A £7m scheme designed to rejuvenate the heart of Belfast city centre has been unveiled, marking the second phase of a massive urban renewal project.

Works have already started on Donegall Place and Castle Place - the two main shopping precincts in the city.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the new streetscaping would be 'world class', and be completed by September 2010.

She said the money will be spent on new paving and new lighting to increase accessibility for pedestrians, and to secure much needed jobs in the construction sector.

"When the first stage of this work is completed next year we will have wider pavements and partial pedestrianisation with buses running only in one direction," said the Minister.

"The new streetscape should also attract further investment in retail once the market picks up and enhance those businesses currently trading in the area."

She said the general design of the new streetscape will respect the historic fabric of the area.

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"The construction works will be carried out in full consultation with local businesses in the streets to be improved. I would ask city centre stakeholders and the public to bear with us as the end result will be worthwhile," said Ms Ritchie.

The Minister acknowledged the recent re-digging of completed paving work in the vicinity of Victoria Square - improvement works that were originally completed under the same Streets Ahead scheme.

"Previous completed paving works, which have been dug up by utility companies, has hampered the construction programme of late. I want to ensure a better effort to coordinate their activities within the existing roads legislation and construction programme going forward."

Ms Ritchie said she has written to her ministerial colleague Conor Murphy, who has responsibility for roads, and asked him to consider bringing in stiffer penalties.

Phase one of the project (Ann Street/Cornmarket area) will end when the streetscape is in place in 2010.

It will have transformed 13 streets in Belfast's main shopping area representing a total investment of £28m.

Charlie Francis, Associate Director of Atkins architects, said: "This is an exceptionally challenging and complex project that has required extensive design and construction collaborations to realise what will be a major asset in raising Belfast's profile as a European destination of choice for overall quality of life."

Welcoming the announcement, and delighted at being re-appointed as contractors for the Area 2 scheme, Contracts Manager John McReynolds said: "We welcome the award of these works to Farrans at a time when there is so much gloomy news throughout the construction industry."

An exhibition of the designs and materials will be on display in venues throughout Belfast to let the public see the plans for Donegall Place and Castle Place.

(PR/JM)