The strategic plan for Belfast, known as the Belfast Agenda, has been updated to address the city’s evolving needs and challenges. Initially published in 2017, this refreshed plan outlines a joint vision for Belfast up to 2035, considering recent economic, social, and environmental changes.
City partners have committed to a comprehensive program of actions to be completed by 2028. These actions include ambitious targets such as constructing 6,000 new homes, planting 150,000 trees, tackling chronic homelessness, boosting business start-ups by 20 percent, and reducing the economic inactivity rate by five percent annually.
Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, underlined the need to adapt to the evolving environment. He acknowledged the significant shifts stemming from Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity measures, societal changes, and the ongoing climate crisis. Despite these hurdles, the core vision for Belfast remains unwavering, aiming to foster a thriving and resilient city.
Ryan Murphy (Credits: The Irish Times)
Updating the Belfast Agenda involved collaboration among various stakeholders, including community planning partners, educational institutions, the private sector, and the voluntary sector. This inclusive approach ensured that the strategic plan reflected the diverse perspectives and priorities of the city’s stakeholders.
Councillor Murphy highlighted the significance of this milestone in Belfast’s journey, emphasizing the importance of collective action in shaping the city’s future.
The comprehensive strategic plan aims to position Belfast as a city that meets its residents’ needs and aspirations while addressing key challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and development.
Murphy (Credit: Belfast City Council)
Key partners involved in co-designing the Belfast Agenda include the Belfast City Council, health and social care organizations, educational authorities, economic development agencies, emergency services, and community organizations.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of stakeholders from various sectors to work together in pursuit of a shared vision for Belfast’s future.
