Popular shopping destination, Kennedy Centre Belfast, is showcasing its support to the LGBTQ+ community with the installation of the city’s first permanent Pride pedestrian crossing at its West Belfast premises. The enhanced crossing, which has been painted with a new, inclusive LBGTQ+ Pride flag, was unveiled to the public on Friday 17th November.
The move follows similar actions in support of the LGBTQ+ community by large organisations in major cities across the globe including London, Vancouver, Sydney and Paris.
John Jones, Manager at the Kennedy Centre, says, “We are delighted to unveil the new Pride flag at the pedestrian crossing. At Kennedy Centre, our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community extends well beyond Pride month and we wanted to acknowledge this with a permanent installation.”
John added, “We actively engage with many local LGBTQ+ groups, such as The Rainbow Project, and we hope that this crossing represents our commitment to equality, diversity and to being an inclusive and welcoming hub for everyone in the community. We have plans for 2024 and beyond to ensure Kennedy Centre remains a champion of local diversity and inclusion.”
Nuala Devenny, Deputy Director at the Rainbow Project, adds, “We would like to thank Kennedy Centre Belfast for this public display of support for the local LGBTQ+ community. It is fantastic to have the support of such a prominent organisation and we hope to continue our collaboration for many years to come.”
Retail and leisure development, Kennedy Centre, is based on Belfast’s Falls Road. Home to over 45 stores and services, ranging from fashion and beauty to entertainment and dining, the complex also houses an 8-screen digital cinema operated by Omniplex on its first floor. Kennedy Centre is open seven days a week with over 800 free car parking spaces including 43 designated disabled and 57 family zones (both surface and underground).