The draft Queen's Quay Regeneration Masterplan has been opened up for public consultation - with new jobs also on the way.

The masterplan includes options for improving cross-harbour pedestrian and cycle routes from the north of the city to Odyssey and Titanic Quarter.

The Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "This masterplan identifies regeneration opportunities which look to the future beyond the current economic downturn.

"We are confident that we can build upon the existing investment at Laganside by setting out our plans to add a further 600 jobs to the 15,000 already created across the area. The masterplan shows how this can be done by promoting the development of Queen’s Quay as a vibrant riverfront destination providing further leisure, residential and commercial activity along the east bank of the Lagan."

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The position of Queen's Quay marks it out as a key staging point between the north of the city and east Belfast. The masterplan indicates that future business-led growth across the harbour would be encouraged by enhancing pedestrian and cycle routes. This could be achieved by upgrading the Lagan Weir bridge or by building a new bridge linking Corporation Square to Queen's Quay.

Mr McCausland concluded: "My Department is keen to hear a wide range of views on the masterplan and I look forward to receiving the public’s thoughts and ideas on the way forward."

The public consultation runs from 13 December 2011 to 31 March 2012.

(CD)