Here's a climate friendly vision for transforming the Westlink and M2 bridges to help relink Belfast

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Through the looking glass at a brighter future!

A Co-Designed Approach

The ideas for transforming the Westlink have been co-designed by the people of Belfast through a programme of creative engagement. Here is a snapshot of the engagement in numbers so far…

8

Strategic Partners

402

People Engaged

44

Groups

124

Young People

And still counting...

A walk through Relink

Our visual minutes below document’s all the engagement that has taken place for Relink,
including key issues, concerns and ideas for transforming the bridges

Belfast is
disconnected

There’s already some great work happening to solve this issue, here’s how some of the Relink partners are kickstarting work for the Relink Vision!

Did you know?

Now

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Translink Transport Hub

"Saltwater Square will be a new public space in the city and one of the major focal points of the development. Boasting a new public square that can be used from public art, entertainment space and leisure uses.

This will be a lively, busy place providing opportunities for commuters, visitors, city residents and workers.

Saltwater Square takes its name from that original stone bridge over the River Blackstaff and in doing so, creates a direct connection with that structure’s considerable cultural significance."

Great Place - North Belfast

"Great Place North Belfast is a 3-year project of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. It will use the unique built heritage and authentic character to deliver and support regeneration in this part of north Belfast.

Working with fifteen heritage organisations the project features their historic buildings and sites stretching for one mile along Donegall Street, Clifton Street, the Crumlin Road and part of the Antrim Road."

USI - Belfast Rooftops

USI propose an inclusive range of events & experiences from small scale rooftops providing entertainment for groups between 10-100, to large scale of 500+, promoting a diverse programme.

In a collaborative network known as Rooftops for Europe. As result USI have established Belfast Rooftops as a way of exploring the delivery of a rooftop strategy within the city.

DFC - Westlink Backpath

The Westlink Backpath land is located along the rear of properties at Cullingtree Road on the west side of the Westlink. The land is within the Lower Falls Building Successful Communities (BSC) area (one of six pilot BSC areas). The Department for Communities (DfC) appointed Turley to prepare the Lower Falls Action Plan as part of the BSC programme. The Action Plan identified a number of catalyst projects and complimentary projects, including the proposed Westlink Backpath environmental improvement project.

DFC - The Bullring

The Bullring land is located along the western side of the Westlink between Peters Hill and Regent Street. The land is within the Lower Shankill and Brown Square Building Successful Communities (BSC) area (one of six pilot BSC areas). The Department for Communities (DfC) appointed Turley to prepare the Lower Shankill and Brown Square Action Plan as part of the BSC programme. The Action Plan identified a number of catalyst projects, including the proposed Bullring environmental improvement project.

Ulster University

Ulster University’s Greater Belfast Development heralds a move from its 1970’s suburban Jordanstown campus into Belfast’s busy city centre. This marks a watershed shift in UK university development trends and our aim with this new campus is to bring something genuinely fresh and forward-looking to the city.

As Lead Architect on this vibrant new landmark project, FCBStudios’ proposals feature three new University buildings providing 73,000 square meters of academic accommodation in Belfast’s Scotch and Cathedral Quarter - an important emerging cultural district.

Next 10 Years

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Care Zone

"The Care Zone project was established as a result of a Future Search workshop that was led by the then Health Minister Mrs Michelle O’Neill, ‘Building Hope: Working Together to Prevent Suicide’, where twelve common ground themes were agreed at the workshop as the best actions to be taken forward to improve mental health and well-being and reduce suicide."

Urban Villages - North Belfast

"The Urban Villages Initiative is designed to improve good relations outcomes and develop thriving places where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. The Urban Villages Initiative is a headline action within the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy. It is outcome focused and collaborative in keeping with the Programme for Government (PfG) framework."

Urban Villages South Belfast

"The core area is made up of three distinct neighbourhoods - Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets, situated on the edge of the city centre, yet separated by roads and dereliction / vacant sites. The railway severs the area from the surrounding areas to the south, east and west although this puts four train stations within easy reach."

Urban Villages East Belfast

"The core area of the Urban Villages Initiative in EastSide is a one mile stretch of the Newtownards Road, between Bridge End and Grampian Avenue.

To those who know the Newtownards Road, it is a special place. It is a lifeblood for the communities who live along its length and an artery for the city, linking Belfast deep into Ards and Down. It is a symbol of identity, home to landmark buildings and streets. It provides a link to the past, steeped in over 200 years of history, but is also a link to the future."

Translink Transport Hub

"Saltwater Square will be a new public space in the city and one of the major focal points of the development. Boasting a new public square that can be used from public art, entertainment space and leisure uses.

This will be a lively, busy place providing opportunities for commuters, visitors, city residents and workers.

Saltwater Square takes its name from that original stone bridge over the River Blackstaff and in doing so, creates a direct connection with that structure’s considerable cultural significance."

Inner North West Masterplan

"The city centre between Donegall Square and Donegall Street will be transformed to create a vibrant place to live, work, shop and relax across a series of mixed use neighbourhoods.

Ulster University’s campus, new investment, student housing and the existing character will provide a welcoming quarter embodied by creativity, innovation, culture, 24-hour activity and well-being in the heart of the city centre."

Great Place North Belfast

"Great Place North Belfast is a 3-year project of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. It will use the unique built heritage and authentic character to deliver and support regeneration in this part of north Belfast.

Working with fifteen heritage organisations the project features their historic buildings and sites stretching for one mile along Donegall Street, Clifton Street, the Crumlin Road and part of the Antrim Road."

USI - Belfast Rooftops

USI propose an inclusive range of events & experiences from small scale rooftops providing entertainment for groups between 10-100, to large scale of 500+, promoting a diverse programme.

These events will raise the awareness and profile of the rooftop initiative, as
well as making the citizens of the City engage in the dialogue of their public space through animating the city and socialising with their community.

USI will bring a range of skills, from Festival & Production Design, to Budget creation and Event Management, from Programming & Visual Design to Brand Sponsorship opportunities.

In a collaborative network known as Rooftops for Europe. As result USI have established Belfast Rooftops as a way of exploring the delivery of a rooftop strategy within the city.

Sailortown Masterplan

The Draft Masterplan seeks to provide an overarching framework for the development of the area:

Promote improved pedestrian and cycle links
Facilitate social and economic connections
Environment and the improvement of key routes
Promote new employment opportunities

South West Transformation Masterplan

"This is a plan for the future of one of Belfast’s most important economic areas.

The area faces significant challenges from prominent vacant sites and traffic congestion, to the less visible but serious problems of air pollution."

Great Place North Belfast

"Great Place North Belfast is a 3-year project of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. It will use the unique built heritage and authentic character to deliver and support regeneration in this part of north Belfast. Working with fifteen heritage organisations the project features their historic buildings and sites stretching for one mile along Donegall Street, Clifton Street, the Crumlin Road and part of the Antrim Road."

10-20 Years

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Care Zone

"The Care Zone project was established as a result of a Future Search workshop that was led by the then Health Minister Mrs Michelle O’Neill, ‘Building Hope: Working Together to Prevent Suicide’, where twelve common ground themes were agreed at the workshop as the best actions to be taken forward to improve mental health and well-being and reduce suicide."

Urban Villages - North Belfast

"The Urban Villages Initiative is designed to improve good relations outcomes and develop thriving places where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. The Urban Villages Initiative is a headline action within the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy. It is outcome focused and collaborative in keeping with the Programme for Government (PfG) framework."

York Street Interchange

"The review will look at wellbeing, sustainable travel, creating thriving liveable places and communities, responding to the climate emergency and connecting people and opportunities, the Executive’s priorities set out in New Decade: New Approach and the Outcomes Delivery Plan, and the scheme’s strategic fit alongside the emerging policy context, for example, the Belfast Agenda, the Belfast City Council Development Plan Strategy and the emerging Transport Plans."

Urban Villages South Belfast

"The core area is made up of three distinct neighbourhoods - Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets, situated on the edge of the city centre, yet separated by roads and dereliction / vacant sites. The railway severs the area from the surrounding areas to the south, east and west although this puts four train stations within easy reach. "

Urban Villages East Belfast

"The core area of the Urban Villages Initiative in EastSide is a one mile stretch of the Newtownards Road, between Bridge End and Grampian Avenue.

To those who know the Newtownards Road, it is a special place. It is a lifeblood for the communities who live along its length and an artery for the city, linking Belfast deep into Ards and Down. It is a symbol of identity, home to landmark buildings and streets. It provides a link to the past, steeped in over 200 years of history, but is also a link to the future."

Translink Transport Hub

"Saltwater Square will be a new public space in the city and one of the major focal points of the development. Boasting a new public square that can be used from public art, entertainment space and leisure uses.

This will be a lively, busy place providing opportunities for commuters, visitors, city residents and workers.

Saltwater Square takes its name from that original stone bridge over the River Blackstaff and in doing so, creates a direct connection with that structure’s considerable cultural significance."

Inner North West Masterplan

"The city centre between Donegall Square and Donegall Street will be transformed to create a vibrant place to live, work, shop and relax across a series of mixed use neighbourhoods.

Ulster University’s campus, new investment, student housing and the existing character will provide a welcoming quarter embodied by creativity, innovation, culture, 24-hour activity and well-being in the heart of the city centre."

Great Place North Belfast

"Great Place North Belfast is a 3-year project of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. It will use the unique built heritage and authentic character to deliver and support regeneration in this part of north Belfast.

Working with fifteen heritage organisations the project features their historic buildings and sites stretching for one mile along Donegall Street, Clifton Street, the Crumlin Road and part of the Antrim Road."

Green Blue Infrastructure

"This is the first Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan for Belfast. It recognises that our vegetated areas (the green) and our waterways (the blue) provide a broad range of economic, social and environmental benefits in and around our more
urban areas.

As such, we are starting to think of these natural and semi-natural assets as ‘infrastructure’ and like any type of infrastructure, these assets will only continue to provide us with these benefits if we actively plan, invest in and manage them to ensure that they are utilised sustainably."

USI - Belfast Rooftops

USI propose an inclusive range of events & experiences from small scale rooftops providing entertainment for groups between 10-100, to large scale of 500+, promoting a diverse programme.

These events will raise the awareness and profile of the rooftop initiative, as
well as making the citizens of the City engage in the dialogue of their public space through animating the city and socialising with their community.

USI will bring a range of skills, from Festival & Production Design, to Budget creation and Event Management, from Programming & Visual Design to Brand Sponsorship opportunities.

In a collaborative network known as Rooftops for Europe. As result USI have established Belfast Rooftops as a way of exploring the delivery of a rooftop strategy within the city.

Sailortown Masterplan

The Draft Masterplan seeks to provide an overarching framework for the development of the area:

Promote improved pedestrian and cycle links
Facilitate social and economic connections
Environment and the improvement of key routes
Promote new employment opportunities

South West Transformation Masterplan

"This is a plan for the future of one of Belfast’s most important economic areas.

The area faces significant challenges from prominent vacant sites and traffic congestion, to the less visible but serious problems of air pollution."

Great Place North Belfast

"Great Place North Belfast is a 3-year project of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. It will use the unique built heritage and authentic character to deliver and support regeneration in this part of north Belfast. Working with fifteen heritage organisations the project features their historic buildings and sites stretching for one mile along Donegall Street, Clifton Street, the Crumlin Road and part of the Antrim Road."

What’s happening around Westlink?

Due to its location right next to the city centre, there are a lot of things already going on. For Relink to develop a vision to transform the bridges it first looked at everything else that was happening in the area. Below is some information of existing projects in and around the Westlink.

The new Belfast Transport Hub and wider regeneration of Weaver’s Cross will transform 8 hectares of underused land next to the Grosvenor Bridge. The regeneration of the area is set to bring 50,000 new jobs and £1bn investment into the city and will bring high levels of footfall and activity into the area.

A range of events & experiences from small scale rooftops providing entertainment for groups between 10-100, to large scale of 500+, promoting a diverse programme.

The Building Successful Communities initiative was introduced as part of the Facing the Future - Housing Strategy for Northern Ireland in 2013 and aims to use housing intervention as one of the main catalysts for local regeneration.

Ulster University’s Greater Belfast Development heralds a move from its 1970’s suburban Jordanstown campus into Belfast’s busy city centre.

This regeneration project will see the old school reborn as a multi-use community hub that has been designed to promote economic, educational, social and cultural benefits for the people who live and work in the local area and promote good relations.

Do you have any questions to ask or projects to add?
Let us know!

Living with
water

You told us lots of ways in which water is important to Belfast, and how it could be used to reimagine the bridges. From the Farset to flooding, green space to playful space, Relink is using these ideas around water to connect us back to our maritime heritage, as well as get us delivering on a climate-proofing our city for the future.

Think Global, Act Local

Tackling Climate Change

Belfast sea level could rise to up to 94cm by 2100 if we don’t act. Part of this action is about understanding how water moves through the city and learning to live with it whilst reducing the worst effects of climate change. Relink explores how this city lives with water by creating thought provoking and playful ideas on the bridges.

Future proofing our city

Creating new green and blue spaces for Belfast has been identified as a priority for the city in terms of fighting the worst effects of climate change. Green and blue spaces are anything that allows our rivers, waterways, flora and fauna to thrive across the City.

It has many benefits for us too, including making walking and cycling safer and fun, improving our health and wellbeing, and reducing pollution. We need to increase the amount of space and create places for water to go. This will help us avoid serious flooding in the future and be ready to tackle climate change.

Future proofing our city

Creating new green and blue spaces for Belfast has been identified as a priority for the city in terms of fighting the worst effects of climate change. Green and blue spaces are anything that allows our rivers, waterways, flora and fauna to thrive across the City.

It has many benefits for us too, including making walking and cycling safer and fun, improving our health and wellbeing, and reducing pollution. We need to increase the amount of space and create places for water to go. This will help us avoid serious flooding in the future and be ready to tackle climate change.

Land projected to be below annual flood level by 2100,

Climate Central

Belfast – Maritime City

The story of Belfast is one about the Farset, the Blackstaff, the Clowney and many more. The rivers of Belfast have powered the economy and been places for us to come together. It is true the people of Belfast walk on water, but we need to adapt and engage with the waterways that keep this city alive.

"From the hills to the Lagan"

Belfast has many waterways that flow under it, and owes its form, development and name to these. We have always had a strong relationship with water, and will need to think more about how we live with water in the future as climate change takes effect.

"From the hills to the Lagan"

Belfast has many waterways that flow under it, and owes its form, development and name to these. We have always had a strong relationship with water, and will need to think more about how we live with water in the future as climate change takes effect.

“The Farset…perhaps gave Belfast its name….powered the Mills and then the factories…[it] was a keystone of the town’s prosperity”

(1961 book Clifton House)

Over history water has always brought people together, whether it’s through crisis or as a gathering place, and we in Belfast know this better than most! Relink will help reconnect back to our maritime roots and continue the story of water in Belfast.

From battling to adapting

Relink Vision
2035

The Vision for the Westlink and M2 Bridges is for a better connected, healthier and more prosperous city for all. Hover over the bridges to see how they could be re-imagined

Pilot Projects for the Bridges

Starting out to deliver the vision above means we need to break it into manageable steps. A first step for the bridges is to reduce the dominance of cars and create healthier, more interesting places and spaces to be in.

In the next five years, Relink will explore different concepts for the bridges that challenge our thoughts about water. From a bridge that grows, to one that soaks up pollution, to one that actually plays with water, we challenge you to think differently about these spaces and how they could do so much more for our health and our wellbeing.

These pilot projects for the bridges will learn what works, what people love best, and how a different Westlink could be possible.

Pilot Projects for the Bridges

Starting out to deliver the vision above means we need to break it into manageable steps. A first step for the bridges is to reduce the dominance of cars and create healthier, more interesting places and spaces to be in.

In the next five years, Relink will explore different concepts for the bridges that challenge our thoughts about water. From a bridge that grows, to one that soaks up pollution, to one that actually plays with water, we challenge you to think differently about these spaces and how they could do so much more for our health and our wellbeing.

These pilot projects for the bridges will learn what works, what people love best, and how a different Westlink could be possible.

Relink Vision Objectives

The Relink Vision takes its inspiration from A Bolder Vision for Belfast, a plan for reconnecting the city shown below that is endorsed by a range of government bodies.

The objectives for Relink have been developed through this and an extensive collaborative design process.

View the Bolder Vision Report

What if.... there were green decks over the Westlink?

Glasgow, UK

Bold examples from across the world

Removing motorways in Utrecht

3D Pedestrian Crossings

Elevated cycling path in China

BIG-Topotek1-Superflex-Superkilen-1_Image-by-Iwan Baan

Superkilen Park, Copenhagen

Rain Water Harvesting

Elevated Urban Garden, Seoul

Tell us what inspires you? What do you think would help relink Belfast?

Frequently Asked Questions

This is an ambitious project - who is going to deliver it?

Yes the vision for Relink is ambitious, but its time for change. It adopts a phased approach and starts off with practical steps to improve the bridges, creating a better and more liveable place to be. From the immediate steps to improve the bridges, let’s see what works and build from there!

Why 2035 for delivery? What is the significance of this date?

The Belfast Agenda sets a vision for 2035 and is the overarching plan for Belfast. This Bolder Vision ties in with this goal and will aims to contribute to many of its outcomes in terms of creating a liveable city, and improving quality of life for residents.

Ok, you've inspired me, I want to be involved in getting this done! What should I do?

Brilliant – we’d love to hear from you!! Whether you live or work next to the bridges, are a policy-maker or delivering change on the ground we will all achieve more if we do it together. Get in touch with the Relink Team below.

Here's a climate friendly vision for transforming the Westlink and M2 bridges to help relink Belfast

Or...

Stakeholder Login

Get in touch

Through the looking glass at a brighter future!

A Co-Designed Approach

8

402

44

124

And still counting...

A walk through Relink

Belfast is disconnected

Did you know?

Now

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Translink Transport Hub

Great Place - North Belfast

USI - Belfast Rooftops

DFC - Westlink Backpath

DFC - The Bullring

Ulster University

Next 10 Years

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Care Zone

Urban Villages - North Belfast

Urban Villages South Belfast

Urban Villages East Belfast

Translink Transport Hub

Inner North West Masterplan

Great Place North Belfast

USI - Belfast Rooftops

Sailortown Masterplan

South West Transformation Masterplan

Great Place North Belfast

10-20 Years

Click on an area of the map to find out more about the projects going on around the Westlink!

Care Zone

Urban Villages - North Belfast

York Street Interchange

Urban Villages South Belfast

Urban Villages East Belfast

Translink Transport Hub

Inner North West Masterplan

Great Place North Belfast

Green Blue Infrastructure

USI - Belfast Rooftops

Sailortown Masterplan

South West Transformation Masterplan

Great Place North Belfast

What’s happening around Westlink?

Do you have any questions to ask or projects to add? Let us know!

Living with water

Think Global, Act Local

Future proofing our city

Future proofing our city

"From the hills to the Lagan"

"From the hills to the Lagan"

From battling to adapting

Relink Vision 2035

Pilot Projects for the Bridges

Pilot Projects for the Bridges

Relink Vision Objectives

What if.... there were green decks over the Westlink?

Bold examples from across the world

Tell us what inspires you? What do you think would help relink Belfast?

Tell us what inspires you? What do you think would help relink Belfast?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Relink Stakeholder Group

Belfast is
disconnected

Do you have any questions to ask or projects to add?
Let us know!

Living with
water

Relink Vision
2035