SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Rory Farrell
The High Street Task Force was announced in August 2020 with a strategic vision of delivering “sustainable city, town and village centres which are thriving places for people to do business, socialise, shop, be creative and use public services as well as being great places to live.”
The task force is being led by Junior Ministers Gary Middleton and Declan Kearney.
They have issued a ‘Call for Evidence’ as the first stage of an ongoing public engagement process with a final report due to be presented to the Executive in spring next year.
Addressing Council’s Business & Culture committee, the Ballyarnett representative said: “The High Street Task Force was launched by the Executive Office to much fanfare in August last year. The first meeting of this newly convened task force was in February this year, six months later.
“Eight months on we have this call for evidence, seeking council’s views on the challenges and opportunities facing our city centre.
“So, the timeline so far is 14 months to get from a launch to a consultation. The urgency displayed so far does not fill me with confidence, at all.
“Our city centre is facing massive, massive challenges. Lots of units are empty. Footfall is dwindling. Internet shopping and out of town shopping are having a devastating effect on our city centre and urgent action is required.”
Cllr Farrell concluded: “Personally, I’d like to see a pilot in our city centre about a reduced business rates model.
“I’d like to see improved pedestrian access. I’d like to see public realm and revitalisation schemes.
“And a stimulus package for our night time economy. So, that’s what I would like to see coming out of this.”
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