ROADS and pavements in an area of Belfast city centre are to undergo a major environmental upgrade thanks to funds leveraged from developers responsible for two nearby student accommodation blocks.
The improvement scheme, which will target the area around College Avenue, College Street and College Court, will cost £600,000.
However, £475,650 of the funds has been made up by the developers of two nearby student housing schemes, while the balance will be met by the Department for Communities.
It is the first public realm scheme to be largely funded by contributions from developers in the city to be given the green light.
Since the transfer of planning powers to local councils in 2015, Belfast City Council has implemented Section 76 agreements, which require developers to make financial contributions to mitigate against the impact of large developments in the city, or to improve the environment in the immediate area.
To date, the council has entered into 25 of these agreements, securing almost £3 million in developer contributions.
The decision to release the first funds from developer contributions was ratified at Monday night's council meeting.
Councillor Matt Garrett, chair of the Planning Committee, said: "This is a very welcome step forward, and a demonstration of the positive impact Section 76 agreements will have for our city.
"I am very glad that the first scheme will be on the ground soon and I look forward to more of these projects being brought forward in the future".
