In divided cities, the central areas (however delimited) are widely assumed to constitute 'neutral space' in the everyday life of the city. The module explores this assumption in Belfast's case. In particular it focuses on the uses and recent transformations of public space in the city-centre; and on how it is structured and managed to avoid conflict and to allow for engagement with the ‘other side’, by various agents including city officials and planners, children and parents, males and females, with particular attention given to the gender and generational dimensions of public space. It examines the tensions and negotiations around access to the city centre and over the characterisation and use of space as safe or unsafe, mixed or divided, taking into account different times of day or year as appropriate. The contested claiming of central spaces and buildings for political rallies, marches or protests will be monitored and analysed over the research period. Data collection methods link geographical and sociological approaches. Sources include documentary materials, plans, maps, data on land use, newspaper accounts, direct and participant observation, visual methods, and targeted semi-structured interviews.