WORK began yesterday to pedestrianise a street in Belfast as part of plans to support the city centre's recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Signage was erected on Union Street to close it off to traffic and make it accessible to pedestrians only.
It came just hours before the most recent coronavirus restrictions were due to be lifted allowing restaurants and retail outlets to re-open again.
Belfast City Council last night said the changes to Union Street, a busy one-way street opposite The Irish News offices on Donegall Street, was part of an initiative to "improve the streetscape in line with social distancing measures and increase vibrancy and confidence in the city centre".
It is understood that it is one of a number of routes in the city centre that could be closed to traffic.
It will allow businesses, such as restaurants, cafes and pubs, to extend and develop outdoor seating areas, making greater use of pavement space in front of their premises to ensure social distancing.
It is also believed that plans are being discussed to install lighting and an awning over Union Street, an area where there are several bars.
With footfall significantly down in the city centre as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is hoped that the pedestranisation of some streets will encourage more people to visit.
In May, Stormont infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon announced that a number of streets in the city centre would be closed to traffic as part of a series of new initiatives to support the recovery from Covid-19.
She highlighted the Cathedral Quarter as one of the areas to undergo the change.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council last night said the changes to Union Street were part of a "recovery revitalisation scheme".
"As part of the Department for Communities (DfC) capital Covid-19 recovery revitalisation scheme, Belfast City Council is working with the three BID (Business Improvement District) areas within the city centre to identify opportunities to improve the streetscape in line with social distancing measures and increase vibrancy and confidence in the city centre," she said.
"The reimagination of Union Street has been proposed, including enhanced pedestrianisation in conjunction with Department for Infrastructure (DfI), as well as physical improvements such as street furniture, lighting and canopy coverage.
"This proposal is being led by Destination CQ BID, who are working directly with businesses in Union Street to develop the plans."
