Botanic Avenue festival trials pedestrianisation

(LR) Cllr John Gormley, Dr Agustina Martire and daughter Maria, Patrick Anderson and Mary McCartan from the Department for Communities, Cllr Aine Groogan, Helen Crickard, Briege Arthurs and Maggie McKeever all from Forward South Partnership.

One of Belfast's busiest streets was car free on Sunday afternoon as part of a festival exploring the possibility of pedestrianisation.

Botanic Avenue closed to motorists between 12:00 and 15:00 GMT.

The Open Botanic community festival brought together people from four adjoining neighbourhoods,

The event is part of a wider discussion within Belfast City Council's Bolder Vision Strategy, which includes plans to redevelop Shaftesbury Square.

Briege Arthurs, CEO of Forward South Partnership said the charity wanted people to have their say on the future of their area.

"There has been significant discussion around making Shaftesbury Square more accessible, safe and friendly and it's important that people are heard," she added.

The Open Botanic Festival tested the notion of a co-designed shared space between four communities - Donegall Pass, Sandy Row, Donegall Road and the Holyland area up to Shaftesbury Square.

A temporary cycle line was introduced to Botanic Avenue

There was a temporary cycle path on one side of Botanic Avenue with a range of activities including music, workshops, food, health and community stalls. Businesses in the area were invited to take part.

Forward South has worked in close collaboration with experts in architecture and planning at Queen's University Belfast, who carried out extensive research into the issues affecting this part of the city last year.

Senior Lecturer Dr Agustina Martire from Queen's University said: "One of the main issues highlighted is a lack of space for people to walk or cycle.

"Parked cars and heavy traffic leave very little room for people to navigate Botanic Avenue on foot or bike. It's particularly difficult for people with young children, prams or in wheelchairs," Dr Martire said.