KEY MOVES

CREATION OF A CIVIC SPINE WITH A FOCUS ON PEOPLE

Establish a clearly defined and recognisable strategic north-south Civic Spine, connecting the 
Ulster University and York street Interchange through the heart of the city to Queens University 
via Botanic Avenue. The Civic Spine would be reconfigured to prioritise space for people and 
support effective access by public transport while enabling the introduction of green spaces 
for a diverse, inclusive, future-proofed and vibrant city centre.

The Civic Spine would further help catalyse a network of secondary people focused 
connections, providing safe, accessible and legible movement for people in the city centre.

Strengthening existing projects:

• Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 

• York Street Interchange

• Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 & 5

• Belfast Transport Hub

• Five C’s Project

• Belfast Destination Hub

Shorter Term Interventions /Catalyst Opportunities:

Redesign the Great Patrick Street junction with a people first approach, supporting 
improved safety, walking, wheeling and cycling.

Through schemes such as Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 and 5, identify priority 
streets wherein standard on-street parking is removed and re-allocated for spaces 
for people, including linear pocket parks, public realm, retail and pop-up events.

Review location and provision of on-street parking for blue badge provision, coach 
parking and better streets and places for people

Develop Franklin Street to Amelia Street as a people focussed connection to 
a newly invigorated Blackstaff Square, with a focus on walking, wheeling and 
cycling, supporting the Belfast Cycling Network 2021 and reinforcing a strong 
desire line to Belfast Transport Hub. 

Longer Term interventions:

Further develop the Civic Spine with a high-quality ‘people first’ space while 
still delivering efficient public transportation connections and city servicing 
requirements.

Integrating blue/green infrastructure, the Civic Spine should provide safe, 
accessible and legible movement in the heart of the city that will be delivered 
through the SA3, SA5 & BRT projects.

Transform the Linen Quarter to become a sustainable people focussed district, 
restricting levels of standard on-street parking and reallocating space for blue 
badge holders, public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling.