BELFAST Chamber claims the city needs enhanced spending and governance powers if it is to realise its full potential as an economic hub.
The body's president Rajesh Rana, addressing 400 delegates at the 'BelFastForward' conference, insists Belfast does not have the powers and controls a city of its size and importance should have if it is to compete successfully with other destinations for jobs and investment.
He said: “Belfast is the centre of a metropolitan area that is home to 600,00 people, the source of one in three jobs in Northern Ireland and a quarter of its rates take. It is the driver of the region’s economy, yet is doesn't have the powers and controls fitting a city of this size and importance.
“Our competitor cities, and even much smaller conurbations across these islands, have far greater powers and are increasing these further. They enjoy control over regeneration, transport and housing - the basic necessities of urban life.
“Successful cities also have successful development corporations and enterprise zones. These are tools that are effectively stimulating regeneration and attracting investment to areas of need.
“Yet Belfast’s governance is fragmented and we lack the levers to deliver change where it is needed.
“We must now start a debate on how our city is governed in the future and shine a spotlight on how other cities have ensured their system of government has been reshaped and reformed to maximise the opportunities that growth can bring.
“We have to discuss how Belfast can learn from those lessons and adapt them to our own needs so that we can realise that vision of a vibrant and dynamic city.”
The 'BelFastForward' conference focused on issues associated with the regeneration of the city, which has transformed in many ways over the last 20 years and has evolved into a world beater in sectors that simply didn’t exist previously such as cyber security, fintech, and the film and creative industries.
Mr Rana said: “In the absence of an Executive, necessity has spawned an unprecedented period of cooperation between city stakeholders.
“But let’s not vacate that space simply because Stormont is back. Instead we need to deepen those connections and explore how we can empower our city further.
Keynote speakers at yesterday's event included Vishaan Chakrabarti, former director of the New York Department of City Planning; Robert Walsh, former commissioner of New York’s Department of Small Business Services; and Maria Vassilakou, the first Green Party deputy mayor of Vienna.
