Christiaan Karelse

I support the BID’s placemaking agenda, which involves improving the quality and accessibility of the District’s public realm for all. This effort includes pedestrianization schemes, greening projects and tactical interventions such as street art and outdoor games areas – anything to make the District a more attractive physical place to be in. Recent projects include various parklets, the FLAXX social space on Brunswick Street, rejuvenation of Bankmore Square and the Great Expectations streetscape enhancement programme on lower Great Victoria Street.

With a background in architecture and urbanism, I am passionate about the design of the urban environment and believe that good quality places help to improve wellbeing and resilience for all. Working in the BID means I get to combine strategic thinking with on-the-ground projects that make a difference to people living and working in the District. With a number of large scale projects such as Belfast Grand Central Station and the Kainos international headquarters due to be completed in the next few years the future for the Linen Quarter looks bright!

Favourite LQ Landmark: I personally love Ormeau Baths, not just for its distinctive appearance, but also how it represents the reinvention of the District’s urban heritage. Built as a bathhouse for the working classes, it has been tastefully converted into a co-working space that attracts all kinds of creative activity.

Favourite place to eat and drink in LQ: I can’t recommend the Zen restaurant on Adelaide Street enough, it’s a great place to get acquainted with a variety of Asian cuisines. For a drink I would probably head to TradeMarket on Dublin Road as it’s such a creative set-up – plus you can get a snack from one of it’s food outlets when feeling peckish.