Positive placemaking policy and justification

The aim of this policy is to promote the principles of good design in the creation of buildings and spaces that strengthen civic pride, community ownership and stewardship. The built environment and its future development will have a substantial influence on the character and quality of Belfast. The ways in which buildings and surrounding spaces are designed, the configuration of movement within and through spaces and the access to quality open space are all factors that influence people's quality of life and the choices they make, which in turn have a knock on effect on health and wellbeing. The definition of placemaking requires the understanding of places and their context. Context is cultural, social and economic as well as physical and visual. Successful places will respond to their context and become not only functional and more attractive, but will provide meaningful contributions to a wider sense of place. Positive placemaking creates opportunities for the city to embrace good design to provide a high quality built environment that is attractive for residents, businesses, investors and visitors. There is a responsibility on all aspects of the development process to make changes, whether big or small, that create sustainable, resource efficient and liveable places. Placemaking is not simply design-led, but a process that requires collaboration between a wide range of private, public, voluntary and community stakeholders. Meaningful consultation from the earliest design stages in planning development schemes is fundamental for the effective use of spaces, resources, the built heritage and natural landscape and the creation of successful places that everyone can utilise daily, in a way that is comfortable, valuable and enjoyable. Policy SP5 – Positive placemaking: The council will support development that maximises the core principles of good design and positive placemaking in the creation of successful and sustainable places.