Ormeau Park in South Belfast and Woodvale Park in West Belfast are to receive facelifts at their main entrances.
Elected members at Belfast City Council ’s most recent Planning Committee approved restoration of Ormeau Park’s main entrance gates and screens, as well as the connecting railings and walls.
The council park has a number of entry points around its perimeter but the main front entrance is beside Ormeau Bridge, which divides Lower and Upper Ormeau Road.
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The council planning report states: “The application site lies within the development limits for Belfast. Overall, the proposed works would enhance the appearance of the listed structure while securing its ongoing upkeep.
“The proposed works would not be detrimental to the main entrance gates and screens of Ormeau Park, which is a Grade B+ listed structure of special architectural and historic interest, protected by the Planning Act (NI) 2011.” There were no objections from any of the statutory consultees or from members of the public.
The report adds: “The proposed works are restoration in nature; therefore, the works are supported by officers and will improve and sustain the character of the listed structure.
“The proposed restoration respects the essential character, architectural and historic interest of the structure. The features of special interest will remain intact and unimpaired.”
At the committee, councillors also agreed to the reparation of the existing stone entrance pier and gate to Woodvale Park, Woodvale Road, West Belfast.
The council report states: “The site is located at Woodvale Park to the east and is accessed via Woodvale Road. The site provides one of four access points to Woodvale Park.
“The application will provide repair works to the existing entrance pier and gate. The key issues are character and appearance, design, materials and finish.” There were no objections from any of the statutory consultees or from members of the public.
The report adds: “The site is located on a corner and faces onto a row of terrace dwellings. The gates/piers, gate screen and railings are B2 listed. The entrance piers are finished in stone with the gates and railings finished in iron.
“The piers, gates and railings are all comprehensively detailed, giving them a unique design and appearance. The site is located on land zoned as existing recreation and open space. The site is also within the Woodvale Park, Historic Park Garden and Demesne of special historic interest and the Woodvale/Springvale Local Landscape Policy Area. Woodvale Park is also identified as an Ancient Woodland.”
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