A significant phase of the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS) project in west Belfast is underway, with the removal of over 40 metres of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road. This demolition work is part of a broader initiative to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.

In addition to the peace wall removal, construction of eight new community office units is progressing. These units will be located alongside the main BMSS building, which opened earlier this year at a cost of £7million. The goal is to cluster grassroots community organisations together, fostering stronger connections and enabling collaboration on various projects.

This second phase of the BMSS project is expected to further enhance the community's sense of togetherness and provide a valuable resource for local organisations. The project's focus on community building and inclusivity aligns with the broader efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the project, Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said: "It is inspiring to see the positive impact that Black Mountain Shared Space is having on community relations in the area. The team now has a permanent state-of-the-art base where they can deliver programmes and activities focused on bringing together historically divided communities.

"This ambitious second phase will bring community organisations together on one site, creating a hub where they will be able to share ideas, collaborate on projects and broaden their outreach. It will allow them to collectively address major local issues caused in part by decades of segregation including high unemployment rates, low educational attainment, poor health, and other effects of poverty. This project will also contribute positively to the regeneration of this part of the city and act as a catalyst for future development."

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Phase two of the BMSS project will be delivered by Belfast City Council and is funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Department for Communities and the Department of Justice.

Paddy Harte, Chair of the International Fund for Ireland said: "For many years, Peace Walls have remained the most visual signs of The Troubles separating communities and preventing progress. Through our Peace Barriers Programme, Black Mountain Shared Space has worked tirelessly with local residents on both sides of the interface to build trust around barrier removal and create positive relationships through successful community engagement. Phase two is another important step in the vision for this former interface site and I'm delighted that we will see long term regeneration and opportunities for the community with this addition of a social enterprise space."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said "I am delighted that my department's commitment to this exciting development is continuing through this second phase. This will add to the regeneration of this previously derelict site, supporting Black Mountain Shared Space in opening up opportunities for local community-based organisations to work here for the benefit of the people who live here. I am looking forward to the completion of the whole site as a key long term asset for the community."

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "The Department of Justice acknowledges the positive impact that the Black Mountain Shared Space centre has made within the local community. In an area where physical boundaries between communities have brought challenges, we welcome the opportunity to support this important project. BMSS plays a crucial role in our goal of uniting communities, and we look forward to seeing further progress in bringing people together."

Seamus Corr, Manager of Black Mountain Shared Space said: "We welcome the commencement of the second phase of the project which marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote more collaboration across historically divided communities. This new development represents a tremendous opportunity for local grassroots organisations to work closely together. By creating a hub for these organisations, we believe stronger relationships will be forged, enabling greater collaboration on vital community development projects.

"We are proud to be working in partnership with Belfast City Council, the International Fund for Ireland, the Department for Communities and the Department of Justice to bring this vision to life. Together, we are confident this project will not only enhance our ongoing cross-community work, but also contribute to the physical and social regeneration of the area. Black Mountain Shared Space remains committed to fostering peace and unity, and we look forward to the positive impact this new phase will have on our local communities."

For more information on the Black Mountain Shared Space, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/sharedspaces