Regional Development Strategy 2035 - Tourism and Urban Renaissance Framework

The regional planning policy context is provided by the RDS. It recognises the importance of accessible, vibrant city centres, which offer people more choice for shopping, social activity and recreation. In particular, it identifies the need to enhance the distinctive role of the city centre as the economic driver of the region. The RDS provides a framework to support the growth of tourism, and the urban renaissance of Belfast as a vibrant capital city. There are a number of regional guidelines, providing a long term policy direction including:- • RG4 Promote a sustainable approach to the provision of tourism infrastructure seeks to encourage a balanced approach that safeguards tourism infrastructure while benefiting society and the economy; improving facilities for tourists and encouraging environmentally sustainable tourism development. • RG7 Support urban and rural renaissance seeks to support urban regeneration to improve the choice for social activity and recreation. This includes the requirement to reduce noise pollution, to avoid, prevent or reduce, the harmful effects of noise that impacts on wellbeing. • RG11 Conserve, protect and, where possible, enhance our built heritage and our natural environment seeks to support Investment in new tourism facilities in our towns, and cities, to obtain the maximum benefit from our wealth of cultural and built heritage assets. • SFG3 Enhance the role of Belfast City Centre as the regional capital and focus of administration, commerce, specialised services and cultural amenities seeks to develop a diverse and distinctive cultural and arts offer to generate a significant influence on investment in the city centre.