Charity unveils plans to 'unlock the potential' of Newtownards Road

An East Belfast regeneration charity has released its plans to "unlock the potential" of the Newtownards Road over the next five years.

The EastSide Partnership unveiled its five year plan for the regeneration of the busy East Belfast street with the aim of creating a unique and vibrant destination while celebrating its history and heritage throughout the years.

The Newtownards Road is a vital arterial route in the east of the city and while it has seen significant investment in some areas with projects such as The Skainos Centre, City East, Portview, Pitt Park redevelopment and C.S. Lewis Square. It still faces a number of challenges with vacant and derelict properties alongside heavy traffic and congestion issues.

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In order to unlock the potential of the road, Eastside Partnership has worked with Newtownards Road Local Action Group, urban design consultants and the local community to create a strategic plan to breathe new life into the area.

Michele Bryans, Chief Executive of EastSide Partnership, said: "We are very excited to launch a new strategic plan for the Newtownards Road. It is a very special part of east Belfast rich in industrial heritage and cultural activity. What makes it unique is its diversity of use and its future potential for local people as well as being a key gateway to the city centre.

"I look forward to being one of many organisations who will continue to lead and take forward the plan. It is the start of a process which will include ongoing involvement from local people and key agencies."

The approach to the plan is based on the Department for Communities ‘Living High Streets’ process of engagement and a community led approach to placemaking.

Launched by the Ministerial Advisory Group and Department for Communities in 2024, ‘Living High Streets’ focuses on transforming high streets. It emphasises a holistic understanding of place, considering physical, social, economic and environmental factors.

The model involves stages such as assessment, engagement, visioning, planning, implementation and monitoring. It encourages collaboration among stakeholders and sets clear goals aligned with the community’s aspirations.

Welcoming the plan, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "The Newtownards Road Local Action Group has put forward an exciting vision for the future of the Newtownards Road, engaging the community to ensure regeneration in the area meets the needs and desires of the people living there. It sets out a clear plan for a vibrant, thriving road that benefits the community and attracts business and visitors to a rejuvenated area."

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, added: “This plan and the vision behind it really complements the Belfast Agenda – the city’s community plan. It can help regenerate the Newtownards Road area in a way that will strengthen connections with the rest of city, while adding vibrancy to the local area.

"This vision is a positive partnership which aims to use collaboration and co-design to create an exciting, sustainable future for this part of Belfast. It reflects our council’s aims of putting the needs and aspirations of the local community – residents and businesses – at the very heart of regeneration."

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