A brand new section of the Connswater Community Greenway opened to the Public today, 27th May 2016. Marsh-Wiggle Way, a new one kilometre cycle and pedestrian link connecting Orangefield Park and Clarawood to the Braniel, marks the completion of a major section of the Connswater Community Greenway in east Belfast. Following a recent public campaign, which received overwhelming support, Marsh-wiggle Way was named after the fictional frog like humanoid marsh-dwellers found in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair, written by east Belfast Author C.S Lewis.
When completed in 2017, the Connswater Community Greenway will be a living landmark and a fantastic legacy for everyone from across the city and beyond to enjoy. As well as offering greener, cleaner spaces, including a wildlife corridor from Belfast Lough to the Castlereagh Hills, the nine kilometre linear park includes 16km of foot and cycle paths, improved green spaces, 26 new or improved bridges and crossings, 5km of flood walls and embankments, 6 new tourism and heritage trails and a C.S. Lewis Square at Holywood Arches for celebrations and events.
The Department for Infrastructure’s Rivers Agency is also working in partnership to deliver elements of the combined East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will help to reduce flooding to 1,700 properties in east Belfast.
As part of the opening celebrations of Marsh-wiggle Way key stakeholders including politicians, residents, businesses and nearby schools were invited to walk the way and enjoy activities such as music, crafts, story-telling and even take part in a unique Marsh-wiggle Wig Wam experience. The newly landscaped greenway link with lighting and street furniture will be open 24/7 and encourage people to get active by walking, running or cycling.
The Connswater Community Greenway is a £40 million funded project developed by EastSide Partnership and delivered by Belfast City Council who is managing the project construction. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and the DfI Rivers Agency, the Greenway will improve the quality of life for local people and create a legacy for future generations.
Speaking at the opening of Marsh-Wiggle Way, Wendy Langham Programme Manager Connswater Community Greenway, said:
“The opening of Marsh-Wiggle Way marks a significant milestone in the development of the Connswater Community Greenway. Not only will this brand new one kilometre link help to increase accessibility and opportunities for healthier lifestyles but will further connect people and places across the east of the city and beyond. Community engagement is at the very heart of the project and we were delighted that the link was named Marsh-wiggle Way by public vote. This opening is especially significant as it is the first of a series of openings of new sections of the greenway, with many exciting new places to open this year.”
Councillor Declan Boyle, chairman of the Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, which has oversight of the delivery of the project, said:
“The Connswater Community Greenway project is one of the cornerstones of Belfast City Council’s Investment Programme. It will not only transform the east of the city, it will benefit all of our citizens right across Belfast by providing opportunities to improve health and accessibility for everyone and will also play a major role in our efforts to drive up the number of tourists visiting the city. The Marsh-Wiggle Way is another exciting piece in the jigsaw step towards the completion of the project.”
For further information on Marsh-Wiggle Way and the Connswater Community Greenway visit www.connswatergreenway.co.uk, Facehook:/connswatercommunitygreenway, twitter @connswgreenway #MarshwiggleWay.
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