The public is being called to name the new Lagan Gateway bridge in south Belfast, ahead of its opening this summer.

Initial name suggestions can be submitted between now and 30 May via the Your Say Belfast website before a public vote takes place on a shortlist of names to select a favourite.

The new 83 metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge is one of the key elements of the £5.2 million Lagan Gateway project. Work has already been completed on the refurbishment of Stranmillis Weir, while a new navigation lock will be opened later this summer, reopening part of a waterway built in the 1800s to connect Belfast and Lough Neagh.

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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said: "There has already been a huge amount of interest in the new bridge which will improve connections between communities in south Belfast and reduce congestion on the Lagan Towpath by opening up the other side of the river.

"We have had a lot of messages from people suggesting potential names, so it only seemed right that we put this out to the public and let them name the new bridge. Once all the initial suggestions have been collated, a panel will meet to review these. They will then agree a shortlist of four names which we’ll put to a public vote between 14 June and 30 June, with the most popular name being selected."

Belfast City Council is investing £2.15 million in the Lagan Gateway project, with additional funding provided by Ulster Garden Villages, the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure.