As a relatively compact city, much of what's included in the Parisian 15 minute city model is within reach in Belfast, say our council.
The concept was developed by French-Colombian scientist Carlos Moreno and Paris has already adopted his idea which aims to have education, work, transport, nutrition, health & care, recreation & culture within 15 minutes of people's homes at an average walking pace.
Cars have been king in Northern Ireland for decades with our cities, towns and villages planned around the notion long distances to what we need and urban sprawl are not an issue. Because of that, city and town centres became places for shopping, working and entertainment with few homes and an ever growing portfolio of empty buildings at their hearts.
