Cathedral Gardens in Belfast will be transformed with a play park, event space, and urban forest after council approval.
The council committee agreed to the plan. The meeting happened at City Hall this week. The location is Buoy Park, Cathedral Gardens, Donegall Street. The applicant for this plan is Belfast City Council.
The public saw the plan in Spring 2022. Work should begin in July of this year. The plan features a public plaza that can host small events.
There is also a woodland garden planned. This area promotes wildlife and quiet relaxation. A lawn softens the area near the university. It will also complement their cafe area.
The plan includes interactive lights on feature columns. A play zone features digital tiles and a canopy. Projectors will display digital art. The WWII Blitz memorial stays, but moves. The Rinty Monaghan statue stays.
The new Blitz memorial involves the War Memorial Museum. A bronze image faces York Street. A mirror faces Cathedral Gardens. The goal is a reflective space.
A council officer says the plan is acceptable. It fits with city policies. These policies involve design, the environment, and infrastructure.
The council received no objections officially. Two parties made neutral comments. Officers recommended approval of the plan.
Roads should stay open during construction. Footpaths will close during work. Still, the work will not affect the bus stop that serves Ulster University.
A councillor asked about maintenance. He wondered who cleans and maintains everything. He worried about long-term upkeep of the space.
A council officer said the council maintains some parts. Other parts would be maintained by the Department for Infrastructure.
Another councillor discussed darkness at night, saying it can feel scary there. He requested more information about lighting. A council officer showed images of lighting, highlighting columns of light for the plaza.