Improving Belfast

Guest speaker at the Club Meeting Monday 18 November MD Chris McCracken, Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), explained its regeneration vision and success since it was set up last year. He noted that a BID is a business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area where businesses are required to pay a levy in order to fund projects within the district's boundaries. The Linen Quarter BID covers the historic linen industry area which has streets in the American grid style which influenced the style of their logo.

Chris revealed that they are: democratic - having been voted in by 400 organisations; focused on delivery - giving value back and are daring - with their projects not being constrained by reliance on Government grants. They have 4 key themes: Promoted and Vibrant, Clean and Sustainable, Safe & Secure and Regeneration & Investment which cover 33 projects and in their 1st year 55% of them are underway with 9 projects delivered, 9 initiated and 15 yet to start. His very interesting presentation was very well received by the members and guests present.