Belfast is a city on the rise. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and growing reputation as a destination for international events, the city has immense potential to position itself as one of Europe’s most attractive places to visit, live, and do business.
However, to truly capitalise on this opportunity, we must work collectively to improve the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
As Belfast prepares to welcome the world for major events including The Open Championship, set to take place at Royal Portrush this summer, along with the recently announced hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026 – the largest celebration of Irish culture and music globally – there has never been a more crucial time to invest in making the city safer, more accessible, and more inviting.
Indeed, in the past, the Fleadh has welcomed up to 600,000 visitors to the host town or city.
A fundamental cornerstone of any thriving city is safety. Businesses, residents, and tourists all need to feel secure while going about their daily lives or exploring what Belfast has to offer. Whilst our city has one of the lowest crime rates in UK comparisons, it doesn’t always feel so. Our police service works tirelessly to keep the city safe, however visible antisocial behaviour undermines efforts to create a positive perception. Belfast Chamber’s RadioLink, which links city centre businesses directly with PSNI CCTV suite, enables our members to alert and track offenders to actively reduce incidents.
Investment in more visible, community-based policing is essential. Belfast Chamber has long advocated for increased resources to be directed towards frontline policing, particularly in the city centre, and continues to engage with the PSNI on this important issue.
Greater collaboration between the police, local government, and the business community can create tailored solutions that address crime hotspots, provide more robust support for vulnerable individuals, and build trust between law enforcement and the public.
A modern city must also prioritise infrastructure that supports both its citizens and its economy. Traffic congestion, inadequate public transport options, and poor connectivity to key areas are long-standing challenges in Belfast.
As more visitors flock to the city, the need for better traffic management and upgraded transport networks becomes even more pressing.
Simple yet effective measures such as improved traffic flow systems, better pedestrian access, and greater investment in sustainable transport options – including cycling infrastructure – would vastly improve the city’s accessibility. Furthermore, ensuring reliable public transport services during evenings and weekends will not only benefit residents but will also support the city’s growing night-time economy.
Belfast’s hospitality and nightlife scene plays a significant role in its appeal to both tourists and locals. However, outdated licensing laws and a lack of late-night transport options often limit the full potential of the city’s after-dark economy.
Modernising licensing laws to reflect the needs of a 21st-century city, combined with investment in high-quality public spaces and safer, well-lit streets, would transform the night-time experience. The introduction of year-round late-night transport services and supporting responsible hospitality businesses would also create a more dynamic, yet safer, nightlife offering that attracts a broader range of visitors and encourages longer stays.
Great cities are defined not only by their buildings and businesses but by the quality of their public spaces. Belfast’s public realm should be a source of pride, offering clean, green, and vibrant places where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the city.
Prioritising investment in the maintenance and enhancement of parks and squares will contribute to a more welcoming environment. Belfast has already made significant strides with important projects such as the Cathedral Gardens revamp recently receiving approval, however more consistent investment across the city would further boost its overall appeal.
Delivering a safer, more welcoming Belfast is not the responsibility of one single organisation – it requires a united effort from all stakeholders. The business community, government departments, the PSNI, and community groups must come together with a shared vision for the city’s future.
Belfast Chamber remains committed to facilitating these conversations and driving the partnerships necessary to deliver real, tangible improvements. By working collectively, we can build a Belfast that not only meets the needs of its businesses and residents but also maximises its potential as a premier destination on the global stage.
Belfast has the potential to be a beacon of progress, showcasing the very best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. But this vision can only become reality if we take action now. Let’s work together to create a city that is not only open for business but open to everyone – a city that puts its best foot forward at every opportunity.