A NEW business plan for the Cathedral Quarter - including plans for more markets and artists workspaces - is a step closer after balloting of eligible organisations got under way.
Businesses and organisations in the area will have the opportunity to create Northern Ireland's first 'Destination-focused Business Improvement District (BID) in a secret six-week postal ballot which closes on April 14.
Under the banner of Destination CQ, more than 650 organisations in the area will get the chance to have their say on the plan to inject an investment of £1.7 million into the Cathedral Quarter over the next five years.
Paul McErlean, director of MCE public relations and chair of the group driving the BID process forward, said they were now approaching a "critical" part of the process.
"After 12 months of consultation and engagement with local stakeholders we have developed a business plan that will re-shape and regenerate the area for the future," he said.
"We look forward to a successful ballot and joining our city centre BID neighbours, Belfast One, in creating another BID for the city."
Practical projects to be developed include options for more markets and artist workspaces, incubating new creative businesses and providing start-up opportunities.
BIDs - business-led and business-funded bodies formed to improve a defined commercial area - have now been operating across the UK for over a decade, during which time more than 200 have been established.
