river lagan
River Lagan Project
Unlocking the Lagan’s Potential
LORAG is currently working with Eastside Partnership, Sailortown Regeneration and Maritime Trust Belfast to deliver a National Lottery Heritage Funded project, The Belfast Historic Waterfront. The Belfast Historic Waterfront spans 10km of the Lagan from the estuary to Ormeau bridge and was awarded Heritage Place status by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The ambition of the funding is to connect communities to their river and its heritage.
LORAG hosts one of three heritage engagement officers (HEOs) delivering projects related to this grant. The HEO will be working to deliver projects focused on the Lower Ormeau and Inner South areas but also working collaboratively with partners across the waterfront to ensure greater connectivity between riverside communities and their stories.
belfast historic waterfront
Balancing community, nature and development, a world-class waterfront will emerge over time.
river lagan
A River That Belongs to Everyone
This project fits neatly into riverside projects currently in motion, such as the restoration and expansion of the John Murray Lockhouse and the future boat house. The long-term aspiration is for a healthy, living river, which is utilised by the community and shared by all. Events like Féile na hAbhann have showcased the potential of the riverfront to be an active community space, the next steps will be taken onto the water itself.
“Events like Féile na hAbhann showcase the true potential of the riverfront to be a welcoming space which belongs to the local community.”
River Access
It is envisaged that access to the river will be via a bridge from the front of the Lockhouse to the remnants of the McConnell Canal.
LORAG is also involved in the Blueway Activation Group alongside the above partners and others such as Belfast Harbour. This group is working in tandem with Blueways Ireland to see the Belfast Waterfront recognised as Ireland’s first Urban Blueway. You can find out more about Blueways here: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/things-to-do/blueways.
The aspiration of this ongoing partnership work is to see the Lagan river utilised by the local community and tourists alike. Over the next number of years, the revitalisation of the built and natural heritage of the Lagan will see more people enjoying everything the river has to offer.