Lagan Gateway

Introduction

The Lagan Gateway project includes structural improvements and development works at Stranmillis including:

• development of a navigation lock
• construction of an iconic foot and cycle bridge
• refurbishment of the existing weir
• high quality landscaping and new path connections

The total investment in the project is approximately £5 million, with almost 50 percent of this coming from our Belfast Investment Fund. 

Other partners are Ulster Garden Villages, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure Rivers, the Department for Infrastructure and the Lagan Navigation Trust. 

Current status

Work continues on site with additional hygiene and social distancing measures in place to keep workers and the public safe during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with industry health and safety guidance. 

Work is underway to install the new foot and cycle bridge connecting Lagan Towpath to Annadale Embankment, with the largest 35 tonne, 39 metre section now in place. This is a key milestone for the project which will see the bridge open to the public later in the spring.

On the Stranmillis side of the river, a new path from Belfast Boat Club to the bridge has been completed. This upper path also connects to the existing path link to Sharman Road.

Landscaping on the Stranmillis side has started and trees are currently being planted in this area.

On the Annadale side, the new canal upstream of the lock has been formed and sheet piling for the lock has been completed. The lock has been finished with an exposed concrete slab. New lock gates, which were manufactured off site, are now being installed.

The refurbishment of the existing Stranmillis Weir, carried out on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure, is complete.

Construction updates for residents

The main construction activities on the Stranmillis side of the river are complete. The existing timber fence will be extended along the boundaries of adjacent residential properties. Hedgerows and climbers will also be planted to create a ‘living wall’.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the contractor’s office is closed and they are unable to publish and deliver their regular newsletter with construction updates for local residents. Until the office reopens, updates will be published on this web page.

If you have any queries, comments or complaints about this work, contact the Charles Brand customer care line, call 028 9039 4395.

To complain about noise levels, contact our Environmental Health noise team

Wider context

The Lagan Gateway project is one of the catalyst projects identified within the wider Lagan Corridor area, which aims to create opportunities for tourism, employment, community engagement and economic growth along the river.

Timescales

The overall project is due to be completed by spring 2021.

Gallery

This Flickr gallery shows an illustration of the Lagan Gateway masterplan and an artist's impression of the completed project.

• View Flickr gallery (link opens in new window)