Author: Tina Calder

Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, Destination CQ, has for five years been the collective voice for every business in the area, lobbying and consulting with local and regional government and government agencies.

Destination CQ Manager, Damien Corr said the ability to go to these organisations and speak for everyone in the Cathedral Quarter, Smithfield and Union, is one that can’t go unnoticed.

“We are involved in most stakeholder groups in the city and that’s something that our levy payers don’t see a lot of,” he explained. 

“It takes up a lot of our time but it’s very worthwhile.

“The ability to lobby for individual businesses, or for the entire area, direct to departments is important, and we work away on issues until we are successful or reach an acceptable compromise.”

The pressures of the pandemic, shop closures and the complete halt to tourism have affected the economy as a whole but it also had a significant effect on the Cathedral Quarter. This inner-city neighbourhood, characterised by arts, culture, restaurants, entertainment and independent shops relies on tourists and visitors to survive.  

Over the past five years, Destination CQ has represented business interests at City Reopening Stakeholder Group, City Centre Anti-Social Behaviour Action Group and the Small Business Forum.

At present there is a ballot to continue the BID’s work for a further five years and voting Yes to the BID means local businesses can present a unified front and have a collective voice when engaging with the various stakeholders, either local government or assembly level.

When asked about the importance of banding together to present a collective voice, Sorcha Wolsey, Operations Director for the Beannchor Group and Destination CQ BID Board member said it was important that businesses come together.

“The collective energy, brainpower and money of a group of businesses all pulling in the same direction for the betterment of this area will inevitably gain better results than individual businesses doing little bits and pieces on their own,” she said.

The business improvement district has been actively championing the area, partnering with promotional activities such as the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme to help restaurants in the area recover from the effects of the pandemic. 

There have been numerous BID led initiatives that greatly benefited businesses in the neighbourhood. Culture Night and Restaurant Week are just some examples of the projects that make CQ a vibrant place to do business. 

Board member and Director of Quigg Golden, Gavin Hendrie said Cathedral Quarter needed a body to explain the issues and promote the area.

“We need a champion for the area,” he explained. “We need the BID to help advertise the CQ as a place to come, to maintain the sense of vibrancy that we’ve known in the past and perhaps lost in the last 18 months.”

Supporting local businesses remains one of the three pillars the Business Improvement District plans to focus on in term two. Collective advocacy is still a priority with creating a strong alliance among stakeholders and ensuring BID members’ voice is heard in key city-wide discussions.

Les Hume, Vice-Chair of CQ BID explained why it is crucial to be represented as a collective:

“By being part of a collective we can present a reasoned, well thought through debate, we can actually bring our concerns and our troubles to the people who make the key decisions,” he said. 

“I think that in the next five years we’re going to have even greater challenges as we try to build Belfast back better.

“To vote yes for this BID process means that your voice can be heard, along with mine hopefully. Together we’ll make Belfast better.

“Individually we will struggle. That’s what I think is good about a Business Improvement District, so please do consider voting yes.”

For more information on how the work of Destination CQ BID can benefit your business go to cathedralquarterbelfast.com or contact Damien Corr on 02890 314 011.

Calling All Budding Entrepreneurs & Those Who Want To Improve Their Employability Prospects

Enterprise Causeway is offering people the chance to begin to chart the way to setting up their own business or investigate new employability prospects through its free Exploring Enterprise Programme.

Open to those who are unemployed, or working less than 16 hours per week, the course helps participants assess business ideas and job opportunities through group training and individual mentoring.

It aims to help increase confidence, create a personal development plan and explore either the possibility of starting a business or a new job.

Leo Mullan, Business Advisor at Enterprise Causeway, said the programme has already proved to be hugely beneficial for many people.

“Over the past number of years we have had some wonderful success stories, with participants on the programme starting businesses in nearly every industry sector and other participants finding employment”. 

“You do not need to have a business idea to join the programme and all learning takes place in an open, non-threatening environment”.  

Running over six sessions in total, two mornings per week (Tuesday and Thursday) participants can work towards achieving a qualification in Business Enterprise. You can gain an understanding of the concepts involved in starting a business, an insight into marketing a new business and a grasp of key finance principles.  Participants can also avail of help developing their CVs, writing job applications and searching for further education/training courses  

Previous participant, Robert Wiggins of Wee Jeans Café in Coleraine, said he had initially intended to go on the course to learn key financial skills but the Exploring Enterprise Programme offered much more.

“One skill that I learnt that was a big help was advertising and management skills as well,” he explained. 

“It also helped me bring me out of my shell because you were in a group with people, you got to talk to them and find out different opportunities that they were doing, and some of them were interchangeable and over the course we were able to help each other out.”

Christina Smyth used the course to help her start Nellie Doodle Aprons, and after a friend recommended it to her was able to take much from the course.

“I think it was actually just that I knew nothing about starting a business and it was so encouraging,” she said.

“The four main skills I learnt from completing the course were management skills, financial skills, product development and marketing.

“I think I would have been terrified at the thought of doing something like this time last year and since completing the course I just think, I’m just loving this. The creative freedom and the satisfaction of doing something I love has just been brilliant.”

After working for seven years in both England and Northern Ireland, physiotherapist Brianne O’Neill decided to set up her own business. 

She explained: “I enrolled on the Exploring Enterprise programme after meeting with a business advisor at Enterprise Causeway and it has helped me to develop my business, marketing and financial skills”. 

Meanwhile, participant Richard Moore gained employment in youth work and said: “Completing the course helped him structure programmes for his youth work and had provided him with a sense of achievement”.

The Exploring Enterprise Programme is funded through the Northern Ireland Social Fund 2014-2020, Investment for Jobs and Growth Programme, The Department for the Economy, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and Enterprise Northern Ireland.   

Do you have a business idea you want to explore? If so, call Robin on 028 7035 6318 or email eep@enterprisecauseway.co.uk.

Destination CQ is delighted to be the sponsors of this year’s Best Creative Business category once again in the Belfast Business Awards.

The awards, sponsored by the Bank of Ireland UK, were postponed last year due to Covid-19 but with life slowly returning to normal, all Cathedral Quarter business owners are encouraged to enter to be in with a chance of shining a light on their successes after.

Destination CQ BID Manager, Damien Corr, said: “This city has a wealth of talent ranging from creators, makers and inventors who need to be recognised with our sponsorship of this award.

“The capital of most creative businesses is their people and the Cathedral Quarter has great examples of innovative businesses leading the way throughout Belfast’s resurgence.” 

Previous Cathedral Quarter business winners include Willie Jack, owner of the Duke of York and The Harp Bar, who won the respected lifetime achievement award.

In 2018 Groundswell in CQ won Best Digital Business in 2018 Awards, a leading E-Commerce and Digital Marketing agency.

The benefits of entering and perhaps winning an award is the added credibility which can attract new customers, suppliers and when pitching to potential clients, as well as the accolades and prestige. And, it serves as a recognition of the staff contribution to business success.

Entry deadline is midnight, Friday September 3, 2021. The Destination CQ Creative Business Award is one of 21 categories. The award ceremony will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge.

The awards are organised by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland UK. To be eligible for businesses must be located in Belfast, or be a member of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Details of the Belfast Business Awards and how to enter are available at belfastchamber.com.

As the conversation around climate change heats up ahead of COP26 in November,  the team behind Culture Night Belfast 2021 have stated their ambitions for an “almost 100% sustainable event” this year.

Partnering with artist and creative lead Gawain Morrison and his team to present the spectacular, experiential installation The Ogham Grove in Writer’s Square, Susan Picken, Director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said she hopes this will be one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly Culture Nights in Belfast.

She said: “We have had a commitment to environmental sustainability for a number of years now so when we were developing the brief for CNB 2021 it was really important to us that it reflected the increasingly urgent global focus on environmental sustainability and on the need for more green, natural and shared spaces in the city. 

“We have worked with Translink and other partners over the years to promote active travel, use of public transport and an environmentally responsible approach to waste, and CNB21 builds on this with an even bigger focus on the environment.”  

From Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19 Writer’s Square will be transformed into a stunning, immersive, nature-inspired experience.

The Ogham Grove takes inspiration from the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet and will see two monumental sculptures built in Writer’s Square, with themes drawn from Celtic ancestral heritage and culture.

“What is important to everyone involved in this project is sustainability and making sure that the materials used in this are not just used and thrown away. We want to be part of the ‘one more use’ thinking or accessing products that are already part of the process flow” said Gawain.

“Using and reusing products was a very important part of our concept and the actual structural delivery of things that people can see.”

Artist and engineer Neil Beattie added: “Top of the agenda is sustainability. It’s very important for all of us that the materials that we use are either reclaimed, reused or recyclable at the least. 

“We want to walk away from this project with an extremely small amount of waste. Everything that is used from the timber and the natural materials to even the screws will be reused so very little goes to waste. 

“Sustainability is a very important part of our values so it’s a major aspect of what we’re doing. This project allows the opportunity to make something great and be creative whilst using materials that aren’t hazardous to the environment and that is key in all of this. 

“The wood we’re using is being taken from an existing process cycle so we’re just taking the materials, using them and returning them. All the timber is being reclaimed and we will be deconstructing it and using it in other projects. The material we’re using outside the structures will either be reused or given to charities like the Play Resource Centre. Nothing goes to waste.”

For artist and prop maker Dylan McCaughtry ensuring there is very little carbon footprint is important.

He said: “A lot of the construction will be made out of multi-use wood which can go straight back into the distribution system. There’s no real footprint from our use of these materials. 

“The rest of the wood is reclaimed – stuff that has been used before, so we’re giving it that last bit of life. A lot of it is just about being clever with your sourcing. That’s one of the challenges I’m looking forward to.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre.

As a result of the scaled back, scaled down nature of the project this year Susan Picken said having an “almost zero waste” year is “within our sights”.

She added: “The biggest change this year is that we aren’t running an open programme for submissions as in previous years.

“As a result we can be much more mindful of the impact Culture Night is having on the environment around us. There will be less infrastructure, less litter, less travel, less people and a lot less plastic ending up in landfill.

“Not just that, it will be a safe environment for people who want to experience art and culture without being concerned about the impacts of the pandemic.”
 

To keep up to date with updates from CNB Presents The Ogham Grove, running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19 go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

Immersive and thought provoking installation forms CNB21 offering

The creative team behind this year’s Culture Night Belfast installation have revealed ambitious plans to create a vast structural, lighting and sound show that will fill the Cathedral Quarter’s Writer’s Square next month.

Belfast artist Gawain Morrison and his team will turn Writer’s Square into The Ogham Grove, a monumental, immersive sculpture and accompanying digital trail which will create a whole new experience for Belfast. Susan Picken, director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said the plans Gawain has presented are “spectacular” and will “provide a very unique experience to each person who visits throughout the weekend”.

She added: “Gawain and his team of artists will transform Writer’s Square with a totally innovative and spectacular artwork that will invite visitors  to explore the relationship with our native woodlands and the environment. 

The Ogham Grove really tapped into our concern for the environment and the devastating impact of climate change. It also restates our commitment to support and work with our incredible cultural and creative sectors here in NI. 

This is a significant moment for CNB, not only is this our first large-scale artists’ commission but it also signals an exciting new format for the event as we move forward.”

The concept for The Ogham Grove takes inspiration from the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet.

“Two monumental sculptures will be built in Writers’ Square, with themes drawn from our ancestral heritage and culture here on the island of Ireland” explained Gawain.

“The Tree Alphabet will act as the primer for learning about the Ogham characters, their meanings, and their tree associations while the Celtic Ogham Year Wheel signifies the links with our natural environment, living in harmony with it, and the awareness of our place in the universe, the lunar and solar cycles that drive the life on this planet of ours, and all of how life lives–in balance and together.

“The Ogham Grove offers a window into an alternative interpretation of the world around us, highlighting the importance that nature played in the societies of our ancestors, enabling us to reconnect with this heritage in a playful, thought provoking and visually stunning way, at a time when the natural environment and spending time outdoors has never been so important.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre. The impact of COVID has led to a major review of the event however.

Susan added: “Culture Night 2021 will be much smaller in scale and scope and will take the form of an on-site installation that people can drop into and enjoy over the course of the weekend – this different format will allow us to focus on safety as well as making sure everyone has a great time.”

Gawain alongside his team, including artist and prop designer Dylan McCaughtry, designer, artist and engineer Neil Beattie, lighting designer Tomás FitzGerald and drum loop producer Damian Mills said the installation they are planing will leave visitors with “a monumental audio-visual experience that will be overwhelming both day and night.” 

He added: “The actual scale of the structure itself will be impressive. The fact that at night-time the lighting will come alive will give it a very different feel from the daytime and allow people to experience it in different ways.”

The 2021 edition of Culture Night will have a completely new format and a new approach designed for a COVID-safe, post-pandemic environment. A major difference this year is the decision to suspend the previous open submission programme and instead focus on creating one central experience working directly with artists.

“One of the biggest changes this year will be that we haven’t run an open programme for submissions as in previous years” said Susan. 

Susan continued “There won’t be the usual on-street activity or pop-ups that people are used to. Instead, Writer’s Square will be transformed with an exciting monumental installation, The Ogham Grove, running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19. This extended running time will allow more time and space to visit and experience over the weekend.”

“This will be a unique and sensory experience for anyone attending and will make for great photo opportunities” added Gawain.

This year’s Culture Night Belfast is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Tourism NI, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Translink.

To keep up to date with all the CNB Presents The Ogham Grove updates go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

The Cathedral Quarter Trust, the organisation behind Culture Night Belfast has appointed a Creative Lead for their 2021 project.

Earlier this year Susan Picken, director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, announced the event would look very different this year.

Next month the annual event will return with a new format and a new approach designed for a COVID-safe, post-pandemic environment. A key difference this year is the decision to suspend the previous open submission programme and instead focus on creating one central experience working directly with artists.

“The biggest change this year will be that we won’t be running an open programme for submissions as in previous years” said Susan.

“Instead, Writer’s Square will be transformed into a monumental, immersive cultural experience running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19. In addition, an intriguing interactive trail will help visitors to reconnect with, and explore the rich artistic environment of the Cathedral Quarter. ”

Artist Gawain Morrison, who has been appointed as the Creative Lead, and his team have been tasked with the job of creating a unique, COVID-safe, installation that will dominate Writers’ Square in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter across the Culture Night weekend.

“The arts and the wider community have had a particularly difficult time over the past 18 months,” said Susan, adding: “While the situation is slowly improving, It is still very important to us that we are able to reflect the changing requirements of audiences whilst ensuring that everything we do is fully COVID secure.

“We were all really intrigued and excited by Gawain and the  team’s proposal and I am certain their work will  bring Writer’s Square to life over the weekend whilst also linking in to our central themes of nature and environmental sustainability. We will be creating something new for Belfast,  a unique space for people to enjoy, relax and appreciate the natural world.”

Gawain brings over two decades of experience in multi-platform media production and events organisation to the project alongside his team, including artist and prop designer Dylan McCaughtry, designer, artist and engineer Neil Beattie, lighting designer Tomás FitzGerald and drum loop producer Damian Mills.

Speaking of the project Gawain said: “The brief itself was very open in terms of where you could go with it, while it was site specific there was a lot to work with in terms of making it visually interesting whilst keeping within the brief of creating a city garden.

“We are planning the installation so that visitors will have a monumental audio-visual experience, it will be overwhelming both day and night. 

“The actual scale of the structure itself will be impressive. The fact that at night-time the lighting will come alive will give it a very different feel from the daytime and allow people to experience it in different ways.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre. The impact of COVID has led to a major review of the event however.

Susan said: “Culture Night 2021 will be much smaller in scale and scope and will take the form of an on-site installation with an interactive trail that people can drop into and enjoy over the course of the weekend – this different format will allow us to focus on safety as well as making sure everyone has a great time.”

Whilst it may be smaller in scale Gawain said it won’t be any less spectacular than previous years.

He explained: “From the moment that the Culture Night team told us we’d won this proposal to now it’s been fairly full on. We’ve been able to go from the high level concept to how do we make this happen to working with Neil and Dylan on the practical side of it in a very short space of time. 

“This will be a unique and sensory experience for anyone attending and will make for great photo opportunities.”

This year’s Culture Night Belfast is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Tourism NI, Translink and Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

To keep up to date with all the Culture Night Belfast updates go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

If you’re looking for new ink or just some inspiration for your next piece look no further than Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, with five premier tattoo studios all located within the heart of the city.

Whether you want simple line work, geometry, realism or blackwork, there are many talented artists to suit all styles. 

Here are 5 tattoo studios in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter:

1. Belfast City Skinworks 

Based in Belfast for the last 30 years Belfast City Skinworks is one of Belfast’s oldest and most established Tattoo and piercing specialists in the city. 

Located in the old building of St Malachy’s Christian Brothers School, the tattoo studio has gone from strength to strength, even tattooing boxing legend Carl Frampton. 

Providing a complimentary consultation service and a large portfolio of past work the company caters for first time tattooers or regulars who are ready to get a new piece. 

To find out more go to belfastcityskinworks.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

2. A Sailors Grave 

With a huge studio space on Royal Avenue and 11 resident artists, A Sailors Grave is certainly a popular choice for tattoo lovers in Belfast. 

The variety of artists available at the studio means you will be sure to find an artist that specialises in the style you like. Calia Dagger specialises in fine line and dot work whilst Sabra Carson specialises in neo-traditional. 

To find out more go to asailorsgrave.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

3. Meraki Tattoo

Based in North Street Meraki Tattoo specialises in blackwork and geometry and cosmetic tattooing. 

As an appointment only based studio you will have to contact one of their artists; Mark, Brandon, Nathan or Liam directly to book an appointment. You can see a selection of the different artists work on their social media to find which style would suit you best. 

Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more information.

4. Penthouse Ink

Based in Royal Avenue Penthouse Ink pride themselves on catering to all styles and offering custom designs. 

Clients of the studio have praised its friendly atmosphere and laidback staff. Resident artists Jan and Aaron both have their work displayed on social media for customers to check out their style. 

Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for more information

5. Addinktion 

Established in 2010, Addinktion Tattoo is based on Donegall Street in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Offering custom tattoos by resident artists Dre and Adam, the company has a wide variety of styles and designs featured on their social media, including tarot based designs and portraits. 

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

When it comes to gigs in Belfast, the city’s Cathedral Quarter is a hub of fantastic music. From festivals, venues, and theatre spaces to bars and clubs there’s no better place to relax to your favourite genre.

Northern Ireland is full of talented local musicians that deserve our ongoing love and support, and several of them are hosting headline gigs around The Cathedral Quarter this year. 

It’s time for you to check out our amazing local bands, learn their lyrics and practice your best hand horns. 
 

Here are 5 local gigs coming up this year that you should check out:1. Junk Drawer Album Launch
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street
Date/time: 16th September @ 7:30 pm
Price: £7 entry or £21 entry + Ready For The House LP
Junk Drawer will be launching their new album “Ready For The House” as part of Black Box Recorder.
The album was released through Art For Blinds Records back in 2020 and the album features their lead single “Year Of The Sofa”, the winner of the Best Single at The Northern Ireland Music Prize in 2019”.
The band describes itself as “four multi-instrumentalists drawing from post-punk, krautrock, psychedelia, experimentalism and art-rock”. 

To find out more information about the event, go to blackboxbelfast.com and check out Junk Drawer on Soundcloud

2. BICEP 
Venue: Telegraph Building, Library Street
Date/time: 2nd October
Price: £30 + BF
Bicep are a popular DJ Duo from Belfast made up of Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar, the group are best known for their chart-topping single ‘Glue’. 
The electronic music stars are now strangers to The Telegraph Building stage having previously played the venue in 2018 and 2019. 

For more information and tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or check them out on Spotify

3. Brand New Friend 
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street 
Date/Time: 16th October @ 7pm
Price: £10 + booking fee
Brand New Friend, a five-piece indie-pop band from Castlerock, are back and headlining their own show at The Black Box this October.
Since the release of their debut album ‘Seatbelts For Aeroplanes’ back in 2018, Brand New Friend have been performing at venues and festivals across the UK and Ireland, supporting the likes of Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi, RAT BOY, and Ash. Brand New Friend brings energy to their shows like no other, promising an unforgettable night for their first headline gig post-COVID.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can stream all of Brand New Friend’s music on Spotify.

4. Joshua Burnside
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 12th & 13th November @ 7 pm
Price: £14 
Joshua Burnside is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter based in Belfast and was the artist in residence at The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. His new album “Higher Places“ incorporates elements of Irish Folk, rock, Americana, and electronica, and has featured on BBC Radio 6. 

For more information or to book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can listen to Joshua Burnside on Bandcamp

5. Amy Montgomery
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 26th November 
Price: 10+ booking fee 
Amy Montgomery is a singer-songwriter from County Antrim. At just 21 years old, she creates a fearless and confident persona in terms of singing and performing. 
Covered in war paint and performing barefooted helps to create a unique and memorable experience, as well as her strong and powerful voice.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or to listen to Amy Montgomery on Soundcloud

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

Are you a student looking for accommodation in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter? 

As demand for studying in Belfast continues to grow, more students are flocking into the city and moving closer towards the centre. 

With the opening of the new Ulster University campus this autumn and up to an additional 15,000 people in the Cathedral Quarter it’s no surprise student pads are highly sought after in the area,

There are a number of student accommodation developments across the city, with the newcomer being LIV, situated on York Street. The new accommodation is Ideal for those attending Ulster University’s Belfast campus, a 30-second walk away, or Queen’s University which is just a 15-minute cycle away.

Boasting affordable prices from £123 per week including wifi and bills, this brand new student accommodation offers a cinema room, karaoke lounge, fitness studio, and a games area. 

Not sure where you want to live this academic year? 

Here are 5 reasons why the new LIV student accommodation is ideal for you:

1. Central Location 

Be within the hustle and bustle of city life in the ideal location of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. No need for taxis or buses, as everything you need will be right on your doorstep. There is plenty to do and see around the area, so when you aren’t studying and want to enjoy some much-needed TLC, you won’t have far to travel. 
The Cathedral Quarter hosts some of Belfast’s most popular bars and restaurants such as – The Duke of York, The Thirsty Goat, and The Dirty Onion. Check out our blog 7 Beer Gardens To Visit This Summer.

2. Unique Amenities 

The new accommodation has been developed with the student lifestyle in mind, as it includes a games room, cinema room, fitness centre, study room and even a karaoke room. These amenities will help to keep you fit and healthy, and is also a space to create new friendships and help you to unwind in the evenings. 

3. 24/7 Security 

Are you nervous about moving away from home for the first time? LIV accommodation offers 24/7 security helping to put your mind (and your parent’s minds) at ease as you flee the nest and move onto city life. Staff will also be on hand to help with any maintenance issues, as well as to deal with any queries you may have.

4. A Thriving Student Community 

Starting a new course and moving away from home can be a scary time. With apartments and studio rooms spread across 13 floors, LIV accommodates over 700 students. As you will all be in the same situation in this new build, it takes off a little piece of the pressure of starting something new alone. Learn from your peers and create friends for life. 

5. Affordable Pricing 

With no deposit required and no cancellation fees, prices start from just £123 per week for a Standard En-Suite, which includes all bills, including super-fast WiFi and content insurance. They have the option of shared apartments or studio flats, giving you the flexibility of living that you need. 
They also offer a refer a friend scheme, providing a £100 discount for both you and your referral, as well as an early bird discount of up to £250 off. 

LIV Student Belfast offers modern halls of residence for students based in Belfast City Centre. For more information check out livstudent.com/belfast or call them on 07847893860. 

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter head to the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com