Phase One of redevelopment works at Hillsborough Forest Park in Northern Ireland have been completed.

The redevelopment includes upgrades to pathways around the lakes, two new bridges, including viewing platforms around the lake. New car parks have increased parking capacity, a new picnic area has been created along with an adventurous new play park for children.

The improvements form part of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) plans to develop and improve the forest and have been funded with £1million from LCCC, £1million from the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and £28,000 from the Department for Communities.

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Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "As a local man myself I've had the opportunity to avail of the enhanced facilities here at Hillsborough Forest, and I’m extremely delighted with the improvements. The development of effective partnership arrangements with Lisburn City and Castlereagh City Council has been critical to providing this range of facilities for people to enjoy and I warmly congratulate the Council on their endeavours in providing better services and facilities for users of Hillsborough Forest Park.

"The ongoing Forest Park Enhancement Scheme fits very well with my Department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework priorities in that it addresses important issues such as isolation, loneliness, access and health and well-being. Our Forests currently attract almost 9 million visits each year and delivers outcomes for rural dwellers by enhancing and creating spaces that will encourage people to adopt to a more healthy and active lifestyle."