The Lanyon Tunnels, which run below East Bridge Street in Belfast, are to be developed, it has been confirmed.

The Northern Ireland Executive's Social Investment Fund is delivering £1.3 million in investment into the project. The tunnels will be developed to provide two childcare facilities, five tunnels for commercial rental, and one tunnel that will connect the Markets area with the city centre.

Junior Minister Megan Fearon commented: "The Executive's £1.3 million investment in the Lanyon Tunnels will help regenerate this historically significant site, benefitting the area economically and socially.

"As well as employment opportunities and increasing community services, the project will importantly remove the physical barrier between the Markets area and the City Centre, improving mobility and access, and reconnecting the local community to the wider area.

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"The Social Investment Fund is a strategically designed Executive initiative to achieve real, long-lasting social benefits for those who need it most, and local people and local needs are at the heart of it.

"Projects representing £76 million of the £80 million fund have either started or are operational and communities are really starting to benefit. It's providing early intervention, education and employment opportunities to support and improve the future potential to those who need it most, as well as capital projects, such as the Lanyon Tunnels, to improve services in areas including health, employment and childcare."

Junior Minister Alastair Ross added: "The regeneration of the Lanyon Tunnels provides a great opportunity to create a real change for the better in an area of social and economic disadvantage. This exciting project has the potential to create jobs and increase community services while preserving an important historic landmark.

"The Northern Ireland Executive has committed £80million to the Social Investment Fund. The Lanyon Tunnels is one of 69 projects being delivered with the shared aim of improving the lives of people living in deprivation.

"Key to the success of the SIF is local people creating solutions; it supports communities to bring about positive change. This project is a community led initiative designed to address local need and help make a better life for everyone in the area."

Belfast City Council are also providing funding for the £2.6m project.

(JP/LM)