19/10/2018

Major Investment To Boost Belfast Footfall

A major investment package has been announced to help Belfast city centre get back on it's feet, with a host of attractions, improvements and a possible extension to the Christmas Market.

Belfast City Council agreed the £1.69million funding boost to bring in attractions like a ferris wheel, ski slope, amusements and family zones.

Improvements are also set to be made to the city centre's open spaces, with better outdoor seating and tables, street lighting and art to improve the landscape.

The announcement comes after the major fire at Bank Building's, which housed Primark- the impact of which has greatly affected trade in the area with footfall down by a third.

A programme of planned events will include Halloween tours and the Monster Mash, the Red Bull F1 Showdown and Eddie Irvine Racing, a mini Mela, a mini Festival of Fools, and a Victorian fair.

According to the council, the popular Christmas Market at City Hall could be extended, subject to interest from traders.

Alderman Jim Rodgers, chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee said: "We know that businesses around the cordon are really suffering from a drop in footfall.

"This programme of activity will enhance what Belfast has to offer and help to bring people into the city centre, particularly in the run up to Christmas."



(JG)

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