Belfast One, the city centre’s Business Improvement District which represents more than 700 businesses, has welcomed moves by the City Council to secure Holiday Resort status. Belfast City Council agreed to initiate a six-week pilot programme last night (Thursday 1 May) to assess the potential for the city to gain Holiday Resort status, as this would open new possibilities for additional Sunday trading.
Belfast One CEO Martina Connolly says the initiative is exactly in line with the needs of the city centre’s residents, workers, cultural and leisure activity providers, and businesses.
“We have been advocating for this for several years, so I am delighted to see councillors taking steps forward with this six-week trial,” says Ms Connolly.
“We will now consult with businesses and unions. The pilot programme is a strong first move and retailers of all sizes in the city will make the most of the six week period to determine whether or not it has worked for them. We are actively working with businesses in the area to keep them informed and involved and to monitor progress,” she says. “We know many workers are keen to work more hours on a Sunday and we also see the benefits of more footfall generating greater participation in cultural activity.”
Belfast One says its plans will help bring the Holiday Resort status pilot project to life through a series of specially designed events aimed at maximising the potential created by visitors coming to Northern Ireland in the summer months, as well as Belfast One’s hugely successful Summer Cinema and busking events.
“This should be seen as an opportunity. Additional shopping hours will act as an ignition to other activities including eating out and exploring, enhancing the city centre experience for both residents and visitors – it is a positive move toward creating a more vibrant city centre and world-class tourist destination,” says Ms Connolly.
The Holiday Resort designation does not rely on specific types of accommodation or tourist attractions. The status is more about the overall character and function of the district, based on a strong mix of commercial, residential and leisure facilities.