LQ BID was proud to once again sponsor the Belfast Summit - an important event that brought together global experts, local leaders, government, and industry experts. With over 180 attendees, it’s clear there is a shared ambition to keep pushing this place forward and shape Belfast into the best small city in Europe to live, work, and visit.
However, while encouraging to listen to innovators and their ideas for the city, the event also highlighted that Belfast is not without real challenges. Many - housing, health, climate - will take a number of years to sufficiently address. But, in my opinion, there are certainly areas where we can make a lasting difference in the coming 12 months alone.
Make placemaking a priority
LQ BID is a leader in placemaking. In essence, it is the main reason we exist.
We want to create a city that makes sense. A city that brings people greater enjoyment, improved health, a sense of belonging. This enhanced quality of life supports productivity, which drives economic growth. So, re-imagining the public realm is crucial.
In March 2023 we put forward our vision to transform Blackstaff Square into a vibrant and accessible social space complete with a pavement café stretching from the Crown Liquor Saloon onto Great Victoria Street and Brunswick Street. The concept has the potential to become an iconic plaza similar to that in Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona.
Now, almost two years on, the Department for Communities has commissioned design consultants to bring this vision to life. However, to create the truly inspirational space we hope for, we need a different treatment for the adjacent roads, and we hope the Department for Infrastructure can accommodate the solution for this lasting legacy.
Blackstaff Square might be just one example, but it’s a strong one. It highlights that for real change to occur, all parties need to have the same creativity and commitment.
Recognise the value of sustainable and active travel
Let’s cast our minds back to December’s gridlock. The city wasn’t functioning efficiently. Car journey times in parts of the city doubled during peak periods, emphasising the need for enhanced public transport provision - greater routes to and from the city, and more services across existing routes.
Belfast has some of the highest levels of car use in Europe. That’s because to date we have designed our built environment to rely on cars. Look around – our cycle lanes are limited, and our bus routes lacking. Along with enhanced public transport provision, we need to shift the consumer’s frame of mind through greater promotion around the value of active travel. Only then will we usher in a truly sustainable infrastructure to improve connectivity across the city, whilst also creating a healthier city.
The £30m Streets Ahead programme, which focuses on pedestrianisation, was supposed to complete in the Linen Quarter at the same time our new train station opened, transforming the flow of commuters and feel across the public realm. The design and planning process has yet to begin, leaving us at least 5 years behind. Sadly, we’re letting Belfast’s opportunities slip us by.
Promote the office to the primary workplace
Remote working has a place in the modern world of work. However, Belfast’s future depends on offices being the primary location for work. Office workers are crucial to weekday and weeknight economic activity. They support restaurants and shops and bring a sense of vitality to our urban areas. It’s been reported that 2024 was the local office market’s strongest year since 2019, and looking at our city’s landscape, we have some of the most impressive buildings – inside and out. However, in 2025, employers should ensure that they invest in their office spaces - lighting, greenery, break out spaces. When this investment comes alongside greater placemaking efforts – the city becomes a place workers want to be. LQ BID continues to demonstrate a best practice model through our pioneering public realm projects, but our annual events plan too which creates opportunities for our community to come together across the Quarter.
For more information on LQ BID’s work and its 2025 events programme visit linenquarter.org
English (United States) ·