Vision

The vision is to develop a safe, accessible, sustainable greenway which is an inspirational living landmark that improves the quality of life for the people of East Belfast, now and for future generations. 

Objectives

 The key objectives identified for the Connswater Community Greenway are to:

• Improve the access, safety and quality of green and open space in East Belfast for the people of this community, improving the living environment for present and future generations.

• Remediate the Connswater River and transform it into a community asset for East Belfast.

• Increase the pedestrian and cycle facilities and links in East Belfast and provide alternative and healthier transport options.

• Improve health and well-being through providing a better living environment and enhanced exercise and recreation opportunities, accessible by all.

• Provide vision, resources, hope and a sense of pride and identity for communities in East Belfast.

• Build and strengthen relationships between fragmented local communities

• Develop connections and linkages between buildings, people and places in East Belfast.

• Provide space for walking trails, heritage trails, public art and in which wildlife can thrive.

• Realise the potential of the river as an educational asset for current and future generations

Outcomes

The Outcomes of developing the Connswater Community Greenway for the people of East Belfast will be:

• A stronger, safer community.
• An improved urban environment.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.
• Better life chances.
• Better access to training and development.
  

Who will benefit?

We are primarily improving the quality of life for the people of East Belfast now and for future generations. 

These include:

• 40,835 residents who live in the wards bordering the Connswater River,
• The pupils attending the 26 schools in the proximity of the river
• Visitors and tourists to East Belfast / Belfast
• Those who chose to work and invest in East Belfast
• Future generations in East Belfast
  

Key Physical Outputs

• A 9km linear park, a wildlife corridor
• Connecting 124Ha of open space
• 43 new bridges
• Serving 26 schools and colleges
• 19kms of foot and cycle paths
• 5kms of clean rivers
• 6 tourism and heritage trails
• A civic square 
  

Current position

The estimated cost of the Connswater Community Greenway is £32m. The East Belfast Partnership (EBP) secured a £23.5m grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks programme in November 2007. The project is one of 3 successful projects in the UK and the only project in Northern Ireland to be awarded Living Landmarks funding. Belfast City Council has agreed to fund £4.2m and manage and maintain the Greenway. DSD has agreed a contribution of £3.2m towards the project.

Land assembly is underway and being undertaken by Belfast City Council, who will manage and maintain the Connswater Community Greenway. McAdam Design Ltd was appointed in September 2008 to work with EBP on the delivery of the project and appoint a design and build team by September 2009. Construction will take place 2010- 2013 and more details on this will be provided as soon as possible.

We have a project office at 274 Newtownards Road and further information is available by phoning 9045 1900.

We also have Greenway Outreach Centres along the Greenway route with notice boards containing updated information.