A CAMPAIGN to "save" Belfast's Cathedral Quarter has been launched in a bid to prevent demolition of unique buildings and construction of a high-rise tower block.
The group - calling itself #SaveCQ - is made up of representatives of independent business and arts organisations, as well as members of the public concerned at potential consequences arising from the Royal Exchange redevelopment proposal.
Campaigners claim almost 12 acres of city centre buildings, purchased by Castlebrooke Investments from Cerebrus last year, could be demolished and replaced by retail units and a 26-storey tower block.
And campaigner supporter and playwright Martin Lynch claims this will permanently change the face and character of one of Belfast’s most vibrant, historic and culturally significant areas.
"Obviously we welcome any serious investment into the area, but the current Royal Exchange proposal is ill-conceived on many levels and would have a devastating effect on the Cathedral Quarter as we know it," he said.
"If planning permission for the proposal in its current form is granted by Belfast City Council, it would have a huge impact.
"While the campaign fully recognises that this part of Cathedral Quarter needs redevelopment, we firmly believe that any authorised redevelopment should complement, enhance and integrate with Cathedral Quarter, working with the unique and valuable built and cultural heritage which exists in the area, rather than against it."
Businessman Richard Mackey, who runs Mackey Opticians in North Street, is calling for "something more suitable" for independent traders.
"We would be grateful for regeneration in this area, but we are now on the fourth plan that I have seen in the last 30 years and none have come to fruition," he said.
"We would like to see more small units to bring it back to the way it was 30 years ago, rather than a copy of Donegall Place or schemes seen in Manchester and other cities."
The Royal Exchange redevelopment proposal is now at pre-planning application stage and members of the public have until Monday April 3 to lodge their objections to the current scheme.
Campaign spokesperson Rebekah McCabe from Township NI urged members of the public to get involved.
"Members of the public who care about the Cathedral Quarter in any way, whether they live, work, shop or socialise in the area, must object to this proposal immediately," she said.
"We have made it very easy to do – simply visit the campaign website at www.savecq.wordpress.com and follow the instructions to send your email to the three addresses listed."
Belfast Royal Exchange comprises a proposed £400m mixed use redevelopment of the north-east quarter of the city centre by Castlebrooke Investments.
The proposed scheme comprises retail, leisure, residential, community and office space across 12 acres bound by Royal Avenue, Donegall Street, North Street, Lower Garfield St and High Street.
