North Street: A Belfast pub fears further desertion on a city center street with parking spaces removed

The manager of a Belfast city center pub says the street it is on could face further desertion due to the removal of parking spaces in the area.

The Department for Infrastructure said new temporary bus lanes have been put in place in parts of the city center due to public space improvement works being carried out as part of work to open the new Belfast Grand Central Station.

The work removed parking spaces from downtown North Street, much of which had fallen into disrepair in recent years as the controversial Tribeca project stalled.

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David Neely, operations manager of The Deer’s Head, which is located in the area, told Belfast Live that the removal of parking spaces is the latest blow to the struggling area of ​​the city. He said many visitors to the site would be deterred from coming because buses from the city center stop at 11 p.m.

“The night-time economy, which we all know is a major concern for the wider hospitality industry, would be helped by having a later bus service and taxi numbers returning to pre-Covid levels,” said David. .

“That’s not happening anytime soon, and until it does, it’s very important for us to drive and park close to our campus. Many of our live shows start after 11pm so secure parking close to our venue is very important. We also regret the loss of wheelchair accessible spaces next to our venue.

“When you stand at the end of North Street at Waring Street & Bridge Street Junction in the evening with this new bus lane, you will now be looking for an empty, deserted and poorly lit street. It is not a pleasant street for visitors to our city.

“We are all for a better transport system. More buses and later buses will bring life to the city. Lower North Street is well served by Translink, but the loss of parking will result in less footfall in the evenings, in an already depressed area.

The inn added that the decision to remove the parking spaces was typical of recent events that have neglected the area.

“In recent years we have been frustrated by the lack of investment in the area,” he said.

“The inaction of the proposed Tribeca development has resulted in more of our neighbors at the lower end of North Street closing their doors permanently, causing the area to deteriorate further.”

The Department for Infrastructure says the North Street bus lane will operate from 7am to 7pm, from Bridge Street to Royal Avenue, and has encouraged people visiting the city center to use public transport.

“These measures will reduce traffic congestion by providing a viable alternative to the car,” said a DfI spokesman.

“The Department would recommend that anyone arriving in central Belfast in the coming months use active travel or public transport networks where possible for a quicker journey.

“These lanes will ensure that emergency services can continue to enter and move through the city centre. They also play a vital role in creating a modern and efficient transport network and contribute to reducing congestion and environmental pollution.

“The lanes will be available to buses, motorbikes, bicycles and permitted taxis during operating hours and to all vehicles at other times. Lanes will be clearly marked with white lines and associated markings. And all accessible parking spaces affected will be relocated.”

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