The Belfast Region City Deal is a bespoke package of funding and decision-making powers negotiated between central government and local authorities, that has the potential to transform our economy for the better of everyone.
The Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) comprises the six councils of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, working in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, Belfast Metropolitan College and Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College and the Southern Regional College.
This co-investment from the UK government, local government, the universities and the private sector is designed to deliver a step change in our region’s economic fortunes, help achieve a 10 year programme of inclusive growth, and create up to 20,000 new and better jobs, accessible to people from all communities.
Belfast Region City Deal partners welcomed news of £350 million investment from Treasury announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Autumn Budget, 29 October 2018. As part of the deal, the NI Executive is expected to add at least a further £350 million and councils will contribute over £100 million. It is hoped the deal will create up to 20,000 new and better jobs alongside delivering a 10 year programme of inclusive economic growth – including an increase of £470m Gross Value Added (GVA).
The Treasury announcement forms part of a £850 million co-investment package for the city region. It is also anticipated that direct investment from the private sector will take the overall package for inclusive growth to well over £1 billion. The six Belfast Region City Deal partner councils have committed £100 million investment, whilst Queen’s University and Ulster University have committed £50 million.
Regional Further Education colleges will deliver a complementary education, employability and skills programme to ensure that people gain the necessary skills to secure and deliver on the new and better paid jobs that will be created.
On 26 March 2019, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, signed the Heads of Terms – an outline business case – for the Belfast City Deal, alongside the Belfast Region City Deal partners and the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
We’ll share updates on the Belfast Region City Deal on Twitter using #BRcitydeal
