Public asked to name bridges and pathway along the Connswater Community Greenway

The Connswater Community Greenway in partnership with Belfast City Council is giving the public the opportunity to officially name the three bridges within Greenville Park and Orangefield Park, and the new greenway pathway that extends from Orangefield Park to the Braniel.

The new pathway to be named will be the next section of the Greenway to open, in May 2016, following the completion of works in Orangefield and Victoria Parks last year. Farrans Construction is currently undertaking Phase 2 construction works with works continuing at major sections including the C.S. Lewis Square at Holywood Arches, Avoniel, The Hollow at  Elmgrove, Mersey Street, and many other sites across east Belfast to better connect people and places, with the greenway providing 16km of new cycle and walkways and 26 new bridges and crossings upon completion by mid 2017. 

Anne McMurray, Connswater Community Greenway Trust said :

“As part of the Phase 1 of the Connswater Community Greenway we asked the public to name our new landmark bridge that connects the Greenway at Victoria Park to Airport Road and Belfast Harbour Estate. This campaign was hugely popular and so was born the ‘Sam Thompson Bridge’.

It was not just about getting a name that was appropriate for the area but handing this decision over to the public. Such was the success of this campaign that it was agreed to involve  the public in the naming of the bridges in Orangefield Park and the new greenway link from Orangefield Park to Braniel. This campaign is a wonderful opportunity for east Belfast and the broader Belfast community to put their stamp on, take ownership of and name what we hope will become an important part of the infrastructure of east Belfast.”

The public submissions are open for entries from Friday 5th February at 9am to Friday 26th February at midnight. A panel of judges will then meet to shortlist the entries and then the public will be asked to vote for their favourites in March 2016.

You can submit your ideas for the bridges and pathway online at www.connswatergreenway.co.uk/Naming. Leaflets will also be distributed in the local area and in The Loop, east Belfast newspaper (February edition). You can also pick up a leaflet from the EastSide Partnership Office open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (closed lunch 1pm – 2pm) and at the Orangefield Park Bowling Pavilion during opening hours Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm.