At a total cost of £350,000, the upgrade involved the restoration of Victorian railings and gate pillars which are listed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for preservation purposes.
Visiting the Park, Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased today to announce the completion of significant restoration works to the historical pillars and railings of Woodvale Park. This park is of great historical importance to the people of Belfast and the Greater Shankill Neighbourhood. It is regularly used by a wide range of people and community organisations to host various events. I am certain that these improvements will enhance all future events and make the park a more enjoyable place for everyone to share.”
Councillor William Humphrey, a member of the Friends of Woodvale group, said the Council was delighted that it, the government and community were working together to make the most of an important community facility.
He said: “The refurbishment of the park entrance is in keeping with ongoing developments across the city this year which will see many of its landmark buildings re-opening for business after refurbishment boosting its attraction for both local residents and visitors.
“Plans for further development are ongoing and the continued efforts of the Friends of Woodvale Park are making a big difference to this park and its surrounding area.”
Tom Scott, Chairman of the Greater Shankill Partnership welcomed the completion of Woodvale Park environmental improvement scheme and stated: “Neighbourhood Renewal is about improving the lives of people who live in areas like the Greater Shankill. Together with other environmental improvements delivered by DSD and Belfast City Council, the restoration works at Woodvale Park will help to make the Woodvale and Ballygomartin Road areas more attractive places to live, work and visit.”
Margaret Ritchie continued saying: “I am also pleased that my Department will continue to progress development proposals for Woodvale Park ‘Hub’ project in partnership with Belfast City Council and the local community. These development proposals are intended to provide a safe welcoming space for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities."
Notes to Editors:
1. Woodvale Park commands a very high profile location at the junction of Woodvale Road and Ballygomartin Road in West Belfast.
2. The project is located within the Greater Shankill Neighbourhood Renewal Area which is one of the top 10% most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.
3. Woodvale Park is a widely used public asset that has prominent frontage locations at Ballygomartin Road and Woodvale Road. Its Victorian gate pillars and railings were in poor condition and detracted from the overall visual appearance of the area.
4. Restoration of the Victorian gate pillars and gates at Ballygomartin Road and Woodvale Road, using specialist contractors, has now been completed at a cost of £350,000.
5. The project is being funded by the Department for Social Development through its Belfast Regeneration Office’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
6. 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:
- The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
- 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.
7. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829496 or 07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
