Robin Newton MBE MLA

East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has said that the Victoria Square project should act as a model of best practice for private enterprise and local government working in co-operation. Mr. Newton commented on the close working relationship between Belfast City Council and MDC, the developers behind Victoria Square, and urged similar networks to be formed in the future.

Robin Newton said,

"Many complimentary remarks were made by the Victoria Square developers MDC as the Council worked to persuade key statutory agencies to proceed with the project. When the potential of the project began to emerge the Council played an ambassadorial role as MDC brought potential funders and investors to Belfast. This mutually beneficial approach needs to be built upon.

Victoria Square is an important flag-ship project which shows what can be achieved through a partnership approach. Nevertheless, if Belfast is to realise its full potential the Council must play a leadership role in securing further private developer interests of comparable scales. It is a time of great opportunity for Belfast and it is vital that the political image of the Council is seen as progressive, pioneering and willing to rise to the challenge of modernising the city.  

This has not always been the image portrayed. For example, having no policy on high-rise buildings inhibits city centre development and the council needs to raise this matter, engage with and seek a progressive policy from the planners. The city’s ratepayers, both private and business, will not forgive us if we fritter away the potential prospects.”