Belfast City Council has announced that improvement works are now underway to restore Southern Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square.

As part of a joint venture, Partners Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID), Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities (DfC) have come together with the private sector to revive Great Victoria Street and surrounding areas.

The project is named 'Great Expectations' and includes an initial investment of £450,000 in public sector capital funding. The funding will be used to improve the streetscape, support the area's business community and residents in an effort to improve vibrancy and encourage further long-term private sector investment. The Great Victoria Street area is set to receive up to £1 billion investment in the next decade.

Initial work began in March 2023 and several shopfronts have been improved so far including Fanum House, Hope Street carpark and Great Victoria Street.

Significant improvement works are currently underway at Grand Central Station and Weavers Cross. Additional investment in the vicinity includes the Kainos HQ at Bankmore Square, student accommodation on Dublin Road and Hope Street, Belfast Rapid Transport Phase Two, and a major housing NI Housing Executive investment.

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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "We know there's a lot of work ahead, but Great Victoria Street and its surrounding areas are a key focus in our ambitious 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' and the area is set to play an even greater role in the regeneration of the city soon, connecting the new Weavers Cross Transport Hub and the city centre.

"Connecting with the area's established and emerging communities is a key priority for us and it’s fantastic to see continued private sector investment, helping to strengthen the city’s overall proposition and ensure Belfast remains as an attractive place to invest. We're committed to working alongside partners and the community to help bring about positive change."

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, said: "We're pushing an open door to growth and prosperity, with the Linen Quarter fast becoming one of the city's most vibrant areas to live, work and socialise. The transformation of Great Victoria Street is a top priority for us and we’re proud to work with partners to generate confidence and accelerate investment within the area.

"Alongside the Council's Vacant to Vibrant Scheme we're helping to bring unoccupied units back to life, and we've recently installed colourful vinyls which celebrate the street's architectural heritage, including notable landmarks such as Shaftesbury Hospital, the Ulster Bank, and site of Terri Hooley's famed Good Vibrations record store, creating an outdoor gallery. Research shows that enhancing streetscape is a direct catalyst for capital investment. Along with these important aesthetic interventions, we'll also support the business community to market their services and encourage greater footfall."

DfC’s Patrick Anderson, Director of Belfast Regeneration, said: "DfC is delighted to contribute to the revitalisation of the Great Victoria Street area. This investment by the Department, working collaboratively with the Linen Quarter BID and Belfast City Council, has improved the look and feel of the area, making it more attractive to those who live, work and visit here. This type of project demonstrates the Department’s commitment to support this part of Belfast City Centre, starting the revitalisation to part the ‘great’ back into Great Victoria Street."

Future improvements will focus on sustainability and urban ecology. A partnership with Ulster Wildlife will become part of BID's efforts to make the Linen Quarter Northern Ireland’s first sustainable district.