Construction work has started on a £4million project to improve a 19th century waterway in Belfast.

A new Lagan Gateway is to be created and the aim is to reopen a waterway built in the 1800's to connect Belfast and Lough Neagh.

The scheme is being funded by the Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Ulster Garden Villages.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "This stretch of the river marks the start of the Lagan Canal and towpath which is already incredibly popular with walkers and cyclists. By creating a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists as well as new pathways, we will improve connections with the surrounding areas and hopefully encourage more people to explore this part of the city on foot and by bike.

-- Advertisement --

"Council funding for this project comes from our Belfast Investment Fund (BIF) and in line with the aims of our Belfast Agenda we are working in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies, including DfI, Department for Communities, Ulster Garden Villages and Lagan Navigation Trust, to maximise the investment."

The work includes developing a navigation lock, creating a foot and cycle bridge linking Annadale Embankment and Stranmillis, refurbishment of the existing weir and landscaping with associated path connections.

(CD/MH)