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£5m Cathedral Gardens redevelopment begins as Belfast City Council unveils ‘world class’ vision
Marking work starting on the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens are (from left to right): Professor Duncan Morrow from Ulster University, Tzvetelina Bogoina from Cathedral Quarter BID, Reverend Cameron Mack from St Anne’s Cathedral and Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly. Work has officially begun on the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens, marking a significant milestone in Belfast City Council’s long-term vision to regenerate the city centre. Loca
3 days ago


NI council looks at woodland and meadow sites for ‘green burials’
A Northern Ireland council is to examine the feasibility of providing sustainable burial grounds in the city, with a view to establishing sites for so-called green or “natural” burials. Elected members at a Belfast City Council committee meeting this week agreed to commission a report on a motion brought forward by the Alliance Party’s Michael Long , exploring the possible introduction of green burials in woodland or meadow areas, or on land beside cemeteries deemed unsuitabl
Dec 5, 2025


Two arrested after tensions rise at Belfast City Hall protest
Police have arrested two men following disturbances near a protest at Belfast City Hall on Tuesday evening (2 December), after a second group arrived at the scene and began antagonising demonstrators. Officers were deployed to the area when the protest began at around 5.30pm, with the PSNI confirming that the demonstration had remained peaceful until shortly after 6.30pm. According to police, tensions escalated when a separate group approached the protest and engaged in disru
Dec 2, 2025


Unionists launch emergency High Court action against Belfast City Council over Palestinian flag vote
Belfast City Hall Unionist councillors are to take Belfast City Council to the High Court after a dramatic late-night vote approved flying the Palestinian flag over City Hall from midnight, triggering one of the most contentious political rows at City Hall in recent years. In a tense special meeting on Monday (1 December), councillors voted 32 to 28 to erect the flag for 24 hours from 12am on Tuesday – a decision made after weeks of legal wrangling, a successful Unionist call
Dec 1, 2025


Belfast’s new Noise Byelaws: Buskers and preachers face 70dB limit and £500 Fines
Revised draft byelaws aimed at tackling long-running concerns over loud buskers and street preachers in Belfast city centre have been agreed by councillors — with a proposed 70-decibel noise limit and fines of up to £500 for anyone who breaches the rules. The new regulations, years in development and shaped by extensive public consultation, are designed to address amplified noise that has been a growing issue in the city centre for more than a decade. For context, 70dB is rou
Nov 21, 2025


Colourful new mural celebrates Belfast’s four years as a UNESCO City of Music
Mural artists Friz (Marian Noone) and Gerry Norman with the new mural unveiled at the Telegraph Building in Donegall Street A vibrant new mural celebrating Belfast’s musical heritage has been unveiled on Donegall Street, marking four years since the city became a UNESCO City of Music – the only city in Ireland to hold the prestigious title. The large-scale artwork, commissioned by Belfast City Council, was created by acclaimed artists Friz (Marian Noone) and Gerry Norman. Str
Nov 15, 2025


Belfast set for a ‘Wicked’ Christmas lights switch-on at City Hall
(L-R) Lara Harding (aged 9), Mrs Claus, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Santa Claus and Rosa Harding (aged 7) got together to promote the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall. Belfast is gearing up for a “Wicked” start to the festive season with the city’s annual Christmas lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 15 November. The much-anticipated event will be hosted by Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross, alongside Bel
Oct 30, 2025


Belfast City Council purchases historic Assembly Rooms in major Cathedral Quarter regeneration move
Belfast City Council has today (Friday October 24) completed the purchase of the historic Assembly Rooms, rear extension and adjacent assets in Cathedral Quarter as part of its ongoing city centre regeneration drive. Belfast City Council has completed the purchase of the city’s historic Assembly Rooms, marking a major milestone in its ongoing city centre regeneration strategy. The deal, finalised today (Friday 24 October), includes the Grade B1 listed Assembly Rooms, its rear
Oct 24, 2025


Warning from City Hall that short-term lets are the new HMO, in terms of community erosion
Belfast councillors are warning that communities across the city could soon face a housing crisis caused by short-term lets, mirroring...
Sep 19, 2025


New hotel in Botanic and major leisure development in Boucher approved by Belfast City Council
CGI image of new leisure development on the Apollo Road in the Boucher area. Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee has given the...
Aug 12, 2025


March for Jesus rally to go ahead in Belfast with thousands expected
A large-scale Christian rally titled “March for Jesus” is set to take place in Ormeau Park later this month, following approval from...
Aug 8, 2025


Belfast to commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day with vibrant City Hall events
(From left to right) Michael Fryer from NI War Memorial and historian Jason Burke join the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky...
Apr 22, 2025
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