compliance.

One consultee believed both aspects should be delivered, with another stating that all NI Water customers should receive safe drinking water.

One consultee stated that spending money in the areas where it was most needed was likely to alleviate long-term issues and therefore should have lasting benefits in terms of service improvement and cost savings.

Response:

The Department will continue with the current investment policy of targeting localised quality issues to ensure all customers receive wholesome, safe drinking water rather than investing £millions to achieve small improvements in overall compliance.

Consultation Question WSS 4: Do you feel that adequate information on NI Water’s performance is available to customers through the annual reports produced by NI Water and its regulators? If not, what other information do you feel should be made available?

Summary of comments

Fourteen consultees answered this question and six stated that adequate information on NI Water’s performance was available to customers through the annual reports produced by NI Water and its regulators.

A number of consultees stated NI Water should provide a range of additional information including:-

(i) response times for dealing with complaints;

(ii) exciting and innovative projects they are taking forward like integrated constructed wetlands;

(iii) specific targets and actions in local areas as well as the benefits these would deliver;

(iv) the true cost of water.

Another consultee thought the issue may not be about what information is available but how it is disseminated.

Response:

The Department will discuss suggestions from the consultees with NI Water, the Utility Regulator and the Consumer Council with a view to improving the information provided to the public.

Consultation Question WSS 5: Do you agree that surplus water and sewerage assets (such as reservoirs) should, where possible, be transferred within the public sector and retained for recreational use by the local community?

Summary of comments

Nineteen consultees answered this question and fourteen agreed that surplus water and sewerage assets (such as reservoirs) should, where possible, be transferred within the public sector and retained for recreational use by the local community.

Two consultees stated that there are significant risks in asset management and ownership, and any decision to transfer surplus assets should consider the physical condition of the asset, its suitability for community purposes and its financial viability.

One consultee stated that local community groups, that are often run by volunteers, should not be expected to deliver the legislative/regulatory requirements that are expected of government agencies, without being financially incentivised or rewarded to do so.

Response:

NI Water is developing this policy proposal and an important aspect of this will be to ensure all risks and costs of ownership of assets are made clear at the outset.

5. Implications of Draft Budget 2015-16 and Spending and Savings Proposal

Since the draft Strategy was prepared, the economic landscape has changed and greater pressure is being placed on the public sector to deliver improved services with less funding.

The reclassification of NI Water as a non-departmental public body was a direct consequence of the Executive’s decision to defer the introduction of domestic water charges. The financial implications of deferral are that DRD requires public expenditure budget cover for the majority of NI Water’s expenditure from the overall NI Block, and will be limited in terms of allocation by the Executive having to give credence to pressures arising from other government areas eg health, education, Welfare Reform, etc. in the 2015-16 Budget. It is unlikely that NI Water will be unaffected.

This is contrary to other areas of the UK, where water and sewerage services are funded from customer charges only.

Reductions in funding will have an impact on key stakeholders’ (government departments and NI Water) ability to deliver the objectives of the Long-Term Water Strategy.

As NI Water must strictly manage its spend within annual budget allocations, it is therefore essential that the approach taken in the Implementation Action Plan is to set short, medium and long-term priorities in order to maximise benefits from public expenditure funding available.

The key priorities in the Executive’s current Programme for Government (PfG) include growing the economy, improving health and well-being and protecting the environment. The provision of water and sewerage services underpins the delivery of all these priorities.

The delivery of the Long-Term Water Strategy will help to fulfil these PfG priorities. 30

6. Conclusion & Next Steps

The Minister for Regional Development is grateful to all those who participated in the consultation on the draft Long-Term Water Strategy.

Once the final Strategy has been approved by the Minister and the Northern Ireland Executive, an Implementation Action Plan will be prepared containing actions aimed at delivering the high level proposed measures in the Strategy. Actions will be a mix of short, medium and long-term to cover the Strategy’s 25 year outlook.

The Implementation Action Plan will assign responsibility for each individual measure/action and include agreed timescales for completion of actions.

Inter-Departmental working groups will be established to take forward these measures/actions and in doing so they will carefully consider the consultation responses to help inform the final policy decisions.

The Department proposes to monitor and report progress on the delivery of the Implementation Action Plan.

Annex A - List of Consultation Respondents

1. Agri-Food Sciences Division 2. Antrim Borough Council 3. Antrim and District Anglers Association 4. Antrim and Newtownabbey District Council 5. Ards Borough Council 6. Banbridge District Council 7. Building Standards Branch – DFP 8. Business in the Community NI 9. Castlereagh Borough Council 10. Chief Environmental Health Officers Group 11. Confederation of British Industry (NI) 12. Construction Employers Federation 13. Consumer Council NI 14. Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside 15. Down District Council 16. Drinking Water Inspectorate 17. Energy Saving Trust 18. Fermanagh DC 19. Geological Society 20. Institute of Civil Engineers 21. Lagan River Trust 22. Loughs Agency 23. Mourne Heritage Trust 24. National Trust 25. No Fracking (NI) 26. North Eastern Group Building Control 27. Northern Ireland Environment Agency 28. Northern Ireland Freshwater Taskforce 29. Northern Ireland Local Government Association 30. Northern Ireland Water 31. Polypipe 32. Protect our Coasts and Glens 33. Quarry Products Association NI 34. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 35. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 36. South Eastern Group Unit Building Control 37. Southern Group Building Control 38. Ulster Farmers Union 39. Utility Regulator 40. Water UK 41. Waterways Ireland

Annex B - Glossary aerated shower head A shower head that works by mixing the restricted flow of water with air, therefore the water appears to come out of the showerhead in higher volume, replicating a normal shower.

biodiversity Totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region.

DARD The Department for Agriculture and Rural Development, based in Belfast.

Department (DRD) The Department for Regional Development, based in Belfast.

Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) Under the EU Floods Directive, Flood Risk Management Plans must be prepared at a river basin district level or a set of Plans co-ordinated at river basin district. The plans must include policies for managing flood risk in the long term taking account of the possible effects of climate change. DARD is the designated authority for the implementation of the Directive.

Groundwater Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock. l/h/d Litres per head per day - a recognised measure of water consumption.

Minister The Minister for Regional Development.

NIEA The Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

NI Water Northern Ireland Water.

River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) A River Basin Management Plan contains a range of measures aimed at protecting, improving and sustaining the use of the water environment, from source to sea.

Regulator The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.

SCAMP NI Sustainable Catchment Area Management Planning in Northern Ireland is a project based methodology by which potential water quality issues are resolved at source through land management based solutions rather than traditional high cost, high energy treatment options.

Section 75 Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This law requires the Government to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity. Government policies must be reviewed, in a process known as 'screening'. If this screening identifies a potential equality issue then an EQIA (see above) must also be completed.

Sewerage system/ infrastructure A system of pipes and ducting which collects and transports sewage. short rotation coppice Wood grown as an energy crop

Sustainable Drainage System NI A drainage system that controls the (SuDS NI) quantity and quality of run-off waters by providing storage in tanks or ponds. This delays or prevents discharge to streams or rivers until there is capacity to accommodate it. water butt This is a water tank used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops via rain gutters.

Waste Water Treatment Works The treatment plant or site where (WWTWs) sewage/waste water is received, treated and discharged.

Water Treatment Works (WTWs) The treatment plant or site where raw water is treated to provide safe and wholesome drinking water for public supply.

Department for Regional Development Water Policy and Shareholder Division Room 1-22 Clarence Court Belfast BT2 8GB

Additional Report -Development Committee 03.06.15

LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 3 JUNE 2015

ADDITIONAL REPORT BY MR COLIN MCCLINTOCK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the following:

1. EU Funding Event – 26 June 2015 2. EU Millennials Tour Project – Transnational Tourism Flow for Seniors and Young People in the Low and Medium Seasons 3. Nominations to External Organisations

Decisions and Recommendations

The following items are for decision:

 It is recommended that Committee agrees that the Council be represented at the EU Funding Event on 26 June 2015, with the ten places to be confirmed by the Chairman.

 It is recommended that the Committee continues to support the EU Commission funding application for EU Millennials TOUR Project with a financial contribution of £26,751 over 15 months. EU Funding will fund £20,063 of this amount with a remaining net cost to the Council of £6,688.

 It is recommended that the Committee makes nominations to the external organisations as listed in Item 3 of the report.

ITEMS FOR DECISION

1. EU FUNDING EVENT – FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2015

Members will be aware of how the Council has been successful in applying for previous rounds of EU Structural Funds to match fund a wide range of Economic Development support programmes including local business development initiatives, employability and training schemes and rural development projects. NILGA is hosting an information seminar for up to ten Elected Members and officers, to outline the new round of EU Structural Funds 2014-2020 on Friday 26 June from 9.30 am to 11.30 am in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady.

Additional Report -Development Committee 03.06.15

The event will offer attendees an opportunity to engage with Northern Ireland’s three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Martina Anderson MEP, Diane Dodds MEP, and Jim Nicholson MEP to discuss the new funds.

Recommendation

It is recommended that Committee agrees that the Council be represented at the event, with the ten places to be confirmed by the Chairman.

2. EU MILLENNIALS TOUR PROJECT – TRANSNATIONAL TOURISM FLOW FOR SENIORS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE LOW AND MEDIUM SEASONS

Members will be aware at the January Shadow Development Committee it was agreed to support the EU Commission funding application for an EU Millennials Tour project. The aim of the project is to develop a transnational European tourism product mixing together culture, education, knowledge capitalisation and entrepreneurship up-skilling. The 15 month project is being led by X23, a Social Development Company based in Rome, Italy, with 8 partners, including regions within Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium.

Recent correspondence has indicated that the application has been successful and therefore we are in the Grant Preparation phase with a number of forms to show commitment from the various partners forwarded to the European Commission to meet the tight deadlines given.

Within the application, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is being requested to contribute to the Work Packages below:

 WP2 Tourism Product Design Assessment (stakeholder analysis, benchmarking market analysis, collection of transnational Good Practices, networking);

 WP3 Capacity Building: Good Practices exploitation and preparation of transfer;

 WP7 Communication and Promotion Plan.

The project locally will focus on the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum because of its role to promote local industrial heritage and involvement with local schools. Higher Education Institutes will also be involved in the pilot project. Accordingly, Letters of Support in principle have been obtained from Tourism Northern Ireland, the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, and South East Regional College.

The total budget for the project across all partners and work packages is £331,764 with 75% of this amount being sourced from EU funding. As part of this application Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has been earmarked for a contribution of £26,751 with 75% of this being grant assisted from EU funding, therefore the net cost to the Council will be £6,688. Additional Report -Development Committee 03.06.15

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee continues to support the EU Commission funding application for EU Millennials TOUR project as outlined above, with a financial contribution of £26,751 over 15 months. EU funding will fund £20,063 of this amount with a remaining net cost to the Council of £6,688.

3. NOMINATIONS TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS

The Committee is asked to consider nominations to the following external organisations for the term of the Council:

 Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership (2 Members)

 Lagan Canal Trust (1 Member; 1 Member previously nominated by Leisure Services and Community Development Committee)

 Lisburn Commerce Against Crime (1 Member)

 Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation (1 Member)

 Northern Ireland Housing Executive Liaison Committee (10 Members)

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Committee nominates accordingly.