12th March 2026
Businesses in Belfast city centre have voted in favour of renewing the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five years, reaffirming their shared commitment to driving growth, investment and vibrancy in the city centre through to 2031.
The outcome secures a third five-year term for Belfast One, continuing a decade-long partnership with city centre businesses led by Chief Executive Martina Connolly.
94.1% voted in favour of Belfast One BID returning.
Over the past ten years, the BID has delivered numerous popular events in the city centre, including Summer Cinema and Santa’s Post Office, as well as successful initiatives such as the City Centre Beat Team and Late Night Transport, alongside support for, and funding the Night Czar, making the city more accessible, driving footfall and enhancing time spent in the area.
The re-election of Belfast One ensures that the BID will deliver its five-year business plan which sets out the priorities and actions that will guide Belfast One until 2031, shaped directly by the voices of the Belfast city centre businesses. The Belfast One BID will invest over £5.5 million back into the local economy in the five-year term to support projects and initiatives in the Belfast One area.
The next five years for Belfast One BID focuses on promoting Belfast City Centre as a place people want to visit, explore, invest in and talk about, driving the footfall businesses and investors depend on. They will work to enhance the visitor experience through cleanliness, safety and the appearance of the city centre.
Existing successful initiatives from previous terms will continue throughout this new term, such as the City Centre Clean Team and the Belfast City Centre Gift Card, a successful scheme driving footfall and encouraging local spend, as well as introducing multiple new initiatives with a major focus on crime and antisocial behaviour, placemaking and shaping a better city centre.
Leona Barr, Chair of the Board for Belfast One BID commented, “We wish to extend a huge thank you to the businesses who have supported the ballot, we’re pleased to see the businesses voting in such strong numbers, which reflects their confidence in the BID. This is a fantastic result for the city, and businesses within the BID alongside visitors to the city centre, will no doubt feel the benefits of the re-election.
“It’s so important that the businesses are involved in the future of the city and through lobbying and partnership, we will continue to shape the BID area. I’ve witnessed firsthand the role that Belfast One plays in the innovation and regeneration of the city, and we are looking forward to continuing the development of Belfast for everyone.”
Supporting local businesses is at the heart of what the BID do, providing practical support, timely and insightful data and more collaboration. Representing more than 700 multi-sector businesses across the BID area, Belfast One will ensure the needs of businesses are understood, represented and acted upon.
Martina Connolly, Chief Executive, Belfast One BID, commented, “We’re absolutely delighted to have the support of the businesses throughout the city centre. The re-election proves the businesses’ trust in the BID and the impact we have had in our previous terms.
“Over the past decade we have worked hand in hand with local businesses and city partners to champion investment, attract visitors, improve safety and cleanliness and support business growth. We know there is still a lot of work to be done, and this business plan sets out a clear direction, strong delivery focus and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
“As we enter this new term, we are excited by events and initiatives still to come that will welcome tourism and increase visitor numbers. We look forward to getting the city ready for key events from Fleadh to a summer of concerts, ensuring the city is in the best place to welcome visitors and enhancing experience through late night transport, boosting city centre economy. We are also focussed on key infrastructure and regeneration projects that need to happen such as the North South Glider and Royal Avenue and Castle Street regeneration.
“Above all, the next term will reflect that a successful city centre is built through partnership and that when businesses are supported and represented, Belfast thrives.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Lauren Irwin, JComms: 07827394061 / lauren.irwin@jcomms.co.uk
