LQ In The News
Each month LQ BID will bring our members the latest media coverage gained through recent press stories. Links will include, news articles, videos, podcasts, images and more. These links will be available for you to view at your own leisure, ensuring you are kept up to date with the latest stories hot off the press!
February
During February a range of media outlets focussed on the successful outcome of the BID’s term two ballot. These featured articles and allowed our Managing Director to set out some of the future of the BID and the relevance of its remit for the local area. This month, MD Chris McCracken also featured on the Frank Mitchell show to discuss Belfast Restaurant Week 2023 – an important initiative to support local hospitality in the Linen Quarter and Belfast.
News Letter
Business First
Love Belfast
Sync NI
U105 – Frank Mitchell show
January
During January, we’ve been continuing our work to promote the Linen Quarter as a vibrant destination. You may have seen us recently featured on Good Morning Ulster talking about the importance of BIDs in place management, and BBC Talkback in relation to the Night-Time Economy.
November
This month, you may have heard our Managing Director Chris McCracken on Good Morning Ulster speaking on the opening of the new Primark building on Castle Street. Chris also joined the Red Lines Podcast and BBC’s The View alongside a diverse panel for a general discussion on city centre regeneration, putting forward support for new residential, low-cost creative space, the night-time economy, and investment in active travel.
September
During September, the BID hosted its annual Health Week – a jam packed week of free events to encourage people and businesses to focus on their personal health and wellbeing. LQ BID featured in local media including the Irish News, Belfast Telegraph and Business First to speak about the importance of a healthy district. Read all about it below!
‘Linen Quarter Health Week 2022’
Business First
Linen Quarter Health Week 2022 launched · BUSINESSFIRST (businessfirstonline.co.uk)
News Letter
LQ BID launch Health Week to support and promote a healthy city district | Belfast News Letter
LQ BID reveals plans to make over more of city’s neglected areas
Belfast Telegraph
August
During August, LQ BID brightened up the district with new colourful graphics on the parklet outside Pug Uglys and the BBC, inspired by famous street artists, Maser; Haas & Hahn and Eduardo Kobra. LQ BID’s MD Chris McCracken, also featured in local media including Belfast Live and Business Live regarding positive changes taking place in the City, met with the Belfast Telegraph and BBC to showcase improvements in the Linen Quarter and spoke to Frank Mitchell on U105 . Read all about it below!
‘GAME-CHANGING’ DEVELOPMENTS FOR BELFAST CITY
Belfast Live
Business Live
Belfast’s Linen Quarter Gets a New Look
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-62653411?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
How Parklets are Transforming Outdoor Spaces
Belfast Live
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/how-parklets-outdoor-spaces-transforming-24865221
June
In June, LQ BID announced a new pilot partnership with Extern, to improve and prioritise community safety, tackle anti-social behaviour such as problem drug use, and support vulnerable people in the LQ area. LQ BID’s MD Chris McCracken, also featured in local media regarding masonry, which fell from a listed building located on Bedford Street in LQ! Read all about it below!
MASONRY FALLS IN LQ
Belfast Telegraph
EXTERN PARTNERSHIP
Newsletter
Business First Online
FLAXX COVERAGE CONTINUES
Belfast City Council
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/News/New-shared-space-FLAXX-at-Linen-Quarter-is-introdu
May
In May, LQ BID kicked off the month by adding a new mural to the District, designed by street artist and mural painter, Sophie Mess. The new mural on Linenhall Street was installed as part of the Hit The North Street Art Festival. But the headlines didn’t stop there, as LQ BID unveiled FLAXX in LQ, a brand new social space located on Brunswick Street! Set to open in June, the impressive 43-metre-long structure will become a vibrant spot for people to enjoy social and cultural experiences! Be sure to check out both the mural and FLAXX if you’re in LQ!
NEW MURAL
Business First
Love Belfast
NEW MURAL ‘SHAPING IDEAS’ INSTALLED ON LINENHALL STREET AS PART OF HIT THE NORTH FESTIVAL
FLAXX AT LQ
Belfast Telegraph
Belfast Live
Belfast Live (editorial)
News Letter
Public realm reimagined as shared space at Linen Quarter | Belfast News Letter
Irish News
Public realm reimagined as new shared space introduced in Linen Quarter – The Irish News
Love Belfast
PUBLIC REALM REIMAGINED AS NEW SHARED SPACE, FLAXX AT LINEN QUARTER, IS INTRODUCED – LoveBelfast
Business First
Flaxx at Linen Quarter revealed · BUSINESSFIRST (businessfirstonline.co.uk)
Belfast Media
Belfast to FLAXX its muscle with new outdoor city centre space (belfastmedia.com)
April
In April, LQ BID’s MD Chris McCracken spoke with the British BIDs to record a short podcast and discuss all things Golden Mile, and why tourists should walk the route when visiting Belfast! After all, there are over 20 attractions to see!
British BIDs
We’re off to Belfast in the latest of our mini-conversations looking at how BIDs are building back from Covid. @LinenQuarterBID has reinstated The Golden Mile to boost tourism and footfall in the city.
Listen to our full chat with Chris on The British BIDs Podcast 🎧 pic.twitter.com/yKiBEQ1K0g
— British BIDs (@BritishBIDs) May 3, 2022
March
In March, Linen Quarter BID ran a dedicated Clean and Safe Week, comprising of events, services and initiatives for our members, which focused on making LQ a cleaner and safer district. We received great support from our members, and coverage across local media.
Clean & Safe Week:
Business First Online
News Letter
LQ BID to host ‘clean and safe week’ | Belfast News Letter
February
In February, coverage of the Belfast City Centre Gift Card continued, following a very successful two years and a £188k boost to local businesses! The card has seen an increase in not only users, but participating businesses – giving customers more of a variety across the City Centre, when spending the card.
BELFAST CITY CENTRE GIFT CARD:
Business Eye
http://www.businesseye.co.uk/city-centre-gift-card-gives-lift-local-businesses/
Belfast Live
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfast-city-centre-gift-card-22912562
January
Although January is known for being a slower month post-Christmas, things certainly didn’t slow down for LQ BID, as we highlighted a number of on-going initiatives we have been working on. First up, we recently joined Belfast City Council for a partnership campaign, on the importance of personal safety across the District. This campaign involved LQ BID delivering personal safety alarms to members, after funding was provided by the Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). Our work didn’t stop there however, as promotion of the Belfast City Centre Gift Card continued, following a very successful two years and a £188k boost to local businesses!
Personal Safety Campaign:
News Letter:
Business First:
News Letter:
See press clipping below
Belfast City Centre Gift Card:
Irish News:
Belfast live:
BELFAST CITY CENTRE GIFT CARD PROVIDES BUSINESSES WITH A £188K BOOST
Newsletter:
December
In December, it was a busy time for LQ BID’s partnership with Belfast One and Destination CQ BID, as we collaborated on promotion of the Belfast City Centre Gift Card. The initiative, aimed at supporting City Centre businesses, garnered interest from local media and we even managed to bag two renowned radio personalities to support the campaign!
Belfast Live:
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/belfast-city-centre-gift-card-22495723
Daily Advent:
Irish News:
Press clipping below
November
In November, LQ BID was delighted to host the RE[act] Festival, after months of planning the festival programme. RE[act] featured 30 unique events between 2 – 14 November 2021, and it was a completely new festival, that sought to inspire a more sustainable Belfast (and Northern Ireland). It took place at the same time as COP26, and was aligned with the global conference’s daily themes, to help integrate Northern Ireland into the global conversation. See links below to local coverage gained during time of festival.
RE[act] Festival
Belfast Telegraph
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
News Letter
October
In October, LQ BID had a very busy month – with not one, but two launches! Firstly, we launched RE[act] Festival – a brand new festival which seeks to inspire a more sustainable Belfast. Coverage has been fantastic to date, with lots of events taking place for everyone to join! And secondly, we launched a new parklet outside Pug Uglys bar on Bedford Street, to help revitalise hospitality and encourage footfall in the area. Read more below!
RE[act] Festival
Irish News
New Parklet @ Pugs
Sunday Life:
Reimagining Public Realm
Infrastructure Intelligence:
September
In September, LQ BID revealed plans to transform the Linen Quarter into the first sustainable district in Northern Ireland, helping to lead the collective effort required to tackle the climate crisis. To launch this project, LQ BID held a Sustainable Business Breakfast in LQ-based venue, Ormeau Baths. Also in September, Linen Quarter BID’s MD Chris McCracken, spoke with the Irish News for their ‘In the Spotlight’ feature.
Sustainable District
Newsletter (print)
https://app.newsletter.co.uk/full_page_image/page-22-923/content.html
Newsletter (online)
In the Spotlight (Irish News)
August
In August, LQ BID launched ‘Welcome Back Packs’ – an initiative aimed at supporting members as they return to the district post-Covid. The packs have been distributed by our LQ Street Ambassadors to both corporates and hospitality businesses, gaining fantastic media attention along the way!
Welcome Back Message
Business First
Belfast Telegraph
Sync NI
July
July came around so quickly, and just like that, the BID team were on to another project! This month saw the launch of the first City Centre parklet in to the Linen Quarter – a welcome addition for members to enjoy! To date, the parklet has received a fantastic response, and already members are using the open space for lunch breaks, meetings and more! Be sure to check out the parklet on Linenhall Street when next visiting LQ!
Parklet Launch
Belfast Live / Facebook Live
Business First
https://www.businessfirstonline.co.uk/other-articles/linen-quarter-bid-launches-citys-first-parklet/
Belfast Telegraph
Irish News
Nova News Network
https://nova-nn.com/2021/07/02/linen-quarter-bid-pioneers-citys-first-parklet/
Newsletter
Belfast Live
3294885https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/new-linen-quarter-parklet-offers-20956529
BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57930985
Daily Advent
June
The month of June has been a busy one for the team at LQ BID, as we launched our very own ‘ Golden Mile’ walking trail! The trail which includes some of the best attractions from Ulster Hall, to Ulster Museum has already garnered fantastic media attention – and we hope many will make the journey to LQ to take the tour themselves! Last but not least, LQ’s new Sustainability Manager was featured in Ulster Business – who is already a huge part of the BID team!
Golden Mile Launch
Newsletter
Sunday Life
Golden Mile piece included in Sunday Life newspaper – 20.06.21
Cool FM
https://planetradio.co.uk/cool-fm/local/places-visit/golden-mile-walking-trail-belfast/
Love Belfast
LQ BID LAUNCHES GOLDEN MILE WALKING TRAIL – BELFAST’S NEWEST FREE ATTRACTION
Business First
https://www.businessfirstonline.co.uk/other-articles/lq-bid-launches-golden-mile-walking-trail/
NI 4 KIDS
New Appointment at LQ
Ulster Business (page 84)
May
In May, LQ BID launched an exciting partnership with Cycling UK to urge more businesses across the district to become true champions of cycling. The partnership was announced ahead of Bike Week UK – with LQ making headlines! Also in the month of May, LQ also appeared in Hospitality Ireland, after Belfast City Council approved plans to transform a Linen Quarter street into an outdoor hospitality and public performance space!
Planning Approved
Hospitality Ireland
Bike Week
Love Belfast
LQ BID SETS WHEELS IN MOTION THIS BIKE WEEK FOR BELFAST BUSINESSES TO BE PRO-CYCLING
Newsletter
April
In early April, Linen Quarter BID’s MD, Chris McCracken, spoke to Bauer Media’s David Tighe to discuss what LQ BID is doing to build towards recovery, and offered a glimpse of what to expect on the latest Business Bites. April also saw one of LQ BIDs biggest projects get approved by BCC planning committee, and enhanced safety measures highlighted across LQ as more offices returned.
Business Bites
Bauer Media
Bauer Business Bites | Episode 38 | Chris McCracken – YouTube
Planning Approved
Irish News
Safety Increased
News Letter
Business First
Safety measures dialled up across Linen Quarter · BUSINESSFIRST (businessfirstonline.co.uk)
March
In March, Linen Quarter BID’s MD, Chris McCracken wrote and shared an opinion piece on ‘Reimagining Belfast post-Covid’, adding thought to the wider debate of the city we want to see. Speaking with Margaret Canning from the Belfast Telegraph, the piece garnered media attention, highlighting the ongoing work of the BID and its role as the city recovers.
Reimagining Public Realm / Opinion Piece
Belfast Telegraph
Belfast Telegraph
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/analysis/reimagining-belfast-post-covid-40200907.html
Regeneration / Presentation
Business First
Belfast Chamber
FEBRUARY
This month Linen Quarter BID revealed results from a recent public survey which highlighted an overwhelming demand from the public for change to Belfast’s urban environment. We also saw the Belfast City Centre gift card make national headlines, with a focus on what consumers can experience in the City Centre when normality resumes.
Public Realm Consultation:
Belfast Live
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/plans-new-outdoor-area-social-
Love Belfast
https://lovebelfast.co.uk/changing-spaces-public-consultation-reveals-belfasts-future-cityscape/
Business First Online
Belfast City Centre Gift Card:
Crave Magazine
https://cravemag.co.uk/travel/valentines-day-gifts-town-city-gift-
Intouch Rugby
December
This month Linen Quarter BID welcomed hospitality and retail businesses back to the District, with the installation of vinyl wraps on the Scottish Mutual Building, which sits on the entrance to Bedford Street. LQ BID managed the work as part of our 20 project recovery plan that aims to promote the area as one of the most exciting destinations in the city following the pandemic.
NEWSLETTER
BUSINESS FIRST
LOVE BELFAST
In other December news, LQ BID were delighted to introduce the District’s first cigarette butt ballot bin. The bin was installed by LQ BID outside Great Victoria Street station as part of our ongoing efforts to keep Belfast’s historic quarter clean.
November
This month LQ BID launched plans for new public realm within the district, specifically for local hospitality businesses to make use of and highlight the district as a must-visit destination. Online coverage has been included below:
Irish News
Newsletter
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/consumer/linen-quarter-bid-launches-consultation-3034936
Business First
Best of Belfast Podcast
To coincide with imagining future public realm in the District, LQ BID’s MD Chris McCracken, spoke to Best of Belfast podcast to discuss how far the quarter has come since the story of Otto Jaffe, an interesting character / entrepreneur who really put the District on the map. Link to podcast can be found here:
Sir Otto Jaffe: “The Linen Entrepreneur Who Changed A City” — Best Of Belfast
October
Coverage for the Belfast City Centre Gift Card launch continued into October, with more publications becoming aware of the initiative and the positive story this launch provided, particularly with news being dominated by a pandemic. Coverage for the gift card can be found in the following links below:
Belfast Live
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/new-gift-card-initiative-launched-19009076
NVTV
https://www.nvtv.co.uk/on-demand/
NI 4 KIDZ
Belfast Chamber
Also, in October LQ BID was delighted to extend our partnership with the PSNI StreetBeat team, CQ BID and welcome University of Ulster to the collaboration. LQ StreetBeat provide enhanced policing to the District, and the team is on hand to deter anti-social behaviour, provide premises checks and advice to many businesses occupied in the area. Read more below:
Newsletter
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/consumer/streetbeat-back-another-year-2994874
Business First
https://www.businessfirstonline.co.uk/other-articles/police-on-the-beat-on-belfasts-streets-2/
September
To provide support to local businesses and to help the City Centre recover, LQ BID partnered with Belfast One and Destination CQ BIDs to promote the Belfast City Centre Gift Card, an initiative aimed at boosting the City Centre offering, to ensure spend is locked in to local economy. The partnership has been a success to date, with over 155 businesses signed up to offer the card. Links below explain how the card works and how you can purchase:
Belfast Telegraph
New campaign: Belfast gift card to boost visits and spending – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
Business Eye
http://www.businesseye.co.uk/gift-city-new-initiative-launched-boost-city-centre/
Irish News
Sync NI
Belfast Media
Also in September, LQ BIDs MD Chris McCracken wrote an opinion piece for Belfast Media. This was in connection with the Belfast Homecoming Conference, where Chris was a member of the panel talking about the future of tech offices in Belfast City Centre.
