In CQ, We Trust

It’s Thursday at the Black Box, Belfast and they’re launching the Cathedral Quarter Trust. It’s another part of the area’s revival and thus a Minister and a Lord Mayor are present. There are speeches and poetry, a tune from Bill Wolsey and bonus value with Ursula Burns on the harp.

Various eras are recalled, from the city charter of 1613 to recent developments like the rumbustious Out To Lunch Festival and Culture Night. There’s a special salute to Nick Price, who chased the pigeons out of a dilapidated joint on Hill Street more than 23 years ago. With hindsight, Nick’s Warehouse is viewed as a confident statement, the cobbled streets returning to culture, food and creativity. But the modest restaurateur insists that “we couldn't afford to go anywhere else”. Whatever, he was soon joined in the redevelopment charge by Martin Lynch, Barry Todd, the Circus School and many other enterprises. The Laganside organisation did their work to further this and now DSD is a more recent custodian. At the time of writing, the sunshine is kissing those little streets and really, it’s like a pocked sized Las Ramblas.

I walk the quarter with intent almost every day. Some of my greatest friends are here. I couldn’t quantify the number of special moments I’ve met in this location. I’ve been here to witness actual bright dawns and perilous freeze-outs. I’ve met the hidden artisans and there’s an almost imperceptible whiff of old-fashioned sedition and intrigue away from the halogen lights. Punk rock originally brought me here, to the Harp Bar and the Albert Clock underpass, but the subversion is centuries old.

At the launch of the Trust, there was talk about investing in individuality and some anticipation of the Royal Exchange project and the University of Ulster plans. Some time soon, there may even be a rightful response to the destruction of the North Street Arcade, and those exiled bohemians may also be rehoused. For now, the Cathedral Quarter has approval, energy, trusted guardians and an influx of game-changers and chance takers. Shine on, CQ.