Belfast is blooming. Good new buildings for Culture are everywhere. A brand new Arts Centre, Lyric Theatre and Opera House refurbished and glossy Waterfront Centre sit proudly alongside refurbished gems from the era of 19th century manufacturing and commercial wealth. The shopping heart of the city is being pedestrianised – as everywhere – but there is still a huge inventory of older property where a small creative business can find a place with specialist shops, cosy cafes and trendy bars. Like Liverpool or Glasgow, the city has good bones but feels like it needs fleshing out a bit more. They hope Culture will lead the way.
