Transformative plans for two Belfast parks have been officially launched following a visit by the Lord Mayor and government ministers to North Belfast.
Belfast City Council has been awarded €13.5million PEACEPLUS funding to develop proposals to reconnect Alexandra Park and the Waterworks in the north of the city - with the project funded under the ‘Re-imaging Communities’ strand of the programme.
Reconnected Belfast is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. It aims to reduce severance issues between communities living near both parks - created by physical barriers including interface barriers and road infrastructure.
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This will mean developing the surrounding and internal infrastructure of both parks.
New additions proposed for Waterworks Park include a new community space, a dog exercise area, a basketball court, an events space, toilets and a Changing Places facility. In Alexandra Park, proposed new facilities include a community events space, new pitch/covered space, bridges, toilets and a Changing Places facility.
Reconnected Belfast proposals for both parks are for upgrades to entrances, pathways, lighting, signage, play parks, bridges and pitches. Refurbishment and essential safety work are also planned at the reservoirs in both parks.
A public consultation was carried out in January to March 2024 on design proposals for the Reconnected Belfast project. Information sessions were then held in February and March this year for people to view the plans after this consultation.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “It’s an honour to officially launch our exciting Reconnected Belfast project plans today at Alexandra Park interface barrier, through the PEACEPLUS programme.
"Our vision for Belfast is to create community spaces where biodiversity thrives and residents from all communities are supported and can prosper through shared leisure and recreational activities.
“Our aim from Reconnected Belfast is to improve the areas between Alexandra Park and the Waterworks to bring communities together in welcoming, attractive and safe shared spaces.”
PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding programme supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.
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