Strategic plan for future development of Shaftesbury Square published

Date published: 19 September 2017

The Department for Communities has published a strategic plan for the Shaftesbury Square area of Belfast.

The Shaftesbury Square Development Framework sets out a vision for the area’s development potential and proposes a number of recommendations to improve the physical environment, accommodate public transport, create a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists, and support businesses and residential living, ultimately restoring Shaftesbury Square into a vibrant civic space. The Framework will help guide statutory bodies and private developers, over the next decade, to shape their regeneration and development priorities.

Launching the Framework, Mark O’Donnell, Director of Belfast Regeneration Directorate at the Department for Communities said: “Shaftesbury Square is an important area of economic and social activity within south Belfast but it has suffered in recent years from the economic downturn and a deteriorating physical environment. This Development Framework, which has been prepared by the Department in conjunction with the South Belfast Partnership Board, aims to steer regeneration across this area and surrounding communities.

“The Framework has identified a number of recommendations that in the long-term will promote the area as an attractive urban environment where people want to live, work, relax and do business.” 

The report is now available to view online.

Notes to editors: 

  1. A Development Framework reviews the characteristics of an area, identifies the scale of remedial action required, assesses what is possible and recommends specific measures that will facilitate its transformation
  2. The Shaftesbury Square Development Framework was commissioned by the Department for Communities and can be viewed online 
  3. GM Design Associates were commissioned by the Department to produce the framework for the Shaftesbury Square area of Belfast 
  4. The development framework study concentrates on the Shaftesbury Square area but consideration has also been given to the immediate surrounding thoroughfares
  5. For media enquiries please contact the DfC Press Office team on 028 9082 3510. For out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned
  6. Follow us on Twitter

Share this page

Back to top