The contract to develop the Connswater Community Greenway has been awarded to joint venture SIAC (NI) Ltd and Galliford Try Infrastructure.

The major regeneration scheme led by the East Belfast Partnership will establish a linear park through East Belfast along the Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers, connecting people and places from the Castlereagh Hills to Belfast Lough.

The works contract with an estimated value of up to £21m, will involve the construction of new bridges, riverside walkways and cycle paths, flood defences, public realm, park improvements and river enhancement works.

The development, which will improve the quality of life for thousands of people living in East Belfast and beyond, has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Department for Social Development, Belfast City Council and the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development.

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Announcing the successful contractor, Programme Manager Wendy Langham said: "We are delighted to have appointed SIAC (NI) Ltd and Galliford Try Infrastructure as the main contractors and look forward to work starting on site this month.

"This is a hugely significant milestone for east Belfast as we enter the final phase in the delivery of the Connswater Community Greenway. The Greenway will act as a catalyst for the economic, environmental and social regeneration of the area supporting local businesses and communities, attracting visitors and tourists and creating safer, cleaner and greener public space for all to enjoy."

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Kieran Doyle, Regional Director for SIAC (NI) Ltd, commented: "This contract is a major win for SIAC (NI) Ltd and is a welcome boost to our ongoing operations and expansion in Northern Ireland. We have a successful track record in undertaking multidisciplinary projects of scale and complexity by adopting a partnership approach.

"For this project that will mean working closely with the client, their representatives, government departments, local councils and the communities involved. We will also be seeking to ensure that the project provides local employment opportunities where possible."

David Bevan, Managing Director of Galliford Try Infrastructure added: "We are delighted to have secured such a significant scheme and for the opportunity to increase the geographical spread of our operations while drawing on our civil engineering experience of similar regeneration schemes elsewhere in the UK," noting work is due for completion mid 2013.

(GK/BMcC)