The busy street was initially pedestrianised in December 2025 for a six month pilot
The pedestrianisation of a busy Belfast city centre street has been extended for a further six months, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.
Hill Street became a pedestrianised zone on December 4, 2025 as part of a six month pilot scheme which would extend until June 3, 2026. This week, the Infrastructure Minister confirmed the scheme will be extended for a further six months.
Since the street became pedestrianised, there has been an almost 80% reduction in cars using Hill Street. The scheme permits access for certain vehicles at prescribed times of the day, such as loading and unloading exemptions, as well as exemptions for blue badge holders to ensure accessibility to amenities in the area.
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During the extended six month period for the scheme, the Minister said officials will carry out engagement with stakeholders to determine if any amendments are needed, before introducing permanent legislation.
Hill Street, located in the Cathedral Quarter area, has become the central cultural spine of Belfast’s nightlife over the past 20 years. Its pedestrianisation had been spoken of for years, as concerns had been expressed over the dangerous potential for accidents as revellers and vehicles passed side by side through the tight cobbled thoroughfare.
The street was temporarily pedestrianised in 2020 during coronavirus by the Department for Infrastructure, with a view to making the move permanent, but this was consistently delayed to the frustrations of locally elected politicians at City Hall. It was estimated last year the proposal would cost around £5,000.
North Belfast MLA, Phillip Brett, asked the Infrastructure Minister earlier this week whether the pedestrianisation scheme would be extended. In response, the Minister said: “I was pleased to announce the pedestrianisation of Hill Street from 4 December 2025.
“It is a thriving area in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast as more and more visitors come to enjoy the hospitality on offer. Importantly this scheme will facilitate a vibrant social space that prioritises people by making the streets safer for pedestrians.
“By contributing to a more pleasant and enjoyable environment it will help maximise the street’s potential and enhance the nighttime and weekend economy.
“The current experimental Order was introduced as a six month pilot which currently extends to 3rd June 2026.
“The scheme does permit access for certain vehicles at prescribed times of the day, such as loading and unloading exemptions between 6am and 12pm. Exemptions are also in place for Blue Badge holders to ensure accessibility to amenities in the area.
“I am pleased to note that since its introduction, survey results indicate an almost 80 percent reduction in cars using Hill Street.
“At present I see no reason why the experimental scheme cannot be extended for a further six months during which time, officials will carry out engagement with key stakeholders to determine if amendments are required before introducing permanent legislation.”
Phillip Brett has welcomed the progress towards permanent pedestrianisation of the street. Mr Brett said: “I am pleased to have secured progress towards the permanent pedestrianisation of Hill Street, building on the success we have already seen since the scheme was introduced.
“The transformation of this part of the Cathedral Quarter is already delivering real benefits, with traffic reduced by over 70% and a safer, more welcoming environment created for residents, visitors and local businesses.
“Hill Street is a key part of Belfast’s cultural and hospitality offering, and it is important that we continue to support its growth by prioritising people and enhancing the overall experience in the city centre.
“The decision to extend the current arrangements for another 6 months is a positive and sensible step, and I will continue to work with the department and stakeholders to deliver the permanent pedestrianisation as soon as possible.”
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