The once derelict land is being transformed into a thriving community space
A community partnership in North Belfast has taken its first steps towards transforming an interface area.
Imagine Peace Barriers Project, a partnership between Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum (CCRF) and Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA), celebrated a major milestone with its first event on Cliftonpark Avenue’s interface land.
The land has been leased by the Housing Executive as part of an ambitious plan to develop the area for community use. Over 170 local children and parents were brought together for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection at the Back-To-School Party event.
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Families enjoyed bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting, outdoor games, a community BBQ and green activities delivered by The Conservation Volunteers NI.
Speaking about the milestone, Ani Kanakaki, Project Coordinator of the Imagine Peace Barriers Project, said: “Our event today marks an important moment for our project and our communities. By opening up the land for the first time, we’ve shown what’s possible when communities come together, and space is used positively.
“Our vision is to create meantime uses and ultimately a permanent Sensory and Play Hub that this area so desperately needs.”
The Back-to-School Party is the first step in transforming this once-derelict land into a thriving community space. Building on the success of the event, Imagine Peace Barriers Project will soon begin introducing meantime uses, including a sensory outdoor play area, pop-up café and community area for BBQs, mindfulness classes and other activities.
These developments will pave the way for a long-term ambition: a permanent Sensory and Play Hub, a purpose-built facility serving children, young people, and families across the interface. The hub will not only provide vital wellbeing services but also support regeneration and employment opportunities for the local area.
Liam Gunn, Regional Manager for the Belfast Region at the Housing Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to support this project as they begin to transform this formerly unused piece of land into a thriving community space.”
Emma Galway, Senior Town Planner at the Housing Executive, added: “Placeshaping is about creating spaces that work better for our communities.
“We’re proud to work with the Imagine Peace Barriers Project as they make the important first steps to create an inclusive space for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy.”
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