If Belfast were a dog, opinions vary on whether it would embody the strength of a Rottweiler, the charm of a Spaniel, the resilience of a Pitbull, or the intelligence of a Collie.
These diverse perspectives emerged from a public consultation discussing a groundbreaking £100m tourism project in the city.
Scheduled to unveil in 2028 within a historic Art Deco former bank building in the city center, the Belfast Stories project has been a focal point of interest.
Belfast City Council (BCC) undertook a comprehensive public consultation, exploring not only the narratives that should shape Belfast Stories but also delving into the perceptions of its residents.
Recently published documents, summarizing insights from over 680 interviews conducted between September and November 2022, will be deliberated by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on Wednesday.
One intriguing aspect of the consultation posed the question: ‘If Belfast were a dog, what breed would it be, and why?’ — a unique approach to understanding the varied perspectives on how the people of Belfast perceive their city.
Some of the responses have been incorporated into the comprehensive 77-page report on the public consultation regarding Belfast Stories.
“Despite the diverse selection of dog breeds chosen by respondents, the responses to the latter part of the question provided valuable insights into the characteristics associated with a Belfast identity,” stated the consultation report.
During interviews, one participant likened Belfast to “a spaniel because they’re fun and have a lot of energy.”
Another respondent remarked, “A pitbull because it’s busy and fast.”
Yet another perspective was shared, describing Belfast as “a collie because it’s energetic and doesn’t stop.
While many interviewees found Belfast to be an inviting, friendly, and warm city, likening it to dog breeds such as a golden retriever or border collie, opinions varied.
“It’s like a lovable mutt because of the diverse backgrounds and communities within Belfast. Describing it as one breed would be highly inaccurate,” one participant noted.
“When people embrace their differences, they come together, making it a lovely place to be,” they continued.
However, despite the majority describing the city as welcoming, some highlighted its challenges, comparing it to dogs like a rottweiler due to perceived assertiveness.
A minority expressed a different perspective, using words like less aesthetically pleasing, less appreciated, and less lively to depict Belfast, according to the consultation report.
“Wandering through the city center and observing some neglected buildings, I think it might be a smaller dog breed in need of attention from an owner who hasn’t given it enough care over the last few years,” one interviewee shared.
Another described it as “a neglected city left without attention because there’s room for improvement, and it’s a city with untapped potential.”
Some respondents took a more creative approach to the question.
“It’s like a hot dog because it’s a bit indulgent, but it serves a purpose, and everyone secretly loves it. If you want to be sophisticated about a hot dog, I guess you can, but it’s more of a food of the people,” one participant explained.
Other questions delved into people’s first memories of Belfast, the “most Belfast thing you’ve ever heard or seen,” and their favorite places in the city.
In the broader consultation, the majority expressed enthusiasm about Belfast Stories, although some voiced considerations about potential visitation costs or concerns about potential biases.
Belfast City Council plans to conduct further public consultation as the project develops.