A three month consultation period has begun on proposals to redevelop Springfield Dam and Park in Belfast.

Belfast City Council opened consultations on the plan today, 11 June.

The project, known as the Springfield Dam Park Masterplan, is part of the council's PEACE IV plan.

"The redevelopment of Springfield Dam Park is the first step in our plans to reconnect communities in an area stretching from Glencairn to Bog Meadows," explained Alderman Jim Rodgers, Chairman of the Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

"By reconnecting the dam and park we will create a new signature civic space with improved access, recreational facilities and environmental enhancements."

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The Springfield Dam Park Masterplan has a number of main objectives, including plans to:

• Improve access to and around the site by creating a number of new entrance points around the park, including a signature pedestrian access point to the north of the site; car parking, including accessible parking spaces; and a new pedestrian bridge crossing the dam.

• Create new recreational facilities, including fishing stands along the east bank of the dam; a circular pathway for walking, jogging and exercising; a new modular classroom, providing a year-round meeting place for schools and community groups and a dedicated outdoor event space, enabling fairs and community events to take place.

• Deliver environmental enhancements such as a number of floating islands and wildflower planting, providing additional habitat for birds and wildlife; and further enhancing the existing ecological richness of the area through additional planting throughout the site.

• Providing overall site enhancements, including a new viewing area, information panels will outlining the history of the dam, and new lighting and fencing throughout the park, ensuring an attractive and uniform look throughout the site.

The PEACE IV plan is financed through the European Union and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).