There has been a call to transform Belfast city centre as it can be revealed one in three non-domestic buildings are empty.
Green Party leader and North Belfast councillor Mal O'Hara said that the council needs more powers in order to vest land in order to transform the area and boost regeneration. "Unfortunately, Belfast is hamstring because some of these key powers lie with the Departments. Regeneration and housing lie with the Department of Communities. Local transport powers lie with the Department for Infrastructure. Last week at Council SF / DUP supported by the UUP blocked our proposal to start the conversation about devolving these powers. No other city our size across these islands does not have these powers.
Simon Hamilton from the Belfast Chamber said it was "shocking" learn about the rate of vacant non-domestic properties in Belfast and shows the need to accelerate major regeneration in the city.
Let’s hope that 1 in three is doesn’t turn into a bigger number
The Council will be forced to powerwash it before Primark opens. Wait and see. Everything else, we're never getting. It'll get a quick budgie bath and a wiped arse.