3. LDP vision, aims and objectives
City wide vision
In a similar vein to the Community Plan (The Belfast Agenda), the Local Development Plan sets out an ambitious but realistic spatial vision for the city across the plan period. It is crucial that the suite of Development Opportunity Areas, together with their respective placemaking principles and concept plans, are cognisant of the city wide vision to ensure all seven DOAs contribute to this ambitious future and achieve consistency across the plan.
Our vision
In 2035, Belfast will be a globally successful, smart, regional city that is environmentally resilient with a vibrant economic and social heart. As a centre of learning and business, the knowledge economy flourishes where collaboration and innovation attracts investment, talent and jobs. We will value and conserve our unique natural and built heritage to enhance and develop tourism.
Thriving, socially-inclusive, well connected neighbourhoods that encourage a healthy lifestyle with well designed homes where people love to live. A strong, inclusive economy will support progressive, safe and vibrant communities. The city will provide a gateway to opportunities, locally, nationally and worldwide.
Strategic aims and objectives
To help deliver the city envisaged in 2035, a series of strategic aims and related objectives have been identified to support the delivery of the vision. These strategic aims and objectives align with the Community Plan’s long-term outcomes and shorter-term priorities and outline how the LDP will addresses the key issues and shape future development to deliver the vision for Belfast 2035.
Shaping a liveable place: promoting development that enhances the health and wellbeing of communities, neighbourhoods and places
Creating a vibrant economy: a strengthened Belfast as the regional economic driver
Building a smart, connected and resilient place: a protected, enhanced and attractive natural setting, reinforcing uniqueness and accessibility to all who live, work and enjoy the city
Promoting a green and active place: Improving connectivity and supporting the efficient movement of people, goods, energy and information to create a dynamic, innovative twenty first century city with the capacity for adaption to environmental challenges
Diagram illustrating the four thematic areas of the Local Development Plan
City Centre Concept
The city centre is the economic, social and civic hub that provides the greatest accessibility to jobs, services, shops, entertainment, public transport and a growing residential sector. However, it faces challenges in the face of global competition, the internet and growth of the knowledge economy. As such, there is a need to diversify land uses to respond to changing customer demands and the adoption of new technology. The Belfast Agenda and BCCRIS are positioning the city centre as an appealing investment opportunity to attract people and businesses to Belfast. The LDP provides overarching policies to guide development in the city centre and has identified four broad areas to encourage new sustainable mixed-use development.
City Core
Protect and strengthen the primary retail core as a community hub with its excellent range and choice of shopping facilities represented by multi-nationals and independent retailers.
Innovation District
Promote the development of a lively mixed-use innovation district to secure employment and residential opportunities for graduates and entrepreneurs.
Mercantile District
Opportunities for the expansion and renewal of ‘traditional’ city centre business area associated with finance, professional services and public administration.
Waterfront District
Opportunity to extend the city centre eastwards to better activate the River Lagan and create a new Waterside District to animate the riverfront and provide a valuable amenity for business users, residents and visitors.
Diagram illustrating four character areas within the Local Development Plan Belfast City Centre Concept
