Belfast is about to turn its face back to the River Lagan and revisit the vital part played by the waterway in the history of the city.

Once a major river arterial route for cargo that was integral in helping it to become one of the greatest ports in Europe in the 19th century, the river is again in focus.

Belfast City Council is behind a bid to rejuvenate the Lagan Canal for its length within the Belfast boundary.

The £8.62m Lagan Gateway initiative, which would see boats and barges back on the water for the first time in over 60 years, is among a number of priority projects, which could benefit from Belfast City Council's investment package next year.

Over the next few years, and with the necessary funding in place, it is proposed that around 17 kilometres of the Lagan Navigation, from Belfast to Lisburn, will be reopened.

Some initial survey work has already taken place around the site of the proposed Stranmillis Lock and Weir (Gateway) and a scoping study was completed in June 2008.

An economic appraisal was completed in September 2009, which outlines the proposed options for the development of the first phase of the Lagan Navigation Restoration Project from Lagan Weir to Edenderry.

Among proposals are one for a new lock at the Lagan Weir that would allow boat passage from the tidal area to Lock 1 Stranmillis and beyond to the new waterway upstream.

That would provide a focus for new water-borne activities and water access and will also create opportunities for boat trips and boat tours.

At Stranmillis, a proposed cascade weir would improve water aeration, will provide a more effective control of water flow rates and the provision of slipways will enable boats to be launched at this key junction.

Stranmillis Gateway will then offer a waterfall spectacle and incorporate a fish passage and monitoring facilities. Also the elegant pedestrian bridge will create new pathways between communities in Lockview Road, Annadale and Belvoir. Furthermore it will provide an attractive observation platform.

Lock 1 will open up access to pathways via the pedestrian bridge and into the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

According to the City Council, the project represents a significant opportunity to reuse a crucial element of Belfast's industrial history for various amenity applications and in so doing, it will help to protect these structures and conserve them for the use and enjoyment of future generations

The project will open up the River Lagan to boat users and enhance the river's attraction as a destination for anglers. Also the project will improve access to, and hence use of, the towpath as an amenity for walkers, cyclists and health and well-being activities.

Once the regeneration of the Lagan Navigation gets underway, it will mark a first step towards opening the navigation to Lisburn, and eventually to Lough Neagh.

The economic appraisal carried out in 2009 identified the cost of full restoration of the Lagan navigation from Belfast Harbour to Edenderry as £8.62m

The figure includes £2.3m for work at Queen's Quay, £3.3m for the 'Lagan gateway' at Stranmillis, £2.01m for a second lock at Moreland's Meadow and £1.01m for a river channel works, weir and canoe slalom upstream from the third lock at Newforge.

See: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/lagan/

(BMcC)