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Midnight departures and £2 day travel are being launched with a £1.1million boost to the Belfast city centre support package.

The capital’s heart has suffered greatly following the August fire that ripped through Primark.

Now the head of Northern Ireland’s civil service, David Sterling, has announced a list of new plans to entice people back into the city. They include major transport discounts, new outdoor seating and tables, artworks, events and better lighting.

Mr Sterling said: “Since the devastating fire at Bank Buildings, the civil service has been working closely with Belfast City Council to support affected traders in the run up to Christmas.

“This will help address some of the difficulties shoppers and visitors have faced as they try and move around the city centre. This funding package is part of our ongoing efforts to do everything we possibly can within our available resources.”

The Department for Communities has agreed to provide a further £200,000 which brings their total support to £580,000, while Department for the Economy is donating £400,000 to spend on a range of initiatives to increase visitors and boost tourism.

The Department for Infrastructure’s contribution of £500,000 will allow Translink to deliver a high impact festive travel campaign, offering major discounts on fares.

The latest contribution from the Northern Ireland Civil Service brings the overall recovery package to nearly £6million.

It follows Belfast City Council’s £1.7million contribution in October, the £2million announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond and £500,000 from Primark to provide support to traders.

A Translink spokesperson said: " This is great news for our customers.

"We would like to thank the Executive Office and the Department for Infrastructure for additional funding to help us launch our biggest ever selection of discount tickets and special services, starting from Saturday 17 November, to coincide with the Belfast Christmas lights switch on.

"Full details of our Christmas package will be released later this week."

Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland retail Consortium, said: "We wholeheartedly welcome this announcement of further funding from the Head of the Civil Service.

"In the run up to what should be the busiest time of the year for traders ,but is in essence make or break time for many around the cordon area, this financial aid is a lifeline. Now we have seen support now from Primark, the City Council, the Treasury and the Stormont departments, we need to make sure that the monies are spent in a meaningful way with proper consultation with the business organisations for whom this is their day job.

"Our footfall figures from last month have shown no tangible up lift in consumer numbers to the city centre when we need shoppers back in their droves. We need action in turning this money into results that bring people back to our city centre."

What’s in the plan?

- Day travel across Belfast for just £2 (£1 child)

- Additional services, including midnight departures

- Range of offers on Metro/Glider, Ulsterbus, Goldline and NI Railways including family tickets and discounts for yLink and 24+ Card Holders.

- Land & Property Services has removed all business rates liability from the 17 premises inside the cordon from the date of the fire. The Primark Building has also been removed from the Valuation List

- Other properties will have zero liability if they cannot be occupied on health and safety grounds

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