Belfast rates to rise to pay for planned £150m city revamp
Households and businesses in Belfast face a rates rise of 2.6% from April to help fund a £150m investment programme in the city.
Belfast City Council unanimously approved the rise on Wednesday evening - saying it was the lowest increase in a decade.
It will mean the average household bill going up by 35p per week and £2.86 for businesses.
The council said the rise was well below the rate of inflation.
The proposed multi-million pounds development includes a £20m extension to the Waterfront Hall to boost its potential as convention venue.
Speaking in the council chamber, the SDLP's Tim Attwood said it was a remarkable moment.
"We have to have ambition for this city," he said.
"This is only the beginning of the journey, hopefully, that collectively this council can now start looking at a 20-year plan and set out a vision for that."
The council said the money would not just come from rates, but also from Europe and Stormont.
Half of the £150m will be used to overhaul its facilities as part of its three-year plan.
The Waterfront Hall will be just one of a number of areas to benefit, with significant spending also earmarked for council leisure facilities and the old Floral Hall building within the grounds of Belfast Zoo.
A total of £34m is pledged to support economic growth and £29m for community development.
The aim of the programme, according to the council, is to support business and create employment. It has cross-party support.
Belfast City Council will officially outline the details of the investment initiative to political and business leaders at the Waterfront Hall on Thursday.