UK and NI Executive Ministers gathered at the ICC Belfast this morning (Wednesday, December 15) to sign the first ever City Deal for Northern Ireland.

The Belfast Region City Deal unlocks £1 billion of transformative co-investment which will deliver more than 20 highly ambitious projects and programmes, create up to 20,000 new and better jobs and help make the region a global investment destination over the next decade.

The Deal will strengthen the region’s offer in growth sectors such as life and health sciences, digital and creative industries and advanced manufacturing. It will also support next generation digital capabilities, boost tourism by creating world-class visitor experiences and enable regeneration, underpinned by infrastructure developments and investment in skills to connect people to jobs and services.

Belfast Region City Deal partners, including 4 of the 6 regional Colleges, have been working intensively since 2017 with the NI Executive, UK Government and industry partners to develop the deal and prepare the case for investment.

Speaking on behalf of the Belfast Region City Deal partners, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

“This is a momentous day for the Belfast region. Thanks to cross-party political support, private sector backing and unprecedented levels of collaboration from all of the Belfast region partners, we’ve succeeded in securing this significant, long term commitment to transforming the NI economy in the sectors where we have the potential to become world leaders. The Deal comes at a critical time, as we work to help local businesses and communities recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. A decade of opportunity starts now.”

First Minister Paul Givan said:

“It is, by any measure, a monumental investment when you look at the overall figures. But it is more than justified when you consider the outcomes.
“We’re funding the great potential that exists here, and the promise of a brighter, better tomorrow. As an Executive, we support the innovation and optimism which exists not just here in Belfast, but across the region. And we want to see Northern Ireland thrive.

“Our four City and Growth Deals will help to tackle regional imbalance and allow for additional regional regeneration. They will deliver a balanced spread of benefits across Northern Ireland, expanding connectivity and improving the lives of all our citizens.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“City Deals are an investment in our future. The Executive is committed to realising the economic potential they offer and maximising the opportunities they present for all.

“The Belfast Region City Deal will be truly transformative for the regional economy and for the people of the area. The scale of the investment reflects the enormous ambition, potential and capability, which is present throughout this whole region. Today’s milestone signing is a significant achievement for all the partners who have worked tirelessly to deliver this Deal and it is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together to co-design and co-deliver for the benefit of all our people.”

Commenting on the signing of the Belfast Regional City Deal’s Terms of Reference, on behalf of the four Further Education College partners, Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, and Southern Regional College, Ken Webb said:


“The Belfast Regional City Deal is an exciting opportunity for our colleges to further integrate and provide key knowhow and skilled talent to bolster the local economy and help Belfast and the surrounding regions prosper post-pandemic. The City Deal is a real catalyst for change for the Belfast region as it looks to invigorate and innovate the economy through creating the infrastructure to create better jobs based on the agreed need for a skilled workforce.

"Our colleges stand ready to play active roles in the Deal and its surrounding strategies to ensure thousands of local, talented young people are positioned to play their part in the economy and access well-paid, skilled jobs.

“Further Education provides the pathway for thousands of our young people to learn transformational skills which enables them to be work-ready as they leave education and support innovating sectors including FinTech, Manufacturing and IT fulfil economic commitments. Our contribution to this City Deal will further develop these vital links between colleges and employers, ensuring the right skills and talents are being nourished as we adapt to the ever-evolving economic climate of Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with all of the Belfast Regional City Deal partners to ensure the economic growth of the city region, and in turn a strengthened society for the next generations.”

Heads of Terms for the Belfast Region City Deal were signed on 26 March 2019, committing the UK Government to investing £350 million. This has been matched by the Northern Ireland Executive. And with £150 million from Belfast Region City Deal partners and private sector investment, it is anticipated that the total Belfast Region City Deal investment package will exceed £1 billion.

For more information on the Belfast Region City Deal, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastregioncitydeal. Updates are posted at #BRCityDeal.