Further Cash Boost For Connswater Project

One of East Belfast's most iconic projects has received a further boost.

The Department for Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie announced this week that a £3.2 million funding package to secure the delivery of the Connswater Community Greenway project in East Belfast had been agreed.

Accompanied by the MP for the area - First Minister-in-waiting, Peter Robinson - who is currently still NI Finance Minister, she said: "The Greenway Project provides a wonderful opportunity to further demonstrate what can be achieved through real partnership working between local communities, local government and central government.

"We can, if we all work together, make a real difference to the lives of the people in East Belfast as we take this project forward over the coming year."

The Connswater Community Greenway Project is an ambitious environmental project aimed at delivering a linear park connecting existing green and open spaces from the Castlereagh Hills to Victoria Park in the Belfast Harbour Estate.

It will 'reconnect' the communities of East Belfast and aims to restore the rivers as a community asset by creating some 18km of accessible parkland for leisure, recreation and community events and activities.

The partnership was successful in securing £23.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks Programme beating off stiff competition from across the UK to secure one of only three grants awarded under this programme.

Also funding of £4.7 million has been secured from Belfast City Council.

Minister Ritchie said: "I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to everyone involved with the project on their success in developing this iconic landmark project and in securing a funding package that should ensure its delivery."

The project was developed by a local community based organisation, East Belfast Partnership, whose 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.

See: NI projects close to 'Living Landmarks' funding