Businesses face challenges due to road closures and construction, impacting foot traffic and revenue.
A £200,000 funding plan is in place to help alleviate the negative impacts. Protests happened in November about the bridge situation, as people demanded compensation for businesses. The station project should finish by 2025 end.
Several business owners shared their worries, speaking about the road closure’s impact. Sarah Teare, who owns a dog grooming business called Kut Above K9 Grooming, moved to a bigger space in August 2019. Business then slowed down a lot, and Sarah fears she cannot stay open much longer; she hasn’t even put up her new sign yet.
Her business had been doing well before she even hired another groomer. Then the bridge closure caused issues, with customers unable to reach her shop easily. Some customers canceled en route, and Sarah didn’t charge them cancel fees.
She worked long hours around Christmas to keep her shop open, hoping the funding scheme could help her business. She worries, however, about spending money now, noting that a sign costs £700. Electric and rates also need paid, and although they pay city rates, she notes a lack of traffic, stating that any help would be very appreciated.
Ceejay McDowell works at Kirk’s Home Bakery, which has been open for 30 years. He says foot traffic fell by about 45%, describing the area as a “ghost town.”
Sandy Row experienced a decline after the October bridge closure, with less traffic coming through. Community members still shop there, but all businesses suffer losses, and two businesses closed after the bridge closure.
Ceejay appreciates the funding plan but believes it may be too late, estimating that each business may get £20 per day. He expects things to improve later when the road should reopen eventually while noting public works will soon improve the footpaths, which could temporarily impact business again, yet help them in the long run.
Paul McCann, who owns a shop in the area, notes several issues affect Sandy Row. He feels the road closure badly impacts businesses and that the government does not listen.
The £200,000 feels like a band-aid, stated Paul. The bridge demolition is another big issue, and city expansion raises area rent prices and rates, with working-class people unable to afford to stay. He feels abandoned by his representatives.
An emergency task force helped traders last year, and they now hope the new plan will help as well, although scheme details are not finalized at this time.
The Department for Communities commented that revitalization schemes improve business areas. They can enhance building fronts and aid local business efforts.
The Minister approved support for Sandy Row, which will begin before planned public works start. Belfast City Council will manage the scheme, while funding depends on an official proposal.
A Belfast City Council spokesperson added that they are working with the Department for Communities to devise the details for the funding.