Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (CQ BID) has unveiled an ambitious five-year Business Plan that sets out a vision for the next phase of growth, investment and regeneration in one of Belfast’s most vibrant commercial and cultural districts.
The five-year Business Plan reflects CQ BID’s commitment to ensuring that growth is matched by continued investment in businesses, people and place, creating a Cathedral Quarter that remains at the heart of Belfast’s economic, cultural and social future.
The new strategy builds on a proven track record of delivery. Over the past five years, CQ BID has secured more than £1.19 million in additional investment, generated over 820,000 additional visits to the area, supported 16 cultural events, established the Belfast Business Crime Reduction Partnership, delivered enhanced safety and cleansing services, secured funding for late-night transport and helped deliver public realm improvements, including the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and Union Street.
CQ BID has also invested significantly in business resilience and workforce development, with more than 1,196 employees completing fully funded accredited training programmes ranging from emergency first aid and fire safety to leadership, marketing and digital skills. The BID’s network of publicly accessible defibrillators now ensures no one in the Cathedral Quarter is more than 200 metres from life-saving equipment
Designed to help businesses capitalise on unprecedented investment and development across the city centre, the strategy outlines how CQ BID will continue to champion the Cathedral Quarter through enhanced business support, increased investment, safer and cleaner streets, destination marketing and stronger advocacy on behalf of levy-paying businesses. Whilst recognising the pressures facing businesses including rising operating costs and changing trading conditions, CQ BID will also expand its role as the collective voice for businesses, working with government and key stakeholders to advocate for improvements in transport, infrastructure, safety, public realm and regeneration.
The plan comes at a pivotal moment for the area. Landmark developments including Ulster University’s Belfast campus, Belfast Stories and increasing city centre living are transforming Belfast and creating significant opportunities for the Cathedral Quarter. CQ BID’s strategy is focused on ensuring local businesses are well positioned to benefit from that growth while preserving the unique character that has made the area one of Northern Ireland’s leading destinations for business, culture and hospitality.
Looking ahead, CQ BID will continue to invest in initiatives that support business growth through enhanced training, networking, business intelligence, grant opportunities and external investment. It will also strengthen its focus on creating a safer, cleaner and greener district while promoting the Cathedral Quarter as Belfast’s premier cultural destination through events, marketing, improved wayfinding and collaborative partnerships.
Launching the business plan, CQ BID Manager Damien Corr said:
“Over the past five years, we have demonstrated the value of partnership and investment in helping businesses succeed. As Belfast continues to grow and evolve, the Cathedral Quarter is uniquely placed to benefit from that momentum. Our Business Plan sets out how we will continue investing in the area, supporting businesses and ensuring the Cathedral Quarter remains one of the most attractive and successful places in Northern Ireland to do business, invest and visit.”
Tzvetelina Bogoina, CQ BID Chair added:
“The Cathedral Quarter is entering an exciting new chapter. Significant forthcoming investments across the area and city centre present enormous opportunities for our businesses, our cultural sector and our wider community. Through our Business Plan, CQ BID will continue to champion sustainable growth, attract investment and ensure regeneration delivers lasting benefits for everyone who lives, works and spends time in the Cathedral Quarter.”
For further details on CQ BID visit www.cathedralquarterbelfast.com or follow on Instagram and X @CQBelfast, Facebook Cathedral Quarter Belfast #CathedralQuarterBID.