Belfast City Analysis

BELFAST

CONTENTS Part 1 / Group Work Belfast, A City Analysis Part 2 / Individual The Framework Bibliography Appendix / Workshops

CITY ANALYSIS An indepth city analysis document of Belfast Jessica Abbott Florence Bell Chelsea Bland Alistair Lewin Kate Sinclair David Wilkinson

CONTENTS Executive Summary The City Introducing the City The Clusters Comparing Cities Belfast: Focusing In People People of Belfast Faces of Belfast Population Diversity Religion Deprivation Brexit City Comparison Belfast’s Industry Universities Visiting Belfast Summary City Shaped Topography Shaping the City The City Skyline Reclaimed Land Flooding Y Formation Summary

6

8 10 11 12

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

27 28-36 37 38 39 40 41

Heritage Listed Buildings Industrial Heritage Conservation Areas Summary

43-44 45 46 47

Built Form Figure Ground Typology + Density Urban Centres Land Use Summary

49 50-55 56-57 58-60 61

Connection Treliss Plan Space Syntax Belfast Wider Connection Commuting Public Transport Blue and Green Infrastructure Connection in Character Areas Movement Notation Summary

63 64 65 66 67-68 69 70-72 73-74 75

Space Open Space Analysis Public Space Parade Routes Lynch Mapping Summary

77-79 80 81 82 83

Division The Troubles City Timings Murals + Street Art Peace Lines Religious Divides Division in the Urban Landscape Division around the world Strategy for reconciliation Leisure and Community Centres Schools Public Services Summary

85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94-95 96 97

Character Importance of Identity Building Heights Quarter Promotion Character Areas Analysis Summary

99 100 101 102-107 108

Future Politics in Northern Ireland Agenda for Belfast Key future developments Summar

110 111 112 113

City Summary

114

References

5

Executive Summary A City Analysis of Belfast

This urban analysis sets out to understand the city of Belfast in its entirety; from the physical elements which make up the built form of the city, through to the social structures which integrate themselves into the context of Belfast.

With this depth of understanding clear conclusions are drawn and this research will then lead onto Part II, the individual development of a strategic framework for Belfast. These frameworks will encourage and control how Belfast develops.

Belfast is the Capital City of Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. Its lifespan began as a small settlement in the C16th century which slowly developed before booming as a key player during the Industrial Revolution due to its port. The impact of the industrial revolution is evident in the urban grain of Belfast in its rows of Victorian terraces, warehouses and villas dotted around the city. In the latter half of the 20th century, the city gained an infamous name during the 30 years period of conflict known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 Belfast has become an increasingly more peaceful city.

This research document looks at key areas which we believe allow us to understand the city, each chapter is thoroughly investigated and summarised. Firstly, the research looks at the people of Belfast, which highlights the religious divides as well as the disparity in ethnicity in the city. City shaped understands the history of the built form and how Belfast has been controlled by its typography. Heritage highlights the lack of respect of old buildings in the city. Built form integrates the density, typology and form of the city, revealing a predominantly low density residential city with a sparse civic core. Connection addresses Belfast’s reliance on the car and how its public transport systems are insufficient for the scale of the city, physically and economically. Space shows the range of types of spaces around Belfast, identifying a lack in quality public spaces and heightened amount of spaces which remain unutilised. Division looks into the how The Troubles and the social implications of that still have an effect on the city today, concluding that Belfast is still very much a segregated city in the physical and social structures. Character gives an overview of each of the suburbs and compares their nature; South Belfast is home to large Victorian Villas whereas North Belfast has lines of terraced housing. Finally, the research looks to the Future analysing the politics and planning for the city. As Parliament has just been reinstated there is hope that the city can regain control of issues that haven’t been addressed over the past three years of deadlock.

From this research and summarisation of each chapter general conclusions have been drawn. These are what we believe to be of most importance to the city. These objectives tackle six main topics, these are: Heritage, Space, Mono Use, Identity, Movement and Density

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THE CITY People City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection Space Division Character Future

7

Introducing Belfast Northern Ireland’s Global City

United Kingdom Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. The country is governed by British Parliament, yet Northern Ireland has its own devolved powers within the Northern Ireland Executive. The country borders Southern Ireland which historically have argued over the ownership of Northern Ireland, division which is still evident today.

Northern Ireland Belfast is the largest urban area of Northern Ireland holding over 200,000 of its 1.8 million population. The urban area of Belfast sits between two counties, County Antrim and County Down yet has its own council, Belfast City Council which governs the city.

The City As the largest urban area in Northern Ireland, the sprawl of Belfast engulfs the satellite towns which surround it. The sprawl is physically limited due to its geographical location as the city is flanked by a series of hills creating a valley through which the Lagan River flows.

The city also sits on the Irish Sea allowing key trade routes to the UK and elsewhere in Europe directly from its Harbour.

8

Belfast: The City Analysing Northern Ireland’s Capital Belfast is the Capital City of Northern Ireland. It is the largest city in the country, home to more than 600,000 people. Historically the city began as a small medieval settlement which then boomed during the industrial revolution. Belfast became the centre for the linen industry and ship making at the Harbour which was the birthplace of the infamous Titanic. The city has an inherently Industrial Heritage which is evident in the rows of Victorian terraces and the warehouses which are dotted around the city.

The city again gained an infamous name during the 30 years of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Since the Good Friday Agreement Belfast has increasingly become a more peaceful city where industry growth and urban sprawl are evident.

Although segregation is still evident there is hope to move toward a united future.

The city has established itself as a global city, attracting talent through its industry and universities. As the capital of Northern Ireland, and the largest city, it acts as the economic hub for the country. Along with its port and export in goods, Belfast remains a place of attraction locally and globally.

Figure 1

9

Belfast: The City Analysing Northern Ireland’s Capital

In order to understand the City of Belfast we must first look at how the city works as a metropolitan area and how it connects to the places around it. As Belfast’s form is controlled by the topography of the valley in which it sits, its urban sprawl is unique.

Belfast has conjoined to towns to the south, north and east. Belfast predominantly expanded down the valley, to the south where sprawl connects to the town of Lisburn. The satellite towns of Belfast are listed below:

The Urban Clusters: Glengormley Newtonabbery Holywood Dunmurry Newtonbreda Carryduff Dundonald Further clusters: Lisburn The City Limits: East Belfast South Belfast West Belfast North Belfast

Economic Centres City Suburbs Urban Clusters

‘Cities come in clusters. A town never exists unaccompanied by other towns. It is therefore inevitably locked in an urban system, an urban hierarchy.’

City Shaped, Spiro Kostof 10

Comparable Cities The Urban Area

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

10km Belfast

10km Liverpool

10km Dublin

The 10km radius within Belfast encompasses the City Centre District and stretches out to East, South, West and North Belfast as well as the Harbour. From outside this radius the ‘urban sprawl’ becomes more evident with the radius largely encompassing the most dense areas of the city.

Liverpool is similar in relation to Belfast as a Harbour city with industrial roots. The 10km boundary encompasses central Liverpool and Birkenhead across the Mersey.

Within the city limits of Liverpool the area reaches the inner city neighbourhoods with dense urban sprawl continuing further than in Belfast.

Dublin is the Capital City of Southern Ireland and like Belfast and Liverpool is a port city. When placed over the map, the 10km covers the centre of the city however there is a sizeable amount of urban sprawl which radiates around from the centre much further than Belfast and similar to Liverpool.

Population: 626,760

Population: 2.24 million

Population: 1.361 million

11

Belfast: Focusing In Northern Ireland’s Global City In order to fully understand the city of Belfast it is key that we identify key areas to look at in detail. By cross comparing these areas we will understand the social and physical differences and gain insight into how Belfast functions as a city. We will predominantly look at six key areas (listed below) which are key areas of Belfast.

Throughout this study we will refer to them in varying contexts.

Strategic Research Areas

1. City Centre

3. East Belfast

5. West Belfast

Figure 5

Figure 7

2. The Harbour

4. South Belfast

Figure 9

Figure 6

Figure 8

Figure 10

6. North Belfast

12

The City

PEOPLE City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection Space Division Character Future

13

People of Belfast Understanding the people of the City Belfast is made up of a variety of different people as found in many Capital cities which draw in people from near and far. Within the city there has been historic tension between two specific people groups, unionists, who want to be part of Ireland and loyalists, who want to remain part of the UK. These tensions have shaped the physical landscape of the city as well as the social structure.

The city also pays homage to key public figures such as George Best, C.S.Lewis and Van Morrison all of whom were born in Belfast. The following chapter will explore what Belfast is like today and understand the statistics behind the people who call Belfast home.

14

Faces of Belfast People of Belfast Understanding Belfast through the lens of those who call Belfast home became an important element to this research. By orally communicating with people from different backgrounds within the city, the research gained a deeper knowledge of the issues that face the city today. Four people were key to this research, their responses and opinions are quoted throughout this work.

1

2

3

Occupation: Masters Student

Occupation: University Lecturer

Age: Mid 20’s

Age: 50’s

Bio: Born and raised in Belfast

Bio:

they are currently studying a

Planning

Masters degree in Architecture

University. Not originally from the

in Manchester. Regularly visit

city they now happily call South

family and friends in Belfast.

Belfast home.

Architecture Lecturer

and

Urban

at

Ulster

Occupation: Community/Charity Leader Age: Early 40’s Bio: Born and raised in one of Belfast Catholic communities, they have more recently campaigned tirelessly to represent various community groups, arguing for a bottom up approach to redevelopment.

4

Occupation: Architect Age: Mid 30’s Bio: Architect working on a range of projects across Belfast and the wider country. Having lived through the troubles in the city, they have a strong affinity with Belfast.

15

Population Understanding the city through stastistics

Number of Residents per Hectare Northen Ireland

Number of Residents per Hectare in each ward Belfast Northen Ireland Population - Total Number 1,881,641 (Belfast 410,637) Population Change % (2008 - 2018) = 5.8% (Belfast 3.5%) Population - 95,752 0 -15 Years - 19% 16 - 39 Years - 31.7% 40 - 64 Years - 32.3% 65+ Years - 17%

North Belfast Population - 104,457 0 -15 Years - 21.3% 16 - 39 Years - 33.2% 40 - 64 Years - 31% 65+ Years - 16%

48.7% M / 51.4% F East Belfast

47.9% M / 52.1% F

Figure 11

0 to 0.5 residents/hectare 0.5-5 residents/hectare 5-10 residents/hectare 10-20 residents to hectare >20 residents/hectare

NI Population under 16

West Belfast

NI 21.0% England 18.9% Wales 18.1% Scotland 17.2%

In 2017 15% of the population was 65+ and by 2035 this is expected to grow to nearly a fifth

The majority of Northern Ireland’s population is centred within Belfast and its directly surrounding areas. Belfast was found to have an increasingly ageing population, whilst, as with the rest of Northern Ireland, it also has a higher proportion of under 16 population than anywhere else in the UK. Additionally, the population change of Belfast (3.5%) is a much smaller percentage compared to the rest of NI (5.8%).

Population - 94,647 0 -15 Years - 23.2% 16 - 39 Years - 33.2% 40 - 64 Years - 29.7% 65+ Years - 13.8% 47.4% M / 52.6% F

South Belfast Population - 115,781 0 -15 Years - 16.6% 16 - 39 Years - 41.6% 40 - 64 Years - 28% 65+ Years - 13.8% 48.7% M / 51.4% F

0-5 Residents/hectare 5-10 Residents/hectare 10-20 Residents/hectare 20-35 Residents/hectare 35-55 Residents/hectare >55 Residents/hectare 16

Diversity Understanding the city through stastistics

Non-white Residents Northen Ireland

Ward Percentages of residents not born in NI/UK Belfast

North Belfast 96.5% White Population East Belfast 97.1% White Population

0 to 0.5 non-white 0.5-5% non-white 5-10% non-white 10-20% non-white >20% non-white

West Belfast

Belfast among top 25 cities in the world for attracting Foreign Direct Investment

Belfast has three universities with over 50,000 students.

94.2% White Population

South Belfast 98.4% White Population 0-5% not born in NI/UK 5-10% not born in NI/UK

The map above indicates the areas within Belfast where non-white residents are located, unsurprisingly highlighting that the urban districts are more diverse than the rural. However, Belfast, like the rest of Northern Ireland, is not very diverse with a 96% white population. The larger map on the right highlights that the areas with the highest percentage of residents born outside the UK. It is clear the most diverse areas are mainly located within the city centre or to the west, in the more deprived areas of the city.

10-15% not born in NI/UK 15-20% not born in NI/UK 20 -25% not born in NI/UK >25% not born in NI/UK

17

Religion Understanding the city through stastistics

Ward percentages of Catholic and Protestant Residents in Belfast

0 to 0.5% stated no relgion 0.5-5% stated no religion 5-10% stated no religion 10-20% stated no religion >20% stated no religion

North Belfast Protestant 45.7% Catholic 46.9%

East Belfast Protestant 75.4% Catholic 12.7%

Figure 12

Percentage of population with no religion - Northen Ireland

West Belfast

1920

2020

Protestant 16.7% Catholic 80.1% South Belfast Protestant 43.7% Catholic 44.1%

0-10% Catholic 10-30% Catholic 30-40% Catholic

The rural population of Northern Ireland have a higher affinity towards religion than those living in the more densely populated urban areas.

However, religion is still a key part of city life in Belfast, with strong religious divides between Catholics and Protestants.

It is evident from the larger map on the right that East Belfast is predominantly Protestant, while West, South and North regions of the city are predominantly Catholic, with pockets of opposing religions within each region.

40-45% Catholic 45-50% Catholic 50-60% Catholic 60-80% Catholic 80-100% Catholic 18

Deprivation Understanding the city through stastistics

Key housings statistics Belfast

Deprivation Levels Belfast

5 of the 10

North Belfast

most deprived Super Output Areas in NI are in Belfast East Belfast

Housing Stress In 2017

7300 people were in households that had to pay too large a proportion of their income in housing costs

Social Rented In 2011

25% of houses were socially rented, over half of all rented (higher than other cities)

West Belfast South Belfast

‘There is limited job opportunities that’s why I moved away’ Deprivation is a term relating to the ranking of the social/economical status of an area. Indicators of deprivation include high levels of social housing, low levels of education and employment and high levels of crime.

It can be seen from the adjacent map that the most deprived regions of the city are located within the city centre and harbour areas. It was found that these areas had the highest levels of unemployment, lowest levels of education/skills training and the highest levels of crime.

Least Deprived

Most Deprived

19

Brexit Religious divides influencing Brexit Voting

Northern Ireland Constituencies by Brexit Vote Brexit - Belfast Voted Remain 59.9% (NI 55.8% Remain) Turnout % (June 2016) = 60.1% (NI 62%) Northen Ireland

Belfast 59.9% Remain

94,915 63,450

Leave

Remain

Northern Ireland Constituencies by Religion Northen Ireland

Lowest

Highest Remain

Lowest

Belfast

Highest Leave

Northen Irish Voters There is a clear correlation between religious preference and the Brexit vote. It is evident from the maps to the left that the eastern side of Northern Ireland, which is predominantly Protestant largely voted to leave the EU, whilst the western side of Northern Ireland, which is predominantly Catholic, voted to remain.

Belfast, like the rest of Northern Ireland, can be seen to be divided both in terms of religion and political stance.

Majority Catholic

Catholic

Protestant

85%

40%

Remain

Remain

Majority Protestant

20

City Statistic Comparison Understanding the city through stastistics

Sex

Population Age Percentages

Population

Liverpool

Belfast Population - Total Number 410,637

Liverpool Pop - Total Number 494,814

Dublin Pop - Total Number 1,214,666

Population Change % (2008 - 2018) = 5.8%

Population Change % (2008 - 2018) = 9.4%

0-15 Years 16.7%

65+ Years 14%

40-64 Years 23.8%

Population Change % (2008 - 2018) = 3.5%

40-64 Years 29.4% 16-39 Years 36.5%

16-39 Years 45.4%

Male 49.4%

Female 50.6%

Non white Pop 13.8%

Rented 51.2%

16-39 Years 36.5%

Male 48.7%

DUB

White Pop 86.2%

40-64 Years 29.4%

Female 52.9%

Male 47.1%

65+ Years 14.7%

0-15 Years 19.4%

65+ Years 14.7%

0-15 Years 19.4%

LIV Ethnicity and Housing

Belfast

Dublin

Female 51.3%

BELFAST

White Pop 85%

Non white Pop 15%

Rented 59.1%

White Population 96.4%

Non white Population 3.6%

Rented 42.5%

7.0%

27.5%

40.6%

24.8%

5.0%

24.3%

25.7%

45%

11.2%

29.0%

42.0%

17.7%

Detached

Semi detached

Terraced

Flat

Detached

Semi detached

Terraced

Flat

Detached

Semi-detached

Terraced

Flat/Apartment 21

Belfast’s Industry Key Industry Types

Current Employment in Belfast Key Industry Types

24.5%

retail

1%

2%

Other

Construction

92%

4% Manufacturing

manufacturing & engineering digitial and ICT

Services

hospitality

economically inactive

32.7%

economically inactive

Liverpool

finance and insurance

aerospace TV, film and digital media

Issues in Belfast’s Industry

Due to the inequality of private and public industry types in Belfast there is substantial fiscal deficit.

Subsequently creating a need for more productivity and private industry.

Fiscal Deficit

30% 70% Private Public

Industries Predicted to Grow

New Business

Startups per 10,000 people 30-33.9 26-29.9

23-25.9 21-22.9

Belfast: 29.2 PUBLIC

Technology

Knowlege Economy

Number one location for investment for US cyber security developments

Utilising Belfast’s export orientated knowledge to create industries in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, software and aerospace

PRIVATE

OPPORTUNITY

New businesses are beginning to increase in Belfast but not in comparison to other areas in Northern Ireland. New businesses and industries are needed to create diversity in employment but more important is the need to increase opportunities to those unemployed.

Compared to Liverpool, Belfast has a large amount of economically inactive and more opportunities need to be made to improve this.

22

Universities in Belfast A walking tour through the city There are three main universities in Belfast, with Queens University ranking within the top 1 percent of universities worldwide. Whilst Queens University is the ninth oldest university in the UK, the Ulster campus in Belfast is a recent edition to the north of the city centre.

Ulster University

The two universites combined bring in 38000 students, of that being 3800 international as shown below.

Dublin

Queens University Liverpool International Students Students from the UK or Ireland

Whilst it is clear that the universities are prominent features within the city, with the new Ulster Campus bringing in more students and options available, the data shows that only 10% of these students are international. This is relatively low compared to Dublin and Liverpool and is something that could be improved.

Ulster University

Figure 13

Stranmillis University

Stranmillis University

Figure 14

Queens University

Figure 15

23

Visiting Belfast A walking tour through the city

9

6

1

10

8 Ulster University

Rosemary Street

1

7

2

Dunnes Stores

M3 Underpass

8

3

7

6

5

2 3 4

Harbour Commissioners

Arthur Square

9

4

Rotterdam Bar

Belfast City Hall

10

5

Stopping Point Walking Route Castle Court

St Joseph’s Church 24

People: Summary Drawing Conclusions The above review of statistics has indicated predominantly negative characteristics for Belfast as a city. This includes high levels of deprivation (some of the highest in NI), lack of diversity and strong religious divides. However, a number of positive traits were identified which can also be seen as opportunities for the future. These include low house prices, a range of universities and a high proportion of under 16 population. This suggests that there is the possibility for a future, highly skilled, local workforce if students and younger population can be retained in the city.

Religious Divide

Low House Prices

High Deprivation

Residents strong ties to city

High under 16 Pop

Lower % Working Age Pop

Poor Economy Three Universities

Positive Conclusions

Lack of Diversity

Negative Conclusions

25

The City People

CITY SHAPED Heritage Built Form Connection Space Division Character Future

26

Topography of Belfast The creation of Belfast

Section through Belfast Topography Land Use Key

Belfast Elevation

Geology Key

From analysing the topography of Belfast it is clear that the growth of the city is controlled by the geographical form of the hills which surround the urban area. The city of Belfast is built on land which ranges from 0-138ft above sea level and the ground surrounding dramatically changes to upwards of 535ft immediately surrounding.

Belfast’s physical form is directly related to the topographical and geographical features which control development Figure 16

27

Shaping the city The origins @1:20 000

Bronze Age

Area first inhabited On the outskirts of contemporary Belfast is the Giant’s Ring, a 5000 year old henge.

1177

First castle built Castle built on what is now Castle Street

by Anglo-Normans. Situated in the lowest crossing point of the River Logan the site occupies a crucial strategic point on the route between Carrickfergus and the rest of Ulster

1611

The medieval settlement contains three distinguishing features: the castle, the church and the ford. The castle and settlement are destroyed and rebuilt several times over the next five centuries.

Chichesters build new fortified manor

1613

The Chichesters were granted land in Belfast and built a fortified manor on the land of the previous castle.

Established as a town by royal charter The settlement receives a Charter of Incorporation from King James I in an attempt to promote the economic development of Ireland and suppress local rebellions.

Figure 17

Influx of Protestant migrants from the British Isles encouraged to settle by Britain in the hopes of increasing their influence over Ulster.

Belfast as a recognisable settlement is founded by the Chichesters and is able to grow under their relatively stable governance.

1690

POPULATION: 2,500

As seen in the diagram, the river and harbour provide a natural defence from the east thus the fortified wall only required a semi-circular structure. The early urban layout consits of two main streets perpendicular to the River Lagan and a road running north-west to the wall. The castle can be seen as a point typology just south of the main streets.

Figure 18

28

Shaping the city Pre-industrial town @1:20 000

1700s

The town develops as market town and port

1708 Chichesters’ fort is destroyed in a fire and they choose to rebuild further west on the hills.

Increasing quantities of linen were exported from Belfast becoming the primary trade. It was not yet woven in factories but rather in peoples homes.

1774 Clifton House (Poor House), is the oldest complete surviving building in Belfast. It was built with funds raised by public subscription for the poor and aged with its function to now little changing as it is currently a residential home for the elderly.

1784 The White Linen Hall is built. The following year, the Chichester family initiated a town planning scheme to the south of Castle Place involving new residential streets with their layout centred on the White Linen Hall. The siting of the hall was a key to the following urban development as it became the focus for social and economic activity in the town, attracting first the higher class residential and then commercial uses southward away from the original town centre of Castle Place.

1791 William Ritchie constructs the first shipyard, Clarendon Docks, on the western harbour.

Figure 19

1798

POPULATION: 19,000

The diagram shows the settlement has lost it’s fortified walls with the comparativly peaceful times under the governance of the Chichesters. Steady trade has allowed the town to increase in size with the overall form appearing ‘organic’ rather than orthagonal in its grid.

Growth as a trade centre results in the expansion of the town. However, expansion remains limited by its location on mud flats.

Figure 20

Key Buildings Clifton House White Linen Hall 29

Shaping the city The industrial town @ 1:20 000

1800s

The beginning of the industrial revolution Belfast joins the industrial revolution first with linen manufacturing then later shipbuilding.

1801

Act of Union

1814

Great Britain took control of Ireland with the ’Act of Union‘, which incorporated Ireland into the United Kingdom and dissolved the Irish Parliament

Royal Belfast Academical Institution

1836 1840

Belfast’s first railway terminus opens on Victoria Street

1841

The Palm House is errected as a innovative semi-public building, one of the first curvilinear cast iron glasshouses in the world, within the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The first major modification of the River Lagan occurs when a channel was dug to bypass one of its curves.

1845

1849

Belfast Prison, known as the Crumlin Road Gaol is built

Queen’s University Belfast follows the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. Its location established the southern extension as the place of culture.

1850 County Courthouse is built opposite the prison cementing it as the historic judicial area

1851 1861

Harland & Wolff shipyard founded The town quickly became an important centre for shipbuilding leading to further expansion of the harbour

POPULATION: 98,000

The diagram shows that as extra housing was needed an orthagonal plan provideed the urban solution for the extension to the older nucleus. Belfast is now also occupying the eastern river bank.

Figure 21

Key Buildings Railway Station The Palm House Belfast Prison

The industrial revolution brings factories and warehouses but also cultural and educational buildings as the town gains investment. These different uses charactarise areas of the city.

Queens University County Courthouse 30

Shaping the city Becoming a city @1:20 000

1888

Granted City Status Granted City status by Queen Victoria with the following decades seeing the construction of representative landmark buildings and infrastructure.

1895 The Grand Opera House is built

1904 St Anne’s Cathedral

1906

Belfast City Hall Belfast City Hall is built on the site of the old White Linen Hall

1908 Figure 22

1911 Thomson Graving Dock opens and is the largest graving dock in the world, neccessary for building Olympic class liners such as the Titanic.

1912

The Titanic, built by Harland & Wolff, sinks on its maiden voyage to America.

Belfast has grown dramatically and has invested in supporting infrastructure, such as the harbour, and civic buildings.

POPULATION: 387,000

The diagram shows Belfast having rapidly expanded over the course of the industrial revolution, even overtaking Dublin as the most populous city in Ireland during the late 19th century. Belfast’s rapid expansion through the 19th century as it changed from market town to industrial city overwhelmed any existing surrounding smaller settlements as the city filled the natural constraints of the valley, because of this it is less of an agglomeration of settlements that have expanded into each other than other comparable cities such as Manchester. The harbour has increased in size over the past century in line with the shipbuilding trade. Terraces are the primarily used built form typology for new housing but detached properties can be seen in the prosperous south of the city.

Key Buildings Grand Opera House St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast City Hall Figure 23

31

Shaping the city New capital city @1:20 000

1921

Becomes Northern Ireland’s Capital City Belfast becomes the Capital City folllowing the partition of Ireland into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland

1923 Belfast East Power Station

1929

Ulster Museum

1932

Parliament Buildings While this is the building that should symbolise Belfast’s rise from a provincial town to a capital city, the Parliament Buildings are located on the outskirts, over 6 km from the city’s historic core. At the time of its construction it was outside the city boundaries and thus the boundaries had to be extended to include it.

Figure 24

1933 Royal Courts of Justice

1939

Belfast suffered high levels of unemployment during the 20s and 30s but in the lead up to WWII the manufacturing industry once again boomed.

1941

Belfast Blitz Belfast suffers heavy bombing due to its importance as a centre for engineering industries producing many naval ships, aircraft and munitions.

POPULATION: 438,000

The diagram shows Belfast prior to the bombings of WWII. Short & Harland Ltd, owned by Harland and Wolff and Shorts, begin production of aircrafts for use in World War II. Near the factory they established an airfield which has subsequently become Belfast City Airport.

Figure 26

Key Buildings East Power Station Ulster Museum

Despite becoming a capital city few civic buildings are built. Soon after, WWII bombing badly damages the city’s fabric.

Royal Courts of Justice Figure 25

32

Shaping the city

1945

Post WWII @1:40 000

Planning Proposals for Belfast Following World War II, the city had sustained heavy bomb damage as German air attacks targeted Belfast due to its importance as a centre for shipbuilding and engineering industries. At the same time there were 5000 houses considered unfit for habitation and 9000 married couples without homes. Belfast’s density averaged 40 dwellings per hectare and it contained a small amount of open space compared to cities of similar size owing to its industrial heritage which prioritised density to maintain a profit. WWII provided the opportunity to re-plan the city in line with the contemporary urban theories of garden cities and new towns.

The 1945 recommendations include: • Creation of a green belt to preserve ‘unspoiled hills’ • Plans for a park along the River Lagan from south-east Belfast to the city centre • Seven new towns 8 miles from the city centre and the creation of new suburbs • System of ring roads and a motorway cutting through a green wedge to connect to the city centre • Heavy industries, on unusable sites, as their premises become obsolete, should be re-located in the new harbour area where they will be in direct contact with road, rail, sea and air lanes. Also, industrial suburbanisation.

• Light industries will continue to be located near the central commercial zones grouped in flatted factories • Rehouse 2/3 of the population in the city centre into 4 storey flats and 2 storey houses

Figure 28

Existing city Sites for future housing Figure 27

The monofunctional zones dictated low density development with large amounts of open space, and housing segregated from jobs, shopping and industry. These created a car dependency encouraged by the new roads.

The garden city ideas resulted in the 1949 Whitewell Estate, and the 1950 developments of Merville garden village and Cregagh Estate.

Airport Proposed industrial zones Proposed public open space Existing public open space New/improved main roads 33

Shaping the city Robert Matthew’s Regional Survey and Area Plan for Belfast @1:40 000

1964

Regional Plan The 1964 Regional Plan (below) was another solution to the sprawl of development ‘defacing landscape features’ and expanding the city limits; a result of the 1945 plan promoting suburbanisation. In this plan the Matthew Stop Line was introduced - a hard boundary. Inside the stop line significant redevelopment was proposed; this altered much of Belfast’s urban fabric over the next decades. Rather than suburbs this plan increases the size and population of nearby large towns.

1964 1910

1966

Figure 29

Area Plan

The 1966 Area Plan (right) aims for comprehensive rather than piecemeal urban renewal with large areas of the city centre to be redeveloped with residential areas. Additionally, the rise of the car has resulted in a dramatic prioritising of the road network compared with the 1945 plan. Other concerns addressed by the plan are regarding green amenity areas thus remaining pockets of open space are given protection. We can also see a general de-industrialisation with less area given to Belfast’s remaining industries.

Figure 31

Existing city Sites for future housing Airport Proposed industrial zones Proposed public open space Figure 30

Slum clearance and redevelopment of large areas of the city centre. The road network was prioritised amongst the rebuilding.

Existing public open space New/improved main roads Matthew stop line 34

Shaping the city

1969

The Troubles @1:20 000

The Beginning of the Troubles

Sectarian violence begins and peace walls are constructed to seperate warring communities.

Over the first 15 years there are approximately 8000 bombs primarily targeting buildings connected with local economic life.

1973

Figure 32

1974

1/8th of Belfast’s population (60 000) had been forced out of their homes as the mixed housing estates of the 1960s were no longer safe. Protestants moved to the suburbs and the Catholic were pushed to the city centre. This led to a deficit in housing for Catholics and a surplus for Protestants. The Poleglass estate was built in the greenbelt for the Catholic community to relieve the housing shortage.

25% of houses are statutorily unfit for habitation without a fixed bathroom, an internal wc or a washbasin.

1985

Areas were pedestrianised, particulary the city centre known as the ring of steel, to reduce the risk from car bombs. There was a lack of ground floor windows in many commercial buildings to deter attacks however this also has the consequence of giving the building a less active presence on the street.

The city has been significantly altered by the Westlink, constructed 1981, which seperates the centre from the north and west. Areas of slum clearance were considered an easy place to put the new roads but this meant the residents, who had been dispersed over the city, were never able to return to their home areas. Additionally, areas of low density development replace many Victorian terraces.

1989 Creation of Laganside Corporation to regenerate derelict riverfront

1990

Figure 33

1997

Outside the Westlink the building clearances made way for changes in road layout and the previously well connected grid changed to a series of cul-de-sacs thus losing permeablity.

Waterfront Hall completed as focal point in Laganside development.

1998

The End of the Troubles The Good Friday Agreement began the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms Belfast’s population migrated to the suburbs with the city centre avoided as it was surrounded by the ring of steel. Outside the city centre peace walls segregate communities.

Before

After

Figure 34

35

Shaping the city 2002

Capitalist city @1:20 000

2003

Titanic Quarter development begins with the aim of regenerating the harbour area.

‘Belfast: State of the City’ Initiative The inititive was series of annual conferences regarding urban regeneration and best practice of how to allow the city to compete internationally. Belfast City Council published its first city wide masterplan soon after.

2004 Launch of Belfast City Council’s Renewing the Routes project which used community consulation to make improvements along the main transport corridors of Belfast. The project was awarded the British Urban Regeneration Association award for Best Practice in Regeneration in November 2009.

2008 Victoria Square shopping centre opens in central belfast consisting of incorporating 17 different buildings

2012 2017 In Janurary the power-sharing assembly collapsed and since then Northern Ireland has not had a government.

Titanic Belfast visitor attraction opens to the public as the key attraction of the Titanic Quarter.

2018 A fire in Primark, housed in the listed Bank Buildings, gutted the building and caused a closure of parts of the city centre. The northern part of the city centre drastically lost footfall due to the restriced access and loss of one of it’s main attractions and the area has yet to recover.

Further redevlopment of the city centre and harbour area has occured once again reducing the density of Belfast. Peace walls remian dividing the residential areas of the city.

2019 The current form of Belfast has little edge definition. The piecemeal development has left the urban space in shapes that are more often triangular than square and several wide streets end up nowhere. Blocks in the city centre can be quite small with only 2 or 3 buildings inhabiting them and freestanding buildings appear quite important. Despite this there are few set pieces of public buildings relating to the urban space.

Figure 35

36

The City Skyline Northern Ireland’s Global City

Figure 36

Panoramic View of Belfast 1960

Figure 37

Panoramic View of Belfast 2019

The skyline of the city has densified significantly over the past 60 year period; however, the surrounding hills remain the primary focus along the skyline. This is due to the lack of ‘tall buildings’ within the city with few buildings in the city rising higher than 6 stories.

37

Reclaimed Land Urban development of Belfast

1750 - 1800

1800 - 1850

1850 - 1900

1900 - 1950

Belfast Harbour is a major maritime hub in Northern Ireland, handling 67% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade and about 25% of the maritime trade of the entire island of Ireland.

Over the years, land has been strategically added to the harbour in a linear fashion (as seen on diagrams above). The diagram to the right shows how Belfast has expanded linearly in both directions from its centre.

Harbour

10

9

BEL

The expansion of Belfast Harbour as set out in the diagrams above was as a result of the industrial revolution and increasing need to modify the harbour to create new docks and shipbuilding yards.

Due to the decline of the maritime industry in the area, large areas of this reclaimed land have now become obsolete. However, these sites also now offer a unique opportunity for large scale redevelopment within close proximity of the city centre.

3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

County Borough Boundary Harbour Estate Boundary Sydenham Mushgrave Channel Queen’s Island Dock Fringe Victoria Channel Herdman Channel Commercial Docks Antrim Foreshore

1

7 8

9 4

2

5 6

38

Flooding in Belfast The creation of Belfast

Figure 38

The Lagan Weir (pictured above before and after works) was completed in 1994 at a cost of 14 million euros, the weir controls the level of water upstream. The weir is a series of steel barriers which are raised as the tide retreats so as to keep the river at a constant level.

Figure 39

NI has 20 Significant Flood Risk Areas and Belfast is ranked the highest in terms of the potentential adverse consequences of flooding.

Initial assement estimates up to 9,800 properties at significant risk of flooding from rivers.

Figure 40

The images above show how the Lagan and Farset now flow under the City Centre of Belfast and the demographics highlight how nearly 10,000 properties are at significant risk of flooding specifically from these rivers.

Key River Extents Sea Extents

39

The Y Formation Physical vs. Perceieved Form of Belfast

Physical formation created through natural features with easy movement across the city

Observed formation through infrastructure causing blockage around the city

Belfast’s physical form, has been constrained by the surrounding hills to create a V shape that widens at the harbour. However, when experiencing the city it is understood differently as the manmade network within resembles more of a Y shape. This Y shape follows the main roads into the city centre, at which point, the roads act as harsh barriers which dominate the surroundings until you reach the harbour.

40

The City Shaped: Summary Drawing Conclusions

Physically, Belfast is strongly shaped by the surrounding geomorphic resources of the valley, the river and the natural harbour, thus leading to its current Y shape.

In the past couple of centuries the people of Belfast have in turn adapted the landscape by modifying the course of river and reclaiming land around the harbour to suit their purposes.

Regarding the built environment, it is clear that over the past 100 years Belfast has experienced considerable demolition between the World War II bombings, Robert Matthew’s ‘Regional Survey and Plan for Belfast’ initiating the tearing down of the Victorian city, and then the destruction wrought by the Troubles.

Culturally, the city has a rich heritage of trade and engineering but has lost part of its civic identity with the loss of industry in addition to the displacement of neighbourhoods.

Areas of significant change since 1940 41

The City People City Shaped

HERITAGE Built Form Connection Space Division Character Future

42

Architectural Heritage Listed buildings

The listed buildings appear distinctly clustered, with two areas of particularly high density found centrally. This is potentially due to the large clearances of older buildings in north, east and west belfast by the 60s modernist plans.

Northern Ireland Grade

Criteria for Listing

Approximate English Equivalent

A

Buildings of national importance including outstanding architectural set-pieces and the least altered examples of each representative style, period or type.

I

B+

Buildings which might have merited grade A status but for detracting features such as an incomplete design, lower quality additions or alterations.

II*

B1

Buildings of local importance and good examples of a particular period or style.

A degree of alteration or imperfection of design may be acceptable.

II

B2

Special buildings which meet the test of the legislation by virtue of only a few attributes.

II

Northern Ireland have a different listing system to that of England with an average of 0.6 listed per km2 compared with England’s 2.9 per km2. While there are plenty of listed buildings in Belfast there is not a great level of regard or concern for the preservation of historic buildings.

Belfast is driven by commerce and a drive to catch up to other international capital cities. Unfortunately, this results in older buildings being replaced by new developments regardless of historical interest. It was noted that listed buildings ‘get demolished in the night’ and that the council are more likely to issue a dangerous building notice to have a historic building demolished rather than have it saved.

Another reason for the loss of historic buildings are negative associations with the troubles for example the Grand Central Hotel which was used as a military base by the British Army and came to represent the oppression of the time. Thus, the negative symbolism outweighed any historic importance.

A desire for reinvention has caused Belfast to prioritise new buldings over the re-use of heritage buildings despite their quantity.

43

Architectural Heritage Listed buildings - City Centre

1 1. St Anne’s Cathedral

2. City Hall

4 5

3. Grand Opera House

2

4. Bank of Ireland 3

5. Custom House

6

6. Joy Street Terraces Listed buildings

The density of listed buildings within the city centre can be seen in the diagram.

The red shows the listed buildings ‘at risk’ with the highest concentration of these in the ‘cathedral quarter’ in the north-east centre. At risk listed buildings are primarily those that are vacant.

Listed buildings at risk

44

Architectural Heritage Industrial Heritage

The industrial heritage as mapped consists of the remaining factories, mills and warehouses. The harbour and airfield as a whole are also remnants of Belfast’s industrial past despite the loss of many of the structures that once occupied them.

The mapped listed buildings (page 36) and industrial heritage buildings, while having common areas, follow different patterns with the industrial heritage having a larger extent. There are many industrial buildings along Belfast’s water networks in addition to the railway line. Moreover, they are generally more dispersed reflecting how Belfast was once built on industry as its past Victorian residential areas were often built surrounding these factories or mills.

Within the city centre most of the industrial heritage is in the form of warehouses with several occupying prominent positions around City Hall.

Figure 41

Looking at Belfast’s docklands it can be difficult to imagine them as a busy and central part of the maritime and shipbuilding industry but there remain inherited visible and indescribable characteristics.

The industrial heritage is an important cultural legacy as it played a crucial part in Belfast’s economic and physical growth. With so many structures still remaining they are a defining quality of Belfast’s architectural and urban form.

45

Architectural Heritage Conservation areas

Conservation areas add economic value to an area but have restrictions on visual change as they aim to preserve the character of the area. They do this by protecting not just the buildings but the streetscape and objects within such as trees.

The areas are as follows: North Belfast Area 1. Somerton Road/Chichester Park Belfast Harbour Area No Conservation Areas Central Belfast 2. Cathedral 3. Belfast City Centre 4. Linen

1

East Belfast Are 5. McMaster 6. Cyprus Avenue 7. Kings Road 8. Knockdene South Belfast Area 9. Queen’s 10. Malone 11. Adelaide Park 12. Stranmillis

2 5

3 4

6 7

West Belfast Area No Conservation Areas

8

9 10 11 12 10

The conservation areas in Belfast are largely residential in character with the exception of the city centre. These areas tend to be representative of the wealthy industrialists who owned the companies rather than the workers that made up the majority of the population.

46

Heritage: Summary

Before

Drawing Conclusions

Now

Bank Buildings (1787) Grade B1 Listed

Figure 42

Figure 43

Figure 44

Figure 45

Figure 46

Figure 47

Crumlin Road Courthouse (1950) Grade B+ Listed ‘There is no respect for buildings - large blocks will disapper overnight’

There is little respect for historic buildings regardless of their listed status. A large proportion of the buildings are vacant and unmaintained. Fire is a problem with some recent casualties including the Bank Buildings, Crumlin Road Courthouse and North Street Arcade.

North Street Arcade (1938) Grade B1 Listed

As heritage is a physical representation of the city’s history, civic identity is tied to it. There is a need for both improved landmark preservation and general cityscape heritage with conservation areas that are more representative of the city’s history.

47

The City People City Shaped Heritage

BUILT FORM Connection Space Division Character Future

48

Figure Ground The Built Form of Belfast The figure ground shows the small size of the Belfast City Centre. Much of Belfast, particularly the suburbs, has a low density of footprint with the City Centre one of the few remaining places with a dense footprint and a strong figural quality of enclosed vs open spaces.

Secondary urban centres are not clear from the diagram with the exception of shopping centres which are distinguishable by their large plan. The industrial sites contain large but few buildings – particularly the docklands.

Also clear from the figure ground are the divisions the motorway and the river have created in the landscape. The form hard to traverse boundaries disconnecting the City Centre from North, East and West Belfast.

49

City Centre Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 48

15 Units per Hectare

Point Terrace Row Perimeter Court

It is mainly perimeter blocks and point blocks in the centre, due to the historical town planning of the area.

The city centre has a dense building footprint however the unit per hectare is much lower. Due to the monofunctional use of the city at present most of the buildings are occupied by one or two owners. Subsequently, the city lacks does not attract a variety of people and there is little draw for the evenings leaving the area very quiet outside of the working hours.

50

Harbour Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 49

30 Units per Hectare Density varies across the Harbour, some areas are empty or occupied by single story buildings whereas on the opposite end of the spectrum there are also high rise flats. Shown in the example is a mix of residential and office with a medium to low density however in other parts of the area it remains quite low.

Point Terrace Row Perimeter Court

There is a majority of point typologies in the harbour, due to the undeveloped nature of the area and its characteristic industrial built forms.

The Harbour is therefore sparsely occupied with significant space between developments. It also possesses a predominantly monofunctional land use that leads to it being quiet for most of the day.

51

North Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 50

87 Units per Hectare Point Terrace Row Perimeter Court

There are mainly terrace typologies in this area as they were built to house blue-collar workers due to the area’s proximity to the harbour.

North Belfast has a moderately high density, consisting of mainly residential units in terrace formation. These units are small with little private amenity space however their long front yards increase the distance between building lines and lower the density.

52

East Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 51

Point

80 Units per Hectare

Terrace Row Perimeter Court

There is a mixture of typologies in the east, with the slight majority being perimeter blocks. This is due to the east being a recently developed area, as urban planning has become increasingly self-conscious.

Similar to the north, there is a clear residential function to the East and this is function is present in a medium to high density.

53

South Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 52

13 Units per Hectare

Point Terrace Row Perimeter Court

This area contains perimeter block, point and terrace built form typologies. Many buildings serve the university or are larger detached homes; this is because of the affluent nature of the area.

Substantially consisting of large detached houses and point blocks the South consequently has a very low density. This is unlike other residential areas in Belfast and is very obvious when experiencing the area.

54

West Typology and Density The Built Form of Belfast

Figure 53

125 Units per Hectare

Point Terrace Row Perimeter Court

The built form typology most represented is the point.

This is in part because of the industrial sites and the hospital buildings. Towards the South the suburban areas are mostly court typologies, being cul-de-sacs.

West Belfast exhibits hybrid formations of built form typologies, within the hybrid shown is a variation of row, point block and court further just outside of the chosen hectare boundary. Whilst this is unusual in regards to built form, it has allowed for the high density of units. The point blocks are 5/6 storeys tall, providing a mixture of housing options for the area.

55

Urban Centres The Urban Landscape

1960 Development Plan - Urban Centres

Figure 54

In the 1960 Development Plan there were strategic areas mapped out for urban centre Development. This map looks at where those areas are and analysises if the centres have become successful urban centres or not.

Urban Centre as proposed Failed proposed Urban Centre New Urban Centres

1960 Development Plan located key secondary urban centres. However, as new neighbourhoods have developed several of the proposed locations have failed and new ones have been proposed thus redefining the landscape of urban centres in Belfast.

56

Urban Centres in Belfast Examples of failed and thriving centres

Belfast High Street, Central Belfast

Figure 55

Connswater Shopping Centre, East Belfast

Figure 56

Boucher Retail Park, South Belfast

Figure 57

Shankill Road High Street, West Belfast

Figure 58

Failed Urban Centre Cavehill, North Belfast

Figure 59

New Urban Centre - Belmont Rd, East Belfast

Figure 60

57

Land Use The Built Form of Belfast

Whilst the city centre appears to have a strong commercial core, something you would expect from a city the size of Belfast, the centre also contains a significant portion of land that is exclusively used as low density residential, interspersed with sites of light industrial. Resulting in quite a fragmented city core with limited open space.

Residential

Industrial

Open Space/Green Space

Mixed Use (Residential and Commercial)

Commercial

Public Buildings

The harbour it mainly light and heavy industry, as would be expected from a post-industrial city. There is however some new mixed-use development, in an attempt to start populating this quarter of the city.

58

Land Use The Built Form of Belfast

North Belfast is nearly completely residential in character, with some commercial land towards this quarters boundary with the City Centre. This vast amount of residential land is to be expected from a quarter that is dominated by terrace typology.

Residential

Industrial

Open Space/Green Space

Mixed Use (Residential and Commercial)

Commercial

Public Buildings

East Belfast contains pockets of industrial land that sit adjacent to much of the residential area of the quarter, primarily on sites that site within close proximity to the river. This quarter is also home to the Parliament Building located in the Stormont Estate. This site does have an awkward relationship with the neighbouring residential land.

59

Land Use The Built Form of Belfast

South Belfast is typically residential in character, however lower in density that other quarters of the city, with a strip of green space following the river, providing a green corridor that connects up the botanic gardens, university and ulster museum.

Residential

Industrial

Open Space/Green Space

Mixed Use (Residential and Commercial)

Commercial

Public Buildings

West Belfast has a similar land use to that of the South being primarily residential with sites of public and civic buildings across the quarter. With a sizeable zone of industrial land sitting right against the residential zones, this is an unusual pairing and leads to contentious boundary conditions within the quarter.

60

Built Form: Summary Drawing Conclusions

Through analysing the built form and land use it is clear Belfast has zoned residential areas within these areas is intermittent industry. This creates harsh relationships between the two land uses, consequently Belfast has large areas of mono-use.

The city centre and the harbour have low density and unsuccessful horizontal land use that has resulted in the areas often being desolate. Therefore, there is a need improve the city centre both in terms of density and land use.

Residential Industry Open Space Public Buildings Mixed-Use Commercial

61

The City People City Shaped Heritage Built Form

CONNECTION Space Division Character Future

62

The Trellis Plan Movement through roads

The trellis plan shows the street system as it is the structural frame on which the city grows.

The key parts of Belfast’s trellis: Unfinished ringroad network increases the difficulty of orbital movement around the city and between neighbourhoods making travel more time consuming.

There is a lack of road infrastructure around the harbour Many streets in the existing network have dead ends The river is a disruptor across which there are few crossings, some of which are over 1.5km apart.

63

Space Syntax Road Hierarchy in East Belfast

“Integration is a static global measure. It describes the average depth of a space to all other spaces in the system. The spaces of a system can be ranked from the most integrated to the most segregated�

A Space Syntax Glossary - Bjorn Klarqvist Integration mapping highlights which roads are connected to the highest number of other road segments within a certain radius or network. At lower radius it will highlight local permeability. At a larger radius it will display which roads are best connected to the whole network.

This analysis maps how connected the city network is, therefore the main roads navigating the city show as most connected.

However, some of the residential networks being made up of connected roads instead of cul-de-sac’s become zones of great integration and permeability within the city.

Connected (most Intergrated)

Less Connected (less Intergrated

64

Belfast Wider Connection The Wider City Context

HO

r irn

yan

P OW ER

U SE Goods - Economics - People

Belfast

U SE

Dublin

Live rpo ol

HO

P OW ER

The union between the two cities has been established for economic gain, with the two cities being the main power houses for the corridor. The area also encompasses the space between the cities where ports lie to connect goods to the UK.

Ca

Belfast as the capital of Northern Ireland connects into a wider system of economic beneficiaries. The city has a relationship with the capital of The Republic of Ireland, Dublin. This economic corridor is known as the Dublin-Belfast Development Corridor.

Goods - Economics - People

Liverpool

Infrastructure in the region

3 Airports with 38million passengers yearly

Holyhe a

d

Rail network connecting the Cities

Ireland Key

Ireland Road Network Northern Ireland Road Network Movement within Countries Exports by port

Belfast sits in a wider economic network than its own city. It gains influence from Dublin and from nearby cities in the UK through its port trade.

65

Commuting into Belfast The Wider City Context

Key Commuter Roads

Road network and Extents of Commutes Commuters into Belfast mainly use cars to get into the city. The car is by far the most prominent use of transport, contributing to an excess of car parking in the city.

Public transport use only equates to 5% of the total method of travel within Northern Ireland whereas care use makes up 70% of journeys. Belfast, as the country’s major city attracts a high level of commuters from surrounding areas. Due to the reliance on cars and an insufficient rail network, the majority of these people come into the city by private vehicles.

M1 Motorway

M1

M2 Motorway Variety of A roads

M2

A 66

Public Transport Analysis Connection in Belfast

Airports Belfast International Airport - Northern Ireland’s primary airport - 6,269,025 passengers in 2018 - Busiest routes 2018: London Gatwick, London Stansted and Liverpool George Best City Airport - 2,510,294 passengers in 2018 - Busiest routes 2018: London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham The Port Stena Line 1.4 Million passengers in 2014 Routes: Belfast > Cairnryan, Scotland Belfast > Birkenhead, England Freight 476,000 Freight vehicles used the port Trains Great Victoria Street Station Northern Ireland train line Train Stations Bus

Routes around the city

There is a variety of transport options in Belfast, however, the lack of quality and connectivity makes them unsuccessful. The airports and port work well on a national level. However, at a city scale, transportation is insufficient.

18 Miles Belfast International Airport

67

Public Transport Analysis Connection in Belfast The issues of Public Transport in Belfast are a concern. The dependence on cars creates a overwhelming reliance on road networks and car park provision.

Comparative Cities - Forms of Transport

These issues become increasingly more alarming when compared to cities of similiar size and prominence. Both Liverpool and Dublin have successful public transport networks in which residents can rely on, shown through both of their public transport use above 25%.

The goal for the future of Belfast will be how they can integrate public transport into their everyday. How can it link the suburbs in a more successful way and how can there be a shift from total dependence on the car to reliance on public transport.

‘They’re trying to get people to travel to work by walking and cycling - that’s never going to happen!’

Belfast Car Walking Public Transport Cycling

Dublin 75% 19% 5% 1%

Liverpool

Car Walking Public Transport Cycling

Train Network Liverpool

57% 10% 23% 5%

Car Walking Public Transport Cycling

Cent

ral Zo ne

ne

Central

Zo

Train Network Belfast

31% 11% 52% 6%

The car is the dominant form of transport in Belfast. The transport networks avaliable are not advanced enough to encourage users, therefore the car is likely to remain. There is an opportunity to encourage a new form of public transport in the city to appeal to commuters and city dwellers.

Figure 61

Figure 62

68

Blue and Green Infrastructure The Layers of a City.

Council’s Proposal for Green Networks

Belfast has a vast blue and green infrastructure network which begins at the head of Belfast Lough, in the lower reaches of the valley of the River Lagan, and is flanked to the north west by the Divis and Black mountains and on the south east by the gentler slopes of the Castlereagh and Holywood Hills. Most of the green infrastructure follows the blue infrastructure with initiatives such as the Lagan National Park and the Conn’s Water green corridor.

These corridors however do not connect in an orbital path, rather they work linearly into the city centre and out to the Irish Sea, making it difficult for any wildlife to connect to other areas of Belfast without first having to navigate into the city centre.

Below a diagram demonstrates how the layers of the Blue and Green infrastructure connect within each other across a two-dimensional plane.

There are four areas within the Matthew Stop Line that are of natural and scientific significance they are: Bog Meadows Belfast Zoo Victoria Park

Belfast Inner and Outer Lough

Belfast’s green network is mostly connected via its blue infrastructure, however the main areas of scientic intrest in the city are not connected at all.

69

Connection in Character Areas Connection in Belfast North Belfast / Key Routes

Harbour / Key Routes

Primary Roads

Primary Roads

Secondary Roads

Secondary Roads

Tertiary Roads Antrim Rd / Limestone Rd

Figure 63

Tertiary Roads Queens Rd

Figure 64

70

Connection in Character Areas Connection in Belfast South Belfast / Key Routes

East Belfast / Key Routes

Primary Roads

Primary Roads

Secondary Roads

Secondary Roads

Tertiary Roads Upper Newtownards Rd

Figure 65

Tertiary Roads Lisburn Rd

Figure 66

71

Connection in Character Areas Connection in Belfast City Centre / Key Routes

West Belfast / Key Routes

Primary Roads

Primary Roads

Secondary Roads

Secondary Roads

Tertiary Roads Westlink

Figure 67

Tertiary Roads Falls Rd

Figure 68

72

Movement Notation Lawrence Halprin Theory

1. Walk from City Centre to Crumlin Road Prison

Left Right Notation Key

We have compared two key routes from the city centre out towards the residential districts in the North and in the South to see how the pedestrian experience differs. First, the journey from the city centre along Crumlin Road, shows the disparate character of the North Belfast, from big tower blocks to residential cul-de-sac’s, with some larger setbacks from the road. The lack of a consistent building line and setback has led to a range of fences, shutters and barriers used along the street. The street furniture is sporadic and appears secondary to the creation of additional parking spaces. The urban form overall contributes to an uncomfortable pedestrian experience.

Street Light Parked Car Street Furniture (Benches etc) Tree Building Line Planting 73

Movement Notation Lawrence Halprin Theory

2. Walk from City Centre towards Queen’s University

Left Right Notation Key Street Light The journey south towards Queens University, shows a significantly different character to that of the North. Firstly, there are fewer main roads to cross compared to the north where the Westlink and the inner city ring road pose obstacles. Additionally, the street scene is more uniform with a consistent setback and building line, and a higher amount of street furniture and trees providing visual interest and stimulation. A big difference to the journey along Crumlin Road is the reduction in on-street parking. The urban experience provided feels safer and more pedestrian friendly.

Parked Car Street Furniture (Benches etc) Tree Building Line Planting 74

Connection: Summary Drawing Conclusions In general connection through Belfast happens in a Y formation. The motorway connects directly into the city centre then out, this is similar to the railway line which runs into the city. Public transport in general is lacking in the city with suburbs only connected to the suburbs by bus or private car.

Connectivity in suburbs is lacking. In the West and North the circular road has not been completed. The circular road has been completed so the motorways connect with key routes out of the city centre through the suburbs.

Y Formation Connection Linear Connectivity Partial Radial Connectivity City Boundary

Connection through areas

North + West Belfast

East + South Belfast

BYPASS

THROUGH 75

The City People City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection

SPACE Division Character Future

76

Open Space The Wider City Context

77

Open Space Analysis The Wider City Context

Perceived to be a divided park with areas belonging to either Catholics or Protestant area which it borders

Owned by Belfast City Council

Unsuccessful because of its division affecting use and ownership

Perceived to be owned by no one

Owned by Belfast City Council or developers

Unsuccessful because no right of ownership

Perceived to be owned by Community Society

Owned by Church of Ireland’s Young Mens Society

Successful as its obvious that the space is owned

78

Open Space Analysis The Wider City Context

Perceived to be disused space which is unowned and unoccupied

Owned by land owners in the Harbour

Unsuccessful because the space is neglected but could be used for redevelopment

Perceived to be owned by Car Parking businesses or the council

Owned by Car Parking land owners

Unsuccessful because space isn’t well maintained as its use is to primarily make money

Issues of Space

Open Space in Belfast

Key Considerations Issue of Public/Private Large majority of space in Belfast has no agenda Social issues caused by misunderstanding in public/ private No ownership, no pride

‘Gap sites and surface car parks are everywhere in Belfast city centre. They are a hangover of rapid depopulation of the city core’ Belfast Council Owned entities:

Considered public space plays an important role in bringing about integration within communities

There is no good quality public space in the city centre

The issue of contested space still is an important consideration in the city

79

Public Space Activities affecting movement

1. Writer’s Square, Belfast Cathedral

2. Harbour Public Square

Cathedral Quarter

Privately owned, Under used, Becomes a walkthrough rathering that a stopping point due to lack of places to sit and stand, doesn’t encourage activity

Privately owned, under used, no attraction to the space, no obvious ownership therefore users do not use the space

Bars privately owned, Use spills onto streets, Enclosed Space attractive to users public streets engage users

Public Space in the City Centre

‘There’s no real public space in the centre. It’s all car parks. Any space they try to make just becomes contested space.’

3

In most city centres public space plays a key role in the assimilation of people. It is the place for social connectivity. By understanding the spatial qualities in Belfast we begin to understand deeper social issues.

Comparatively to the surrounding suburbs, the centre is very dense with limited ‘open space’ which could be used as public space. Public space consists of a few squares (shown above) which have been unsuccessful. The most successful type of public space is in the Cathedral Quarter where the enclosed streets invite the spilling out of bars.

2

1

Many of the reasons of unresolved public space finds its roots in the issues of the Troubles. Today space cannot properly be addressed as it soon becomes contested space and the issue of ownership highlighted.

1. Writers Square - 2. Harbour Public Square - 3. Cathedral Quarter Public space in the city centre is fundamentally a political issue 80

Parades in the City Activities affecting movement Within Northern Ireland parades play an important role in the culture. The majority of parades within the country are led by unionist groups; however, the Irish nationalists and non-political groups such as Pride, also parade. Parades in Belfast occur annually with most centred around City Hall as well as within the suburbs. The 12th July parade is the largest and runs out through South Belfast to the suburban outskirts.

Parades provide a disruption to the movement within the city. Road closures are enforced often, with rolling closures and timed blocks occurring in certain areas.

Parades in 2007 Loyalist Parades 144 Unionist Parades 1354

Parade routes centered around the City Hall Belfast Pride - Biggest cross community parade in Belfast

Figure 69

Figure 70

Orange Order - The longest parade route in Belfast, unionist parade which is celebrated on the 12th July ever year.

Figure 71

Protestant Boys Flute Band - Band parades make up the largest amount of parades in Northern Ireland. Common for both unionists and loyalists and take place within the affiliated area.

1. planetradio.co.uk / 2. bbc.com / 3. youtube.com

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Lynch Map: City Centre Understanding the Spacial Quality and Navigability of the City

Lynch maps produced from our visit to Belfast, mapping our experince of the City Centre. Exploring the city as a someone unfamiliar with it.

Sailortown

North Belfast Major

Harland & Wolfe Cranes

Minor Docks

Paths

Edges

Titanic Quarter

Crumlin Road

St Anne’s Cathedral Districts Victoria Square Nodes

Landmarks

Peace Walls

Great Victoria St Station

City Hall

Waterfront Hall

East Belfast East Belfast

There is a strong boundary between the city centre and the rest of Belfast.

With the motorway and river providing strong and impermeable edges to the core of the city.

This mapping also highlighted the limited congregation space within the city centre, as whilst there is a lot of open space in the city, it is not used as ‘nodes’ or as active space.

M1

South Belfast

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Space: Summary Drawing Conclusions

Space in Belfast is a contested issue. There is a lot of space without an agenda resulting in disused land and spaces who have no ownership. Many of these spaces are becoming car parks - which is an obvious use of space due to the exaggerated use of the car in Belfast.

SPACE ISSUES RESULT OF DIVISION

The issue of division plays a huge role in how space is perceived. Catholic or Protestant ownership is key - who owns it? can I use it? - The goal for resolving this is more integrated space, however it is the receptivity of communities that hold the key to whether this will be successful.

‘I can’t use this space’ CURRENTLY CAR PARKS

OPPORTUNITY FOR INTERVENTION

Perceptions of space

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The City People City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection Space

DIVISION Character Future

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The Troubles Impact on the built environment

How a time period affected a City

Belfast today must be understood in the context of the Troubles, a three decade period of sectarian violence that occured between the Protestant and Catholic populations. While outburts had sporadically ocuring prior to this, the Troubles brought significantly more violent and organised attacks.

1969

In 1969 the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who were primarily Catholic, began a campaign against what they considered the British occupation of Northern Ireland and the discrimination against Catholics by the Protestant Government. Tensions led to violence between the republicans and the loyalists.

The British troops were deployed and were initially welcomed by both sides as a neutral force and protection against the violence. Peace walls were constructed to seperate the warring comunities.

Areas were pedestrianised to reduce the risk of carb bombs including most of central Belfast, which was known as the Ring of Steel.

There was a lack of ground floor windows in many commercial buildings to deter attacks however this also has the consequence of giving the building a less active presence on the street.

Rioting targeted government buildings thus they gained defences such as ornamental ponds acting as moats.

Cobbles and paving stones were seen as potential missiles so tarmac and in-situ concrete became used instead.

A low limit was placed on building heights to prevent sniping.

Other impacts on urban form include the use of cul-de-sacs to prevent the military from being ambushed.

1972

30 January 1972, Bloody Sunday, led to the change in the perception of the British Army when they shot 28 unarmed civilians leading to the immediate death of 13. In response to Bloody Sunday the British further imcreased their military presence.

1985 The first 15 years of the troubles saw the most frequent violent clashes with murders and appriximately 8000 bombings occuring.

The IRA bombs focused on central Belfast as it was an economic target.

They hoped the financial consequences would provoke a demand for the British to withdraw. The campaign also spead to England and both Manchester’s and London’s city centres were bombed.

1998 In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement began the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms and the end of The Troubles. Overall, more than 3600 people were killed and 40,000 injured with two thirds of the victims being civillians.

85

The City Timings Effects of the Troubles During the troubles the City Centre was cornered off by the ‘Ring of Steel’ a physical intervention implemented by the British Government. The aim of boundary was to prevent IRA attacks within the centre. The central district was closed off from 6pm each day and then reopened for workers in the morning.

The effect of the Ring

However, this implementation has had a detrimental effect on the city even today.

When experiencing the centre, it is noticeable that people leave from 4:30pm leaving the centre as a quiet and abandoned place in the evening.

The Ring of Steel

Check points in the City, 1976

Figure 72

Belfast City Hall

Sealed Streets Artists impression of the check points, 2018

Security Segment Street Blocks

Figure 73

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Murals & Street Art Peaceful Protests, Propaganda and Public Art The city has a long history of murals and street artwork being used as a way of peaceful protest. These murals have however become icons of the city and drawing tourism to the city. This has led to a high social value being placed on public and street artwork, throughout the city, in both privately commissioned and civic schemes.

Graffiti used to express community feelings.

Community photo project used to draw publicity to an at risk public asset.

Murals and Memorial artwork, used as community protest.

Street art used a propaganda for development

Public Sculptures used to enhance public space

87

Belfast Peace Lines Boundaries within the city The peace lines in Belfast are physical interfaces which separate Protestant and Catholic areas across the city. Since the Troubles there have been over 97 peace lines in the city. The peace lines mapped are those that remain today.

These interfaces vary in height, materiality and length. Some interfaces are a few metres high made up of standing seam fences whereas others are made from harsh concrete with metal fenced tops reaching up to 10 metres.

The peace lines mainly are situated in the West and North where Protestant and Catholic tensions are heightened. However, short strand in East Belfast surrounds a Catholic Cluster within a Protestant majority.

Peace Line Clusters Springfield Rd / Built 1990 + 1994 Falls - Shankill / Built 1969 The Village - Westlink / Built 1985 + 2008 Short Strand - Inner Ring / Built 1980 + 2003 Inner Ring / Built 1970s+ Duncairn Gardens / Built 1970s Lower Oldpark - Manor St / Built 1980s Limestone - Alexandra Park / Built 1999 + 2003 Crumlin Rd - Ardoyne - Glenbryn / Built 1991 + 2003 88

Religious Divides Boundaries within the city By mapping the peace lines against the Protestant and Catholic areas it is clear to see how these interfaces border areas. Although these lines don’t entirely close off whole areas, they act as perceived boundaries as much as they do physical.

Majority Catholic Majority Protestant No majority Peace Walls Source: 2011 Census Data

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Division in the Urban Landscape Boundaries within the city

Alexandra Park / North Belfast

Cupar Way / West Belfast

Cluan Place / West Belfast

Figure 74

Figure 75

Figure 76

Figure 77

Figure 78

Figure 79

Reducing Open Space Permeability The wall through Alexandra Park separates the Protestant and Catholic communities.

There has been access allowed through the park in the day but closes after 3pm.

Access is granted through a door integrated into the wall. The wall splits the park in two, establishing an obvious divide in who uses each area.

Impenetrable Defence Cupar Way is the longest piece of wall which divides the Shankill and Falls Rd areas of Belfast. The wall runs directly alongside the road creating an overpowering and impenetrable divide to the area. The wall overpowers the pavement, almost four times the height of an average person. The wall can be seen from the streets surrounding, establishing its mark as a segregator in the landscape.

Segregation in the residential At Cluan Place the peace wall runs through the gardens of houses, completely segregating back to back neighbours from each other’s view. The close which is divides becomes a segregated entity from the rest of the neighbourhood, with access being blocked between a main artery and tertiary roads. This identifies the priority of segregation over use and permeability of an area.

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Division around the World Boundaries within cities

Nicosia, Cyprus

Berlin, Germany

Figure 80

Palestine

Figure 81

Length: 120 miles Built: 1974 Why: The wall separates Christian Orthodox Greeks and Muslim Turkish residents and runs the length of Cyprus. Passports are needed for crossing the wall.

Length: 27 miles Built: 1961 Why: Splits Berlin right down the middle to stop movement of people from West to East.

Height: 11ft

Length: 425 miles Built: 2002 Why: The government consider the wall to be an ‘anti terrorism’ wall.

Height:

Homs, Syria

Lima, Peru

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Figure 83

Length: > 1 mile Built: 2012 Why: The wall is heavily guarded and separates the Alawite districts who are loyal to the government and the Sunnies, who are considered to be disloyal to the government.

Height: 4m

https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-walls-cities-borders

Length: 6 miles Built: 1985 Why: Built in response to migrants settling on the hills of Lima with richer neighbourhoods wanting to cut off poor neighbourhoods.

Height: 10ft

Figure 84

Figure 82

Figure 85

Length: Vary, over 60 walls in Northern Ireland Built: 1961+ Why: To try and stop rioting between the Catholic and Protestant areas of the city.

Many were built after the Good Friday Agreement to maintain peace.

Height: 11ft

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Strategy for Reconciliation Boundaries within the city

DIVISION

The Issue

Community and Cohesion Policy

The Policy Reality

Set out by the Belfast City Council the policy aims to improve segregation within the city in order to establish cohesive and integrated communities. They have set the target for all walls to be demolished by 2023.

The reality of the policy tells of a deeper issue in bringing about change in policy. Since 2013, none of the targets to remove walls have been met by the Council, and no future plans to demolish have been established.

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Leisure and Community Centres Amenities in the City Leisure Centres

Built in Catholic Area

Replicated in Protestant Area

Community Centre Segregation

Catholic

Protestant

Non-Affiliated

Community Hub Integration

Figure 86

Figure 87

The Girwood Community Hub is a project funded by the EU’s PEACE III Programme. It is built between Crumlin Rd and Cliftonville Rd which is an area lying between a Protestant and Catholic suburbs in West Belfast. The area was once an affluent area but is now a ‘desolate wasteland’ which connects the two areas. This is an opportunity for the Catholics and Protestants to integrate in a space laid out for everyone.

Leisure Centres Community Centres

Segregation exists in who can use what amenities in the City. Change is being encouraged through integrated amenities.

93

Schools in Belfast Boundaries within the city The issue of education in Belfast is one of segregation and division which arises from the Catholic and Protestant divide. Education is one of the ways the Government is trying to address segregation in the city.

From mapping the schools in the city and comparing this to the religious areas it is interesting to note the areas which are allowing change and the ones who abide by strict educational systems.

School Types in Northern Ireland: Catholic Schools Maintained by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). Exist for children of Catholic background to attend.

Controlled Schools Under the Education Authority (EA) Open to all faiths, but many were Protestant Church Schools. Protestant churches maintain a link with the schools.

Integrated Schools Established through the voluntary efforts of parents, through The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE). Schools are open to any faith and exist to try and resolve the issue of segregation in education within Northern Ireland.

Irish Language Education Schools teach children through Irish Medium. There are two types; stand alone schools and schools attached to English medium schools who act as hosts.

Primary School Secondary School

Catholic School Protestant School Integrated School Irish Speaking

School type and religious majority in an area have a direct correlation in Belfast resulting in division in education.

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Schools in Belfast Segregation in the Education System Within the evident physical divides, the statistics for the children who attend these schools is interesting to note. It allows us to understand the build-up of these schools and how they operate.

Segregation in Belfast Schools

North Belfast Mixture of school type East Belfast 90%+ Protestant Schools

West Belfast 90%+ Catholic Schools

South Belfast

Highest % of Integrated Schools

Moving forwards: Schools for the future In order to move towards a less divided society, the introduction of Integrated Schools have been the vehicle to achieve this. The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) leads the charge in implementing these schools across Belfast. Identified in the 2011 Census Data, 23% of people identified as not being Catholic or Protestant.

Integrated schools move into this space to support this percentage.

Religion in Northern Ireland

Integrated Schools ensure that children from diverse backgrounds are educated together.’ - Department for Education The Alternative Manifesto implemented by the IEF has two planning initatives: 1. Integrated Education Priority focus in planning and work with communites 2. Should be presumed any new school built should be integrated.

Source: 2011 Census through IEF

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Public Services in Belfast Amenities in the City

For a capital city, Belfast does not have a significant number of public services. Most notably it only has one large hospital where in other capital cities it is expected to see a few to serve different areas. However, Belfast is considerably smaller than other cities in its population size.

Hospitals are centralised to the south/west of Belfast. This is where Belfast Royal, the main hospital of Belfast is. There is also a significant amount of private hospitals in Belfast, these are predominantly in the south/east.

There is a fire station in each area of Belfast. Police stations are more sporadically placed, with none placed directly in West Belfast and a significant amount in East Belfast.

H Public Hospitals H Private Hospitals F

Fire Station

P

Police Station

A

Ambulance Station

Public services are spread across Belfast, however they are quite sparse in certain areas.

96

Division: Summary Drawing Conclusions

Summarising our findings: - Belfast is still very much a divided city - Religious affliation controls the identity of certain areas - Religious division is evident in the urban landscape - Religious division is evident and within public services of the city - Division sits at the forefront of political issues - Obstacle within the social, political and physical structure of the city

North Belfast - Both

East Belfast - Protestant West Belfast - Catholic

‘Religion is the most divisive thing in the city, it is engrained into our communities’ South Belfast - No Majority

97

The City People City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection Space Division

CHARACTER Future

98

Importance of Identity Exploration of a civic divide within Belfast

Road Infrastructure and Community Dispersal Sailortown

Present Using the church as an achor, the Sailortown Regeneration Group now aims to restore Sailortowns identity.

Religion & Politics

Physical

A civic focus divided by:

“Belfast appears both more shared and more divided than any other point in its history”

Urban Regeneration and Building Demolition City Centre

1960’s Rise in new developments

Figure 87

Sailortown community were moved out to make way for the M2 with the promise of being able to come back

2000

Figure 88

St Josephs church in Sailortown was shut down and deconsecrated

2006 After campaigns and protests the church was handed over to the sailortown regeneration group and people are starting to move back into the area

“A city.. must retain its individual identity as this is what makes it unique.”

Demolition of large blocks in the city centre for development

New names assigned to areas by the council and developers Sailortown Regeneration Group

The new naming of areas in the city centre is a top down process, forcing upon places a certain identity and character, with the building demolitions deleting the areas original identity altogether. It is clear that there is a strong will for Belfast to retain its original identity. Despite the divide created by physical barriers, the Sailortown Regeneration Group are evidence of a strong community fighting against the removal and subsequent takeover by developers.

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Building Height Buildings above 35m

Aerial view 1: Looking North

Figure 89

1

Aerial view 2: Looking South

2

Figure 90

City Centre

There are very few taller buildings over 35m in Belfast. These are mainly concentrated within the city centre, with some bordering the centre and surrounding harbour, north, west and south. The result of this is buildings that look out of place in their surrounding area as shown in figures 3 and 4.

Isolated high rise buildings

Harbour

South 100

Quarter Promotion Northern Ireland’s Global City

There are four main quarters within the City which have been established by the council. Their goal is to promote the area in which they are situated, to bring in tourism and be ‘beacons’ of what the city is about.

However, this shallow approach to the quarters means that they are not a true representation of the identity of the city or of the community of which they are based.

The four quarters:

The Cathedral Quarter

The Gaeldacht Quarter

The Titanic Quarter

The Queens Quarter

‘Branding is being used to define the city rather than embracing it’s existing character’

There are several quarters within Belfast, the Cathedral Quarter and Queens Quarter being historical parts of the city. However there have been new quarters introduced to Belfast with the Titanic Quarter being a brand new development on the Harbour. The Gaeldacht Quarter celebrates the local area and is centred on the Irish language, providing a good example of change decided upon by groups that live within Belfast. Contradicting this example is some of the new developments in the city that are providing a top down process of designating areas.

101

Character Areas: Harbour Representative Built Form The harbour area contains mostly point buildings though they vary in height and scale. These buildings are essentially floating in a diffuse space of hardscaping and water. The area is almost entirely office space leading to it being inactive but for a few minutes as people arrive to and leave their work.

Built form typology

Point

Plot size

Not standard but all over 30m x 30m

Unit type

Office block

Height Setback from road Parking location Architectual Style

1 : 0.15

Single-storey and four-storey 0-2m Car parks to side Georgian and Victorian dock buildings with late Postmodern offices

Roof form

Pitched or flat

Materiality

Stone, brick or render

1:500 section through typical street 102

Character Areas: South Representative Built Form South Belfast is characterised by wide residential avenues containing large Victorian villas.

The houses, situated in large plots and screened from the street, look inwards to the private family environment rather than outwards to the city. This setback and screening of the houses reduces the passive surveillance of the street.

Built form typology

Terrace

Plot size

55m x 22m

Unit type

Detached or semi-detached house

Height Setback from road Parking location Architectual Style

1 : 0.2

Two/Three storey 16m Front garden with some on street

Victorian

Roof form

Pitched roof either gabled or hipped

Materiality

Red brick or stucco

1:500 section through typical street 103

Character Areas: North Representative Built Form Buildings in north Belfast vary from tower blocks to cul-de-sacs but a large proportion of the building stock are small older terraces.

1 : 0.15

Large setbacks from the road combined with the low levels of enclosure make the street feel unsurveilled and inactive.

Little architectural diversity keeps the street cohesive but the lack of landmarks makes orientation and navigation difficult.

Built form typology

Terrace

Plot size

21m x 4m

Unit type

Terrace house

Height

Two storey

Setback from road

10m

Parking location

Front garden with some on street

Architectual Style

Bye-law terrace

Roof form

Pitched roof

Materiality

Roughcast or brick

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1:500 section through typical street 104

Character Areas: West Representative Built Form West Belfast contains many Victorian terraces with cul-de-sacs of more recent dwellings infilling space. The building line meets the edge of the plot line giving the buildings a strong presence on the street.

Built form typology

Terrace, court, perimeter block

Plot size

18m x 6m

Unit type

Terrace or semi-detached house

Height Setback from road Parking location Architectual Style

1 : 0.35

Two/Three storey 0-2m On street Victorian terrace and 20th century volume house build

Roof form

Pitched roof

Materiality

Brick

1:500 section through typical street 105

Character Areas: East Representative Built Form East Belfast has a variety of buildings forms but they are predominately residential in use. As East Belfast was developed much later than West Belfast the buildings are more recent and have a less historic character.

1 : 0.4

The small front gardens and lack of integrated garage means that the street-front appears somewhat untidy with many bins and cars.

Built form typology

Terrace

Plot size

13m x 5m

Unit type

Terrace house

Height Setback from road Parking location Architectual Style

Two-storey 3m On street

Early 20th century volume house build

Roof form

Pitched roof

Materiality

Red brick or render

1:500 section through typical street 106

Character Areas: City Centre Representative Built Form The centre has the highest enclosure level since the ratio of the building height to the street width is high.

For the most part, buildings form either perimeter blocks or stand independently as set pieces. This allows a high level of legibility and permeability when walking around the city centre.

Built form typology

Perimeter block and point

Plot size

Not standard

Unit type

Commercial units

Height Setback from road Parking location Architectual Style

1 : 0.85

Four to eight storeys 0m On street Victorian neo-gothic

Roof form

Pitched or flat

Materiality

Brick and stucco

1:500 section through typical street 107

Character: Summary Drawing Conclusions BUILDING AND PLOT SIZE COMPARISON

North Belfast

South Belfast

East Belfast

West Belfast

Central

Belfast’s districts have distinct characters, with some more identifiable than others.

One issue is the top down approach to naming areas rather than using the existing character of a place to influence the names of re-developed areas.

There are many disparities between the character areas, particularly with plot size and the building footprint. Similarly sized dwellings in North, East and West Belfast have differing plot lengths and set-backs, creating different streetscapes.

Harbour

Building heights are low, outside of Central Belfast and a few buildings in North Belfast. This combined with extensive setbacks and wide roads leads to low enclosure ratios.

108

The City People City Shaped Heritage Built Form Connection Space Division Character

FUTURE

109

Politics in Northern Ireland Recent and current developments in Belfast The effects of the shut down

Current Water Industry Structure

Government Shut Down

Arlene Foster - DUP

Disagreements

Consequent Battle for Funding

Vs

Martin McGuiness - Sinn Fein Water

Transport

Resigned Executive compromised as both parties needed.

Underfunding Resulting in Infrastructure Emergency

Government has not sat since January 2017

New buildings are unable to connect to the sewage system

“ .. the growth of Belfast City.. will stall unless the £1bn investment in strategic drainage.. is supported.”

Figure 91

110

The Agenda for Belfast Key planning policies and recent developments

Recent Key Developments

“Belfast will be a city re-imagined and resurgent... Beautiful, well connected and culuturally vibrants.. loved by all its citizens, free from the legacy of conflict.”

Aiming for 2035

Belfast Agenda: The city’s first community plan created through a partnership of key city partners, residents and community organisations that aims for inclusive growth across the city

Recently delivered key projects such as the Titanic Quarter, City Quays offices and Belfast Harbour Studios.

By 2035 Belfast is aiming to focus on 4 main areas:

1 2 3 4

Belfast Harbour Commercial & Culture

Growing the Economy Living in Belfast City Development Education & Skills

Key Strategic Planning Policies Growth Strategy 66,000+ people

46,000+ jobs

31,600+ new homes

550,000m2 employment space

The MAC & St Annes Square Mixed-use

Figure 92

Ulster Campus Education

Figure 93

The MAC arts centre situated in St Annes Square which comprises of restaurants.

Community Cohesion and Good relations create shared space

diverse neighbourhoods

reducing isolation

safe and healthy environment

Environmental Resilience reduce carbon footprint

improve air quality

develop local energy renewable schemes

Phase one of Ulster University’s new campus buildings has been completed.

Connectivity and Green and Blue Infrastructure sustainable travel

minimise traffic growth

connect open spaces

help to define areas The cross city leisure facilities appear to be an attempt at tackling ‘community cohesion and good relations’ creating shared facilities in the interest of all the community and aiming to encourage the people in Belfast to travel across the city. The project one of a few interesting resolutions in attempts for cohesion, suggesting an effort is being made to echo the plans aims.

The local plan proposes a bold growth strategy that includes a significant amount of new homes and office space. This brings with it surrounding issues to solve, with more people and jobs there needs to an equal focus on the other facilities people will require.

There are small proposals in terms of environmental impact but nothing significant that will be be able to achieve dramatic environmental resilience.

Figure 94

Cross City Leisure Improvements Community

Significant investment into creating several leisure facilities across the city.

There have been few significant developments in recent years across the city. With the MAC, Titanic Quarter and Ulster campus being majority privately funded, architectural projects there has been less publicly focussed, smaller projects in the city. Recent developments have contributed culturally and towards the city’s growth strategy however it appears that more attention should be paid to public space and community cohesion.

111

Key Future Development Current planning standpoint Double planning system

Planning application

deemed ‘significant

all other applications

Different masterplans for the city

development’

Belfast Harbour Industrial & Commercial

Belfast Harbour has committed a £254million budget and strategic plan to improve the port’s infrastructure and build on it’s estate

Tribeca Belfast

Figure 95

Mixed-use

Tribeca is a £500m regeneration scheme providing public space, retail, nightlife, residential and office spaces

Effect

Gaeltacht Quarter Culture

Belfast Hub Infrastructure Segregated developments

Figure 96

£200million ‘transport led’ regeneration that will develop a mixed use scheme around improving existing transport.

Required

There are several independant mixed-use schemes in the city centre, that are necessary for the growth of the city however they appear to be isolated. This is perhaps due to the inconsistent planning sytem and potentially leads to a continuation of the already piecemeal nature of Belfast .

Waterside Belfast Mixed-use Creating cohesion

Figure 97

16acre scheme along the waterfront of the river Logan.

There is therefore evidence for more focus given to creating connections between developments through smaller scale surroundings and exploration of alternative mixed-use schemes. A recent example of this is the Gaeltacht Quarter. This scheme bridges the gap between the suburbs and city centre, using the Irish language.

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The Future: Summary Drawing Conclusions

Through the lack of government, Belfast city’s growth is affected. Several of its dependant sectors have been disconnected and are subsequently suffering.

An example of this has been shown through the development happening in the city. Although there are several aims and goals for the city, evidenced through the Belfast Agenda, these struggle to be realised due to the uncertainty in the city at present.

Belfast Agenda

There is a double planning system with independent plans for the city’s development, each only receiving a portion of planning applications. As a result, what is being managed to be filtered through the confusing planning system are several large schemes that do not correspond with each other or the city’s surroundings and needs.

Political Uncertainity

Incoherent Large Developments

Strategic Planning Policies

113

CITY SUMMARY

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