A public realm improvement scheme in Belfast has been approved with funding largely provided through contributions from developers in the city.

The College Avenue, College Street and College Court area will undergo road and pavement upgrades.

The £600,000 works are being funded by the developers of two purpose-built student accommodation projects and the Department of Communities.

Since the transfer of planning powers to local councils in 2015, Belfast City Council has implemented Section 76 agreements, which require developers to make financial contributions to mitigate against the impact of large developments in the city, or to improve the environment in the immediate area. To date, the Council has put in place agreements which have leveraged around £3 million in these developer contributions.

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The student accommodation developers will provide £475,650 towards the work, which was confirmed at the Belfast City Council meeting on 03 December.

Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of the Planning Committee, said: "This is a very welcome step forward, and a demonstration of the positive impact Section 76 agreements will have for our city. I am very glad that the first scheme will be on the ground soon and I look forward to more of these projects being brought forward in the future."

(CM)