ENOUGH! After the Cathedral Buildings fire, it’s time for civic action to prevent more of the same for Belfast.

03 OCTOBER 2022

For over 30 years, Belfast’s civic amenity societies have campaigned tirelessly to secure the use and reuse of those buildings that define the city. Belfast Buildings Trust puts these buildings at the heart of Belfast’s regeneration and meeting peoples’ needs. 

Today’s fire at Cathedral Buildings is a tragedy for its occupants and the local economy. Crucially, it also begs the question: what next for this vital part of Belfast’s streetscape? Will it be restored, as in the excellent work at Primark? Or will we, once again, face the seemingly inevitable calls for its demolition and later marketing as a development opportunity? 

This would seem beyond belief in an area that has already lost so much. But then, this is Belfast. 

Recent articles by prominent local journalists suggest that the zeitgeist has shifted and that the general public now cares considerably about the condition of the city’s buildings. Others are concerned about public safety and welfare issues and ensuring access for all. 

This is no change. Instead, it is a late but welcome iteration of what Belfast Buildings Trust and partner organisations have been saying for years. 

Last year, Belfast Buildings Trust produced ‘Use, Reuse, and Regeneration’. It outlines three steps Belfast should take to put existing buildings at the heart of shaping the city’s story and future. It calls for: 

• prioritising the reuse of existing and historic assets within planning and regeneration policies, 

• developing a cross-sectoral Place Investment Strategy, including incentives for developers and community organisations creatively reusing existing buildings, and

• support for pilot schemes that encourage creative and temporary adaptating of space to meet community needs and involve people in their design and delivery.

A place that increases GVA, meets community needs, and secures environmental sustainability is only possible by repurposing existing buildings. Cathedral Buildings shows that places need a mixed economy that is relevant and attractive to people of all backgrounds and ages. Much-needed housing and increased density can be achieved by repurposing upper stories. The Road to Zero is much shorter and surer if we reuse what we have. That Belfast hasn’t learnt and applied the lessons of what works so successfully elsewhere suggests that our decision-makers have, at best, been lacking in imagination. 

Imminent local government elections will doubtless see the politicians to the fore, and some at least will be sincere. The issue, however, is that what happens to our city and its buildings now transcends politics. It is a civic issue that should concern every man, woman and child who calls Belfast home. 

For that reason, Belfast Buildings Trust is working with partners to deliver a series of projects in the coming months to focus on the city’s future. Belfast needs its people to be a part of what happens next. 

Investment is critical, but so is civic pride, responsibility, and a demand to make things happen. Time is not on our side, but perhaps a new focus can be found from this morning’s tragedy. Perhaps now is the time that Belfast’s people will reclaim their city…before it is lost for good.

Shane Quinn, Development Director

–ENDS–

Notes to Editors:

1. Belfast Buildings Trust (BBT) is a charity founded in 1996 that delivers physical, social, and economic regeneration through the reuse of Belfast’s landmark buildings.

2. For further information, please contact the BBT Development Director, Shane Quinn, on 07525785039 or [email protected]