Bank Square has been proposed as the site
Belfast Council is to look at creating an LGBTQ mural in the city centre in preparation for a new hub being established at 2 Royal Avenue.
Elected representatives at the January meeting of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed for a report to come back from officers on the resource implications for the creation of a mural on a tower behind 2 Royal Avenue at Bank Square.
The proposal came from SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite, who said at the committee meeting: “A number of parties had a meeting this week with the LGBT sector organisations who are involved in the LGBT Hub project at 2 Royal Avenue. There have been discussions on different issues, and I am hoping that very soon we will be able to have that stock-taking meeting we have agreed at previous (committees).
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“One of the things that was raised was (a request for) street art around Bank Square. In my head it is still the Tesco Tower, at the back of 2 Royal Avenue, at the Bank Square entrance where the Tesco sign used to be. It would be an excellent location for a mural, and there is more than one surface there.
“It is a focal point in the city, and would be a very visible statement for the city’s support of the LGBT community. I propose we go and work with the organisations involved in the project to secure a mural on that tower.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Tomás Ó Néill said at the meeting: “I think it is a good idea. We know what way 2 Royal Avenue is going, so we may as well have a bit of visibility in and around the site.
“Bank Square is effectively going to be the heart of Fleadh, as Kelly’s and Maddens is the heart of traditional music in the city, and it would be great if the Square was a wee bit brighter.”
In August 2024 just under £1 million was announced through the EU’s Peaceplus Programme for a new dedicated space for the LGBT+ community at Belfast Council’s 2 Royal Avenue building, formerly the site of a Tesco store.
In 2023 Belfast City Council asked residents of the city in a consultation whether it needed a new building dedicated to the LGBT+ community.
The council said at the time: “Demand for services provided by LGBTQIA+ organisations has increased significantly in recent years. As many of these organisations receive little or no core funding, covering rent and other overheads can be challenging.
“As well as cost benefits, a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub would also provide a single point of contact for local and central government, statutory agencies, service providers, service users and other community organisations wanting to engage with the community.”
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