Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has met the woman tasked with overseeing the regeneration of Belfast's up-and-coming Cathedral Quarter.

Appointed by Belfast City Centre Management, Patricia Freedman will work closely with the newly formed Cathedral Quarter Steering Group.

The group, charged with addressing the long-term vision for the area, has already secured a suspension in rent increases for 30 workspaces located in the Quarter.

Minister Ritchie said the now defunct Langanside Corporation had made a "significant contribution to the physical regeneration" of the Cathedral Quarter.

Giving strong indication regeneration in the area is ongoing; Ms Ritchie cited schemes such as the multi-million pound St Anne's Square development and the relocation of the Old Museum Arts Centre.

"The time is now right to address the long-term future for this area and the appointment of the Cathedral Quarter Steering Group and the Development Manager will encourage a strategic and sustainable approach to its regeneration," said the Minister.

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The Department of Social Development has committed £100,000 to fund the stakeholders' steering group, as well as the Cathedral Quarter Development Manager post, filled by Ms Freedman.

American-born Ms Freedman will operate from Belfast City Centre Management's offices on Royal Avenue.

She said: "It is the oldest and historically most vibrant part of Belfast and currently home to many of the city’s most innovative and dynamic arts organizations and arts-aware businesses.

"In the run-up to the opening of major city-centre retail developments, we need to ensure that regeneration not only revitalizes the area but also safeguards its unique personality."

Chair of the area's steering group, Paul McErlean, said: "Our broad representation of arts, business, leisure and other stakeholders, creates an opportunity over the next two years to map out the strategy for the area going forward."

The department's investment in the scheme has a two-year provision.

In recent years the Cathedral Quarter has become a popular bar district, with trendy hotspots such as The Potthouse and Cloth Ear.

The area is also seen as a centre for 'alternative' arts and music, encompassing the Community Circus and music venues The Black Box and Oh Yeah!.

Last week a leading UK hotel chain announced plans for a new complex within the Quarter.

See: Belfast 'Premier' Spot For £5m Hotel

(PR/JM)