Below is the IPH submission to the Department for Social Development (NI) consultation on the Draft Regeneration Framework for the North West Quarter Part 2 area of Belfast City Centre, the Northside Urban Village. The Framework outlines the vision for the redevelopment of an inner city area of Belfast.

• Accessible developments and the provision of safe attractive routes for walking and cycling facilitates people in choosing active means of transport which leads to increased levels of physical activity and improved health.
• The provision of additional pedestrian crossings would greatly enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This will encourage more people to use these routes.
• Providing a more aesthetically pleasing environment will present further encouragement for people to walk in the area.
• Increased pedestrian presence can reduce crime rates.
• Tree planting can improve air quality with subsequent benefits to cardiac and respiratory health.
• Creation of a new urban area has the potential to create more opportunities for physical activity and social interaction with subsequent benefits to health.
• Proximity to services is an important determinant in choosing active means of transport but other issues including attractiveness, safety and perceived safety (from crime and from road traffic accidents), topography and street layout all contribute to the ‘walkability’ of a neighbourhood. 
• Walkable neighbourhoods enhance social capital which impact positively on mental and physical health.

• Pedestrians and cyclists should be given the highest priority when developing or maintaining streets and roads. This can be achieved by introducing measures such as widening pavements and introducing cycle lanes.
• The improvement of streets through the use of vegetation which will assist to contribute to improved air quality.
• Incorporating principles of urban design which are known to improve safety and reduce fear of crime.
• Giving full consideration to the current character of the Northside Urban Village to create a more sustainable community to enhance social interaction and create a pleasant environment.
• Ensuring the walkable neighbourhood concept is fully utilised for the benefit of health, by considering the street layout, design and safety features to enhance physical activity and social capital.

• Employment opportunities can increase household incomes and enhance individual mental and social health.
• Employment opportunities in the retail/ leisure/ catering industries are more likely to be low paid, and insecure than in other areas of employment.

• The mixed-use development is used to provide opportunities to ensure local people can avail of local employment opportunities.
•  That the creation of employment opportunities through the redevelopment of the area needs to be considered alongside a range of factors such as the type of employment available and the skills match. Every effort must be made to match the skills to the local pool of resources.
• Specific attention be given to the needs of various groups, such as long-term unemployed and lone parents, as job creation does not mean job opportunities.

• New housing developments for both private and public tenure can create social divisions which can be detrimental to social capital.

• New developments should be designed to complement the current housing developments and character of the area. Additional support services such as residents associations need to be considered to ensure community integration.

• Providing a public space can improve social networks in residential areas.
•  Improving the public realm can contribute to social inclusion

• The development of quality public space to enhance physical and mental health and wellbeing for residents and broader community. This will also create an opportunity for increased social interaction.

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