With the EastSide Partnership we developed the concept for the Connswater Community Greenway in 2001, it was in response to a question raised in Parliament, asking for the Rivers of East Belfast to be the focus for regeneration. The area was once the proud hub of industry, the home to mills and Europe’s biggest rope works. With their demise and the onset of ‘The Troubles’, the Rivers and the land alongside them fell into a state of disuse. In 2001, the area around the Greenway was one of the 10% most disadvantaged parts of Northern Ireland in respect of health indicators. The average age of death was almost 10 years less than that of people living a mile away.
From the earliest concept, this was the community’s project. It was they who helped The Paul Hogarth Company to identify the profound needs of the area and how, through the design and implementation of the landscape project that meaningful and sustainable improvements could be realised. Along with the delivery of flood prevention and 15 hectares of high quality and accessible greenspace, we worked with those who were passionate about organising a wide range of activities and experiences in the area. CS Lewis Square was designed as a civic space for the area and as an opportunity to celebrate the life and works of the author, who lived nearby, whose tales of Narnia have captivated readers all over the world.
This transformational and award-winning project continues to regenerate the local area, directly impacting upon levels of health and fitness, biodiversity, community cohesion and investment. It shows the immense value of green infrastructure in an urban context and goes onto to inspire similar projects near and far.
We would be delighted to hear from you and to discuss your ideas.
Our door is always open at The Paul Hogarth Company. Come and say hello, drop us a line or give us a call and let’s make a difference together.
The Paul Hogarth Company is a long established and passionate team of Landscape Architects, Urban Designers and Planners.
We have offices in Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.
