Centrally located and highly accessible, this area is an urban waterfront. It is the first point of contact with the wider waterfront for many locals and visitors. Despite being close to Belfast’s established shopping and entertainment offerings, it is disconnected from East and North Belfast and the City Centre by the Inner Ring Road and elevated M3 motorway.
The M3 motorway and railway flyovers dominate both the view and soundscape when approaching the River Lagan from the city centre. Options for reducing noise should be considered to help create a more welcoming gateway to Belfast’s historic waterfront.
There is a shared path on both sides of the river and while well used by pedestrians and cyclists there are safety concerns at night.
There is great potential to balance the dominating infrastructure with artful and playful interventions that allow people to feel welcome and safe. The public realm beneath the flyover could be transformed from what is currently a barrier into a welcoming gateway experience by providing a new F&B offer, play interventions and pop-up markets.
The Odyssey has a family centred offering which could be extended into the public realm with a new adventure playground, parkland, dog park and public realm improvements.
The Gateways character area, spanning from City Centre to Queens Quay, is an urban waterfront. There is great potential to balance the dominating infrastructure with artful and playful details that allow people to feel welcome and safe.
Darling Harbour F+B and play area in Sydney
Bridge art installation in California
Sculptural noise barrier
Buffalo Bayou Promenade paths in Houston
Anderston Station SuDS for road run off in Glasgow
Ink Block outdoor dining in Boston
Margaret Mahy Family Playground in Christchurch
