Connswater Community Greenway

In 2024 EastSide Greenways (ESG) and researchers from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), appointed Studio idir and Baroudeur Consultancy to undertake a stakeholder and community engagement process that would look at the Connswater Community Greenway through the lens of accessibility and inclusion with an emphasis on engaging with older people and people with disabilities.

Accessibility and inclusion were thoughtfully considered in the initial design of the Connswater Community Greenway but it is also true that the range of accessibility issues across Belfast is complex and growing, with an ageing and increasingly diverse population.

This consultation was delivered through a mix of interactive engagement, conversations and surveys with practitioners working alongside people living with accessibility issues and of course with people who have lived experience of issues with access to greenways, parks and open spaces.

By documenting the lived experience of older people and people with disabilities as they use the Connswater Community Greenway, this investigation allowed us to provide evidence which would help to support the work of EastSide Greenways to promote further changes and updates to improve access to this Greenway.

The report produced, details the process and findings of this consultation and outlines recommendations to take forward which have been categorised through, short, medium and long term goals.

Launching the Connswater Community Greenway: Access and Inclusion Study, Jacqueline O’Hagan, EastSide Greenways Manager said:

“‘In one respect the Connswater Community Greenway is complete. In another, the story is just beginning. The Greenway is a ‘living landmark’ which is constantly shaped by the people living in East Belfast and using the space, in the same way it was shaped for those same people. One of the core functions of EastSide Greenways work is to ensure that the Connswater Community Greenway continues to improve and to give back to the community. Through partnerships with QUB and consultation processes like this, we are able to achieve this goal. It is important to listen to those with lived experience so that we can bring their voice to decision makers in shaping the future of the Greenway”

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