Queen’s University’s vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer has welcomed the signing of the Belfast Region City Deal, describing it as a momentous occasion for the region and for innovation in Northern Ireland.

£1bn of transformative co-investment

The Belfast Region City Deal unlocks £1 billion of transformative co-investment which will deliver more than 20 highly ambitious projects and programmes, create up to 20,000 new and better jobs and help make the region a global investment destination over the next decade.

The Deal will strengthen the region’s offer in growth sectors such as life and health sciences, digital and creative industries and advanced manufacturing. It will also support next generation digital capabilities, boost tourism by creating world-class visitor experiences and enable regeneration, underpinned by infrastructure developments and investment in skills to connect people to jobs and services.

Belfast Region City Deal partners have been working intensively since 2017 with the NI executive, UK government and industry partners to develop the deal and prepare the case for investment.

The BRCD partners comprise Belfast City Council, five partner councils, Queen’s University and Ulster University, and four of the region’s further education colleges.

Prof Greer said: “I welcome the signing of the Belfast Region City Deal, a momentous occasion for our region and for innovation in Northern Ireland, led by our two universities. 

“Belfast Region City Deal is driving collaborative university-industry R&D to harness additional investment, create jobs and accelerate inclusive growth.

“At Queen’s we look forward to leading three City Deal innovation projects in advanced manufacturing, clinical research and secure, connected digital technologies, linking at scale into UK and all-Island networks.

“Our recently launched Queen’s Strategy 2030 outlines how we will address both local and global challenges through partnerships between universities, industry, health and government that are needed to tackle the issues faced by individuals and societies. The Belfast Region City Deal is part of this strategy, helping us to shape a better world.”

For more information about the Belfast Region City Deal click here.