A Belfast man who transformed an alley near his home in lockdown is calling for a city centre car park to be transformed into green space.
Chris Lowry, 42, says he started getting more active in his local community during the pandemic.
What started out as a passing interest in urban infrastructure issues and their solutions soon blossomed into something bigger, when he started an IdeaspaceNI Twitter account where he shares some of his dreams for the city he loves.
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The latest, a plan to change Little Victoria Street car park off Bruce Street near the Dublin Road into green space linking the whole way to the Gasworks via Bankmore Square and creating a new inner-city greenway to Lanyon Place and beyond, has even been welcomed by Linen Quarter BID which said they are "totally agreed on this point".
The group, which represents 440 organisations, outlined something similar in its regeneration vision for a more pedestrian-friendly district.
East Belfast native Chris, who has even given up his car in a bid to do his bit for the city's air quality in his area - says he would like to see Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure really step up to create a place that truly caters to changing public opinion on active travel and green space on publicly owned land.
The car park in question is owned by Belfast City Council.
The 42-year-old told Belfast Live: "I have been trying to get more active in my local area since lockdown. I created my own lockdown garden blocking off an alleyway which was being used as a drug den and for antisocial behaviour.
"It was a rubbish dump and has made me wonder if this is the experience all over Belfast.
"The Idea for IdeaspaceNI came before this as I saw so many issues with our urban infrastructure. I've been blown away by the support and interest on this idea. People need more spaces to relax, chill and enjoy.
"We recently looked at our air quality in my area and it has shocked me. I have recently given up my car due to this.
"We need to start greening and regreening areas now," he added. "Not in 5 years, now. The climate emergency is only increasing currently. Individual action needs to recognised as a way the general public can help."
Chris hit out at the lack of action taken to transform the city during lockdown with just a few bike lanes installed and the poor pedestrianisation of areas where cars still drive freely.
"DfI isn't fit for purpose currently. Their focus is on cars and they need to wake up and realise that one cycle lane isn't going to cut it," he continued.
"We need Urban greenways. I have also suggested Southway which would run from Lanyon Place Station the whole way to Crescent Gardens via Markets periphery, Gasworks and the via McClure street linking up to Crescent Gardens.
"It also means pedestrians and cyclists can access safe spaces without running into much road infrastructure. DfI have done very little during the pandemic for greening even though the public opinion is towards providing more due to the pandemic.
"I thought starting IdeaspaceNI would definitely start a conversation and it seems to have done just that. I now want to lobby and network to ensure these ideas are taken forward.
"People want to be able to visit green space near to them and enjoy a better air quality which planting parks and more trees will do. I love their [Belfast City Council] 1 million tress campaign but we need them and DfI to complete urban planting of trees on streets without them. Look at University street end towards university. This should be brimming with trees and greenery but has very little.
"We need to replicate Connswater community greenway. It started small but look what it has turned into. Community partnerships have a great role to play in bringing communities together."
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "Change can be challenging however the Department is prepared to try new ways to enhance our city centre and deliver people-focused place shaping. While the pilot carried out during the lockdown has shown areas for learning it has also highlighted what is possible and the need for us to do things differently.
"If we do not try to explore new ways of transforming our cities and places we will never realise our potential and the opportunities. In DfI we want to see change and we are committed to working in partnership to deliver that change especially as we begin our recovery from Covid."
Belfast City Council said: “There are currently no plans to change the use of Little Victoria Street carpark. However, we are actively bringing forward proposals with our partners through the Belfast Region City Deal and emerging Bolder Vision Strategy to address the level of hard infrastructure within the area, through the delivery of sustainable and active travel provision and open and green spaces.
"Council is also exploring opportunities for bringing forward our other city centre assets to bring forward city centre living opportunities aligned with the delivery of environmentally sustainable and family-friendly spaces and places within the city centre."
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