Development delays 'jeopardising' Belfast's future, claims expert

Delays in implementing the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan risk jeopardising the economic and cultural future of the city, relegating it to the third division of European capitals.

That is the stark message from top economist and urban regeneration specialist Dr Josef Konvitz, who visits Belfast on Tuesday to deliver a landmark lecture on international lessons for urban development.

“No region can prosper if the city at its core is weak,” said Dr Konvitz, who is Head of Division for Public Governance and Territorial Development at the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Leadership is vital to overcoming a fatalistic attitude that sees change in cities as largely negative, and to building public/private partnerships and the involving of social partners and civil society."

He will tell his VIP audience of business leaders, and key policy influencers about the key factors that influence success in city-scale regeneration initiatives. These include:

• A strategic framework that targets the parts of the city which are its key assets, and identifies the threats to their development.
• Putting environmental benefits first pays big dividends.
• Quality design is critical, as is the ability to carry projects through to completion.

Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Titanic Quarter said: “Dr Konvitz is a recognised expert in the economics of urban development. His lecture will identify those key factors which trigger successful urban renaissance. This will be of great value to Belfast and Titanic Quarter."

Dr Konvitz's lecture begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday at W5 in the Odyssey Arena and is being held by Titanic Quarter in association with the University of Ulster.

(MB)