Concept plans have been unveiled for a project that would see much-needed regeneration in a community in South Belfast.
Community workers in the Ballynafeigh area have helped to develop plans for the redevelopment of the Annadale Embankment which would see the creation of a new football pitch, play parks and walking trail.
It is part of a wider project involving the South Belfast Cross Community Area Network which would see a number of projects taking place which include the creation of a Men's Shed, expansion of Rosario Youth Club and enhancements to the Ballynafeigh Methodist Church.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Allison Smith and Carol Robinson from the Annadale Community Centre and Ballynafeigh Unionist Forum said that the area has been starved of investment over the years and if these plans were approved it would provide a huge boost to the local community, particularly young families who would benefit the most.
Allison said: "We are working with the Housing Executive and other groups here in South Belfast in the hopes of progressing these plans and bringing much-needed regeneration to the area.
"For the Ballynafeigh and Annadale areas we are hoping that we can get approval for the development of a football pitch, a number of play parks for children of all ages and a walking trail with exercise equipment that would run from the football pitch to Sunnyside Street.
"We have football teams here in the area who really struggle to get access to football pitches and the development of one here would allow not only them, but the wider community to have access to a brilliant new facility."
Carol said: "For decades now this area has been starved of funding and investment and it is time that Ballynafeigh and Annadale is given the support that it deserves.
"All of the community organisations that have developed these plans have a very good working relationship together and want to see the area grow and we hope that these plans can be approved after all of the hard work of everyone involved."
South Belfast DUP councillor Tracy Kelly said: "For many years the Annadale community has seen very little investment and it only takes you to walk around the estate to see the lack of facilities for small children. The Annadale Embankment is perfect for redevelopment, the idea of a pitch and playpark facility will not only give the children a safe space to play it will also brighten up this area that atm can attract ASB.
"I have been working closely with Annadale & Haywood Residents Group and it's fantastic to see their plans and ideas drawn up and ready to lobby funders. This community has worked hard to keep kids off the streets and away from ASB, they deserve investment and I am happy to support and work with them to deliver."
A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said; “We’re excited to be facilitating discussions with a range of community and statutory organisations as part of the Building Positive Relations programme, which is a Peace IV programme in partnership with Belfast City Council and funded by Special EU Programmes Body.
“The South Belfast Cross Community Area Network has developed a range of proposals aimed at enhancing the area around Annadale and we have facilitated a series of meetings at ground level to gauge interest and gather ideas to help this process.
“We look forward to seeing the final concept ideas and we commend the local community for engaging so positively.”
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