Ever wondered what happens when a community dreams big? In North Belfast, a once-derelict piece of land is blooming into a vibrant hub of activity thanks to an incredible project! They just threw an amazing back-to-school party that brought everyone together. What exciting new uses could this transformed space offer next?
The Imagine Peace Barriers Project recently marked a significant milestone in North Belfast, fostering hope and tangible progress towards community regeneration. This collaborative initiative, born from a partnership between the Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum (CCRF) and the Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA), celebrated its inaugural event, signaling a powerful collective commitment to transforming previously neglected urban spaces into vibrant community assets.
Situated on Cliftonpark Avenue’s interface land, an area historically characterized by its derelict state, the project has undertaken an ambitious plan to develop this critical plot for extensive community use. The strategic leasing of this land underscores a long-term vision to dismantle physical and social barriers, cultivating an environment where residents can connect and thrive.
The celebratory “Back-To-School Party” served as the project’s debut, drawing an impressive turnout of over 170 local children and their parents. This afternoon was meticulously designed to offer much-needed fun, delicious food, and crucial opportunities for connection, successfully creating an immediate sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees from across the community divide.
Ani Kanakaki, the Project Coordinator for the Imagine Peace Barriers Project, articulated the profound significance of the event. She stated, “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.” Her remarks emphasized the transformative power of collective action and the positive utilization of shared public spaces.
This initial gathering is recognized not merely as a single event, but as the foundational “first step” in a comprehensive strategy to transform the once-derelict interface land into a truly thriving community space. The momentum generated by the Back-to-School Party is expected to fuel subsequent phases of development, ensuring sustained positive impact.
Building on this early success, the Imagine Peace Barriers Project is poised to introduce a series of innovative “meantime uses” designed to maximize community engagement even during ongoing development. These planned additions include a sensory outdoor play area, providing inclusive recreational opportunities, alongside a pop-up café and a versatile community area designated for activities such as BBQs, mindfulness classes, and various other communal gatherings.
The initiative has garnered significant institutional backing, with Liam Gunn, Regional Manager for the Belfast Region at the Housing Executive, expressing enthusiastic support. “We’re thrilled to support this project as they begin to transform this formerly unused piece of land into a thriving community space,” Gunn commented. He further affirmed the Housing Executive’s pride in collaborating with the project to forge an “inclusive space for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy,” underscoring the broader social impact.
Ultimately, this pioneering effort in North Belfast exemplifies the profound potential of community-led initiatives in urban regeneration and peacebuilding. By transforming physical barriers into shared spaces of connection and activity, the Imagine Peace Barriers Project offers a compelling model for fostering social cohesion and resilience in historically divided areas, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious future.
