New sets of specialised LED lights have been installed in Belfast city centre, illuminating Church Lane and Bank Square.

The Belfast One lighting schemes feature LED lights festooned along the length of Church Lane and tree lighting at Bank Square. The lights are set to come on at dusk and switch off at dawn. The Church Lane lighting scheme includes 15 crossing centenary wires with two or three alternate lights hanging from each, as well as street artwork and planters along the streetscape. Additional works will soon be completed at Cole's Alley, just off Church Lane.

These schemes were funded by Belfast City Council as part of the Covid19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme from Department of Communities and supported by Department for Infrastructure.

Launching the lighting scheme, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Black said: "This new street lighting demonstrates the successful partnership working between Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Communities, the BIDs, and businesses to deliver placemaking projects that are revitalising our city. On Church Lane, this new lighting will not only illuminate a bustling city centre street, but also enhance connectivity between our vibrant retail core and the lively Cathedral Quarter, making it a safer, more pleasant route for all those who walk, wheel or cycle. The new lighting installed at Bank Square is also a very welcome addition to the enhancements delivered in that area over the last number of years. I'd like to commend the Belfast One BID, the Departments, council, and especially the Church Lane traders and businesses for their cooperation and support. Initiatives like these are helping us to deliver on our Bolder Vision and Future City Centre ambitions for Belfast - creating livelier, safer and greener streets."

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Welcoming the new lighting schemes, Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, added: "I am delighted to see the positive change being delivered through the Covid19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme. My Department introduced the Programme to assist our towns and city centres in their recovery and it is making real change. I commend the Belfast One BID in their vision for this area. It will no doubt contribute to the area as a vibrant and engaging place for people to enjoy."

Kathleen McBride, Belfast One, commented: "In partnership with Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and city centre businesses, we are delighted to unveil the lighting schemes located at Church Lane and Bank Square. The aim of the schemes is to help enhance and create an identity of place that is vibrant, safe and welcoming at both locations. From its inception, businesses welcomed this investment. We are delighted with the results and feel this lighting scheme will contribute positively towards promoting Belfast city centre as a place people want to live, work, visit and invest in."