Rooftop beehives and a 20mph speed limit feature in a new plan to revamp Lisburn city centre .
The document, released by the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, updates an existing plan published nearly a decade ago, before the council had planning powers.
The plan aspires to prepare Northern Ireland's third largest city against the "uncertainties" of Brexit and climate change - with new green areas and a "business incubator" for start-ups.
Alderman Allan Ewart said environmental awareness and sustainability were fundamental to an "ambitious" vision which aims to "break the concrete collar" of the A1/A3, discourage car use and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists.
New green ideas include inner city "parklets", rooftop beehives and rooftop plant corridors to encourage bees, birds and bats.
Ald Ewart added: "We are working to reduce the effects of road structure in the city centre. We’re trying to be a modern city and we want those who visit to want to have an enjoyable experience."
He said the local authority's increased powers meant it could redevelop council-owned land.
Plans are already underway to revamp council-owned carparks, including Laganbank car park which the council wants to turn into residential and office space.
He added: "We have better lending rates and I think we need to get business into the city centre."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Linking riverbank parks: The council propopses to "reimagine" green spaces along the Lagan River and create a new destination park, linked by cycling and walking paths with cafes and cycle hire points along the river.
- Downgrade A1/A3 to "break concrete collar" around Lisburn: This ties in with the proposed Knockmore Link Relief Road, which council hopes will reduce traffic volume so the A1/A3 can be downgraded.
- Business incubator: The Lisburn Health Centre wouold move from Linenhall Road to Lagan Valley Hospital, and replaced with a business incubator for start-ups and independent businesses.
- New speed limit for city streets: A 20 mph speed limit would apply to all city streets, under a proposed "20's plenty" campaign.
- Green city: small-scale temporary and permanent "parklets" in the city centre, green walls and roofs, rooftop corridors with plants to encourage birds and bees and urban beehives and insect hotels on accessible rooftops.
- Regenerating Smithfield Square: Carpark use would continue, but the square would also host ourdoor events and markets.
- Island Valley Arts relocation: The plan raises the possibility of moving the Island Arts Centre to the city centre.
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