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£350,000 public realm scheme in east Belfast now complete

Wednesday, 7 April 2010

Director of Belfast Regeneration Office, Mark O’Donnell today announced the completion of works to transform and regenerate the Woodstock Link area of East Belfast.

The £350,000 public realm scheme, which has enhanced the overall look of the area for both residents and businesses, included:

  • resurfacing of existing street surfaces in natural granite and sandstone;
  • provision of soft landscaping and
  • removal of unsightly brick planters.

Tourists, who visit the area to view the famous George Best mural, will also benefit from the new improvements.

Mr O’Donnell said: “This is good news for the people of East Belfast. The completion of this work has significantly improved the Woodstock Link area. Not only has it improved its visual appearance but it has helped to create a much safer environment, through the removal of large brick planters that often attracted anti-social behaviour.

“This project, which has been delivered through the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, will help to create a more attractive environment in which people can live, work and invest.”

The scheme is being funded by the Department for Social Development through its Belfast Regeneration Office’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

Notes to editors:

1. Woodstock Link is within the Inner East Neighbourhood Renewal Area which is one of the top 10% most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.

2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

  • Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
  • Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
  • Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
  • Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.