Pub fears further desertions in city center street as there are no more parking spaces

The manager of a pub in Belfast city center says the street where it is located could become further deserted due to the removal of parking spaces in the area.

The Department for Infrastructure says new temporary bus lanes have been created in parts of the city center due to work to improve public spaces as part of the work to open the new Belfast Grand Central Station.

As part of the work, parking has been removed from North Street in the city centre, much of which has fallen into disrepair in recent years as the controversial Tribeca project has stalled.

READ MORE: New temporary bus lanes in Belfast city center will ‘reduce congestion’

READ MORE: Cathedral Quarter Trust Files Objections To Updated Tribeca Project Plans

David Neely, Operations Manager at The Deer’s Head in the area, told Belfast Live that the removal of parking is the latest blow to a suffering part of the city. He said many visitors to the site will be put off because buses from the city center stop at 11pm.

“The night-time economy, which as we all know is a major concern for the wider hospitality sector, would be helped if we had a later bus service and taxi numbers returned to pre-coronavirus levels,” David said. .

“That won’t happen for a while, and until that happens, it is very important for us to drive and park close to our location. Many of our live shows go on after 11pm, so safe parking near our venue is very important. We are also saddened by the loss of the handicapped spaces next to our location.

“As you stand at the bottom of North Street at the Waring Street & Bridge Street Junction one evening, with this new bus lane, you are now looking down an empty, deserted and poorly lit street. Not an inviting 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 fewer visitors in the evenings, in an already depressed area.”

The publican added that the decision to remove the parking spaces was typical of recent actions where the area was neglected.

“We are frustrated by the lack of investment in the area in recent years,” he said.

“The inaction of proposed development in Tribeca has caused more of our neighbors at the bottom of North Street to permanently close their doors, which has had the knock-on effect of pushing the area into deeper disrepair.”

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

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

“The Department would advise anyone coming to Belfast city center in the coming months to use active travel or public transport networks where possible, for a quicker journey.

“These lanes ensure that emergency services can continue to reach and traverse the city centre. They also play a crucial role in creating a modern and effective transport network and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

“The lanes will be available for buses, motorcycles, bicycles and authorized taxis during operating periods and for all vehicles at other times. The lanes are clearly marked with white lines and the corresponding signs. And any accessible parking spaces that are affected will be relocated.”

Visit the Belfast Live homepage for all the latest news here and sign up for our daily newsletter here.