Local North Belfast elected representatives and other stakeholders came together to discuss proposed plans for a shared space in the Lower Oldpark and Cliftonville area of North Belfast. The proposal, which is aimed at regenerating the area would comprise a café, soft play and sensory games area and climbing wall for kids, meetings spaces, and retail units, bringing much needed employment economic prosperity to the area.

The Imagine Shared Space Project forms part of an initiative being led by local community group Imagine – a partnership between Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA) and Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum (CCRF) which is funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Peace Barriers Programme (PBP).

This event brought stakeholders, namely local politicians together to discuss the ‘shared space’ initiative – a Joint Social Economy Initiative developed on the site by the two communities. To date, a range of community engagement sessions have already taken place on the project, as well as a feasibility study and business plan and further exploration of options for on-site provision and  engagement with statutory agencies.

Peter Osborne, Board Member of the IFI attended the event and said,

“The IFI’s Peace Barriers Programme is a core strand of the IFI’s reconciliation efforts with the organisation supporting interface communities since 2012 and the IMAGINE project since 2014.

“Peace barriers have become a constant visual representation of the division that still exists in Northern Ireland and whilst it is right that we look at ways of removing or reimaging these we also need to acknowledge that for many, these barriers have been a safety net for many communities.

“Engaging and consulting with local residents and stakeholders on the future of these barriers and what could replace them is essential to the success of any initiative that comes as part of this. It is great to see so many engaging in this process and the shared space, whilst an ambitious proposal from the Imagine team is an opportunity to regenerate the area and offer tangible social and economic benefits to local people.”

The Imagine Peace Barriers Project has been working in the area since 2014, providing local residents’ a platform to voice their opinions and hopes for the future of their area, which includes the current peace barriers that they live close to.

Janice Beggs from Lower Oldpark Community Association added,

"The Imagine Peace Barrier Project is committed to working alongside the community to reduce any fears that unfold with change. Continually engaging with residents through workshops and dialogue creating Stronger, Safer and Sustainable communities for all that live here.

Through the IFI’s Peace Barrier Programme (PBP) the IMAGINE Peace Barriers Project received funding to facilitate an engagement programme with local communities in Lower Cliftonville Road/Manor Street/Rosevale/Rosapenna and Cliftonpark Avenue/Lower Oldpark areas of North Belfast to aid the reduction of peace barriers and build inter-community relationships across the barriers.