Belfast community groups are calling for a cultural space in the heart of the city to be kept in public ownership. Formerly a bank then a Tesco, Belfast City Council acquired 2 Royal Avenue in 2021 to serve as a public, community, and cultural space.
Since then, the site has hosted events such as job fairs, art exhibitions, as well as mum and tot groups, a chess club, art clubs, and much more. For many, the space has become an oasis in the city centre, with many calling it “Belfast’s sitting room.”
It has something for everyone, from a children’s sensory space, to a library, and even a grand piano. But the council is now looking to secure a long-term operator, with council staff saying they want to retain elements of the existing community set-up.
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However, current users of the site are anxious the focus on commercial elements will get in the way of the civic site. Reclaim the Agenda, a Belfast-based feminist coalition of grassroots activists, have launched a petition calling for the building to be kept in public ownership.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda said the site’s future needs to be protected. She said: “At the minute, it’s a lovely free space, it’s fully open and has fully disabled access. It is used by so many groups and so many people, there are so many events held here.
“A lot of important things are happening here, there’s no way we can allow that to just slide by. It’s so important to have an alcohol free space, a space where you’re not being bombarded about buying things, and so many people use it for so many different things.
“I think it really does reduce isolation, and we have a serious problem with mental health today, and this is a space people can come and feel safe, and be safe. The staff here are absolutely amazing.”
The building is currently operated by MayWe, a Belfast-based arts and cultural management company, and funded by Belfast City Council. There are plans to establish a dedicated LGBTQIA+ hub on the first floor.
Helen said it is a vital space for many community groups who cannot fund their own space. “The community and voluntary sector really holds people up, I think we saw that during coronavirus,” she explained.
“It was the community groups that were out there delivering food parcels, collecting prescriptions, making sure people were okay. As a lot of these groups have lost funding, this is a really central point for them to come and meet.
“It’s really vital for that connection now. If we lose that, we’re starting to isolate people further, and I think we’re moving into a very dangerous space.
“We’re still in a cost of living crisis. People still can’t afford gas, electric, and food, people are really struggling. This is a warm space, it’s very valuable. I would say to the Council to have a serious rethink on changing use. Everyone pays their rates and we’re entitled to a space in the city that is for the people of the city.”
For women, Helen said the space is vital. She said: “There’s no childcare strategy, so childcare is really expensive here and this is a space where people can come and meet, especially young mums. It’s really important to be able to connect.
“Also for women who have experienced domestic violence or are in those coercive controlled relationships, they can come into the town and this is a space that’s a safe space to come where they’re not going to be identified as coming to anywhere that’s associated with getting support, but they can come in here and be very discreet about meeting people.
“It’s also an important space for young children who are autistic. If you’re shopping in the town, this really is an oasis for people who can come in just to keep the children calm.”
Since being opened up for civic use five years ago, Helen said it has taken a while to gain momentum, but is now firmly in the minds of many.
“It would just be absolutely shameful to move it into a commercial venue,” she said. “It’s very important the council looks after the citizens of Belfast, and that’s what this space is. It gives people a bit of hope and security, and I don’t think we should be giving it away to any comemrcial premises.”
Bronagh Lawson runs a group called Artist’s Collective, which is an art club for adults with learning difficulties or mental health issues, that meets at 2 Royal Avenue every Thursday. She said the site is vital for groups such as this, that would not be able to afford their own premises.
She said: “2 Royal Avenue is Belfast’s sitting room, basically. It suits the people who come to us because it’s casual and supportive, it’s very relaxed. It’s very multicultural and intergenerational, so it suits people we have coming forward.
“It’s a really important part of the fabric of the community of the city. There’s always connections and opportunities people are getting in here they aren’t getting anywhere else.”
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: “In autumn 2021, the council acquired 2 Royal Avenue, having recognised its potential to address challenges facing Belfast city centre. Since then, we have funded the meanwhile re-use and activation of the ground floor of the building as a community and cultural space, while long-term, sustainable options were explored.
“We recognise the significant contribution of our meanwhile operators, MayWe, in providing a valuable service for residents and groups, along with Yallaa CIC. The meanwhile use has helped shape our vision for how we want to use 2 Royal Avenue in the longer term and our ambition is that any new, permanent use will still retain elements of the existing public-facing, civic space, while also ensuring the venue’s future financial sustainability.
“An expression of interest process is now underway, seeking a long-term use for the ground floor which fully maximises the social, economic and place-making benefits of this key heritage asset and its location, while reducing the burden on ratepayers. This marks the next chapter for 2 Royal Avenue, building on its current use, alongside work already underway to develop a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub on the first floor.
“The expression of interest process will take place over two stages. Once Stage 1 closes in mid-February, a report will be submitted to elected members to consider the proposals received and outline options for Stage 2.
“The process is open to everyone, including our current meanwhile operator, as well as organisations who receive funding from council, and we welcome all proposals which meet our criteria. 2 Royal Avenue remains open while this process is underway, with details of upcoming events at belfastcity.gov.uk/2royalavenue“
You can find out more about the petition for 2 Royal Avenue by clicking here.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Justin Kernoghan.
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