The project has transformed an under-used park lying between traditionally Protestant and Catholic areas in North Belfast into a shared public space complete with sports facilities, performance and play areas, and a wide-ranging programme of activities.
V36 Park brings communities together in Northern Ireland
- 28 November 2016
As well as the successful state-of-the-art leisure facility, the new parks and performance areas, the feedback from consultees was resoundingly positive with respect to the work undertaken through the Valley Park Development Plan, with particularly good feedback received with respect to the extent and inclusiveness of the community consultation.
Under used and long viewed as a ‘no man’s land’ between Protestant and Catholic communities in Newtownabbey, North Belfast, the Valley Park was often the focus of clashes between rival groups, especially young people from opposing sides of the political/religious divide in Northern Ireland. It epitomised the segregation between communities in the area and in 2007, nine years after the Good Friday Agreement which was meant to have ended decades of conflict in the province, a 25-foot (7.62 metre) high barrier was erected in response to the fractured community relations.
The project sought to address this situation by transforming the Valley Park into a shared public space complemented by a tailored programme of events. The facility was also intended to provide a focal point for common activities and introduce local residents to new and 'non-traditional' activities.
A state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of uses
Following consultation with local communities, sports clubs, community groups, schools and residents, the V36 Park was developed. It is situated next to the Valley Leisure Centre and takes its name from the area's postal code. The Park is now a state-of-the-art leisure facility that includes a floodlit third-generation artificial grass pitch suitable for football, rugby and Gaelic Games such as Gaelic football and hurling.
In addition to this, a linear park with a performance area for hosting events and a unique ‘Gulliver’s Travels’-themed adventure play area for families have been created. The park also has open space, scenic walking routes, public and community art installations and a picnic area. These new attractions complement the existing leisure and play facilities on offer at the Valley Leisure Centre.
Training volunteers: an ongoing legacy
The project has also trained about 50 volunteers, including 25 sports coaches and 25 officials. This work began during the project implementation period and was completed as part of the project’s ongoing legacy.
The area now benefits from a public space with the potential to improve relations locally and enhance reconciliation by bringing together people from different backgrounds. The new attraction represents a great opportunity for local clubs and provides a place where individuals, families and groups from all over the region can go to meet, socialise and participate in sport, recreation and art-based activities, thereby raising levels of health and well-being.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “V36 Park” is EUR 4 835 547, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 192 378 through the “EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III)” for the 2007-2013 programming period.