Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015
Plan Strategy: Supporting Economic Development

While the planning system cannot create jobs it has a key role in facilitating economic development through the zoning of land and provision of supportive planning policies.

The proximity of Belfast City Centre to the Harbour area provides a strong growth dynamic at the heart of the Metropolitan Area.

The Plan Proposals maintain the role of the City Centre as the primary retail and office location in Northern Ireland and provide for expansion in commercial activity.

Relocation of port functions and the potential for redevelopment of former shipyard lands are opening up major new development opportunities in the Harbour area. The Plan Proposals provide a framework to take advantage of these opportunities which does not prejudice the future development of Belfast City Centre.

Planning policies, land allocations and necessary supporting improvements to infrastructure provide the basis for future economic growth and job creation. This will enable the BMA to continue to fulfil its role as the primary engine for growth and prosperity in Northern Ireland, while also targeting disadvantaged TSN areas within the Metropolitan Area.

The Plan Proposals provide for a generous and continuous supply of land for employment purposes in a range of accessible and sustainable locations throughout the Plan Area. Major Employment Locations (MELs) are designated at Belfast Harbour (including Titanic Quarter), West Lisburn, Purdysburn and Mallusk/Ballyhenry, together with designation of employment sites to target disadvantage and assist regeneration in North, West and East Belfast. Employment sites are provided in Bangor and Carrickfergus to provide local employment and an alternative to commuting. Lands are zoned in a number of towns and villages in the rural area to facilitate growth and diversification of the rural economy.

Lisburn City Centre and the town centres are promoted as major locations for future retail and office growth. Provision is made for controlled growth of retailing at the Sprucefield Regional Shopping Centre. The Plan Proposals provide flexibility to secure further inward investment through limited dispersal of major office development to business parks.

Support for further growth in tourism is provided through protecting a range of tourism development opportunities and facilitating the development of tourism infrastructure.