Belfast City Council is planning to light up one of the city centre’s problem night time streets.
Council officers have recommended for approval a two year plan to install three projector units to act as an interactive lighting installation along hoarding on Castle Street, close to King Street. The application by the Council for the projectors at 83 to 87 Castle Street will be decided by elected representatives at this evening’s Planning Committee (September 20).
Castle Street has gained some notoriety since the fire at the Bank Buildings in 2018. It has since developed a reputation for being a hotspot for drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and litter issues. The street became a symbol for 'Dirty Belfast', which has seen months of bad headlines concerning littering, graffiti 'tagging', and rat infestation due to fly tipping, with business owners and residents alike crying out against a perceived 'run down' city centre.
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The council report on the plan states: “At present Castle Street suffers from a deadening effect of shop closures and a lack of lighting and activity when businesses close for the evening. The proposed interactive lighting installation would enhance the appearance of the street at night, making it safer and more attractive for pedestrians.”
It states the lighting would “enhance the character and appearance of the area including the city centre conservation area,” and regarding the appearance of the lights “the scale, form, materials and detailing of the projector units respect the adjoining buildings.”
The report adds: “The projections will be illuminated in a discreet and subtle manner projecting directly on the hoarding so as to not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The projections do not block or impair views of road signs and do not obstruct required sight lines. As such, there will be no negative impact on highway safety.
“Given the commercial nature of the street, low-level lighting, the subtle changes of colour and motions and light being restricted to the hoarding board with limited light spill and glare, there will be no detrimental impact on the amenity of the adjoining properties.”
There were no objections received by the council from any of the statutory agencies, from businesses or residents.
Belfast Council over the summer also created a new Cleansing Taskforce, set up by elected members to tackle littering, dumped waste and other cleansing-related issues. A new washing team was set up, and a series of “specialist cleans” have been planned.
The council said in August: “The taskforce is prioritising better engagement with city partners to improve how they respond to recurring issues like weed removal, which fall outside the council’s remit, but have led to complaints. Plans for a more coordinated approach to graffiti removal are being developed, as well as proposals for a dedicated horticultural team who will look at dressing the city with additional greenery and planting.
“Work is progressing to develop Cathedral Gardens as a new public space for the city in the long-term, with an Active Travel Hub planned in the short-term. Ahead of its opening in September, the site will be resurfaced and receive new planting, landscaping, play equipment and additional seating.”
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