RESTAURANTS in Belfast city centre were yesterday scrambling to turn chilly winter streets into outdoor dining halls after pedestrianisation plans were brought forward to boost business.
The move was originally understood to be slated for next year, but the injection of a £10 million Capital Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Scheme for larger town and city centres saw efforts accelerate for this weekend's reopening.
Belfast City Council said on Thursday 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”.
With footfall significantly down in the city centre as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is hoped that the pedestrianisation of some streets will encourage more people to visit.
It is understood that it is one of a number of routes in the city centre that could be closed to traffic.
The funding allocated to councils in two tranches is funding measures such as shop frontage and awnings/canopies; outdoor furniture; heaters and queueing systems; PA/Tannoy and digital screens, and other signage.
The Maverick in Union Street was among those getting their awnings out in the hope of attracting customers to a safe, socially distanced venue.
The initial £6m for "immediate interventions" has been allocated to 11 councils who are beginning to administer the funding in their areas.
The Union Street renovations are part of a proposal is being led by Destination CQ BID, who are working directly with businesses on the short thoughfare to develop the plans.
Belfast City Council released the money for the changes.
The remaining £5m from the Department for Communities will be paid out before the end of the month and will focus on `medium-to-longer term measures' such as minor public realm or environmental improvements, the adaptation of gap sites or vacant premises for meanwhile use or pop-up spaces, or provision of lighting schemes.
It is not clear whether all restaurants and bars in the designated streets will avail of the extra space.
So-called `wet' bars have not reopened and others may find it difficult to serve hot food outdoors in winter temperatures.
