Are hard copy questionnaires also available?

    Hard copy questionnaires are also available at:

     

    • Ballysillan Leisure Centre, Ballysillan Road, BT14 7QP

    • Ligoniel Improvement Association,The Wolfhill Centre, 148 Ligoniel Road, BT14 8DT

    • Ballysillan Community Forum, 925 Crumlin Rd, BT14 8AB

    • Concorde Community Centre, 36 Alliance Road, BT14 7JB (when it opens)

    How will the proposal create a welcoming environment?

    Improved facilities will create a welcoming space that caters for a wide range of interests and age groups. This includes:

     

    • 3G pitch and changing facilities - a new floodlit IFA Intermediate standard 3G pitch, with associated changing facilities within the refurbished bowling pavilion.

     

    • Play - a series of informal play stations (natural, sensory, storytelling, water, woodland and acoustic) for children of all ages and abilities, to complement the existing play park.

     

    • Pump track - a hard surface circuit to ride BMXs, bicycles, skateboards and scooters.

     

    • Dog exercise area - two dedicated off-lead dog exercise areas (for small and larger dogs) to promote responsible on-lead dog walking within the wider park.

     

    • Events space - open green space where people can gather and enjoy community events and activities

    What accessibility and safety improvements are proposed?

    • Pathways and lighting – widened and improved paths and lighting throughout the park to create a safe space, including during the hours of darkness. A primary path will extend from the north to the south, with secondary pathways linking all park facilities and entrances.

     

    • Entrance points – enhancements including improved lighting to create a welcoming, safe space for local people and visitors. A new entrance at Deerpark Gardens will replace the existing Alliance Drive entrance.

     

    • Car parking – the car park will be extended and improved, with additional spaces for peak times. Vehicle access will continue to be provided by the two main access points from Ballysillan Road.

     

    • Park furniture - seating and litter bins will be installed at key locations for the comfort of park users.

     

    What biodiversity and flood alleviation proposals are included?

    • Wetland habitat - with support from DfI’s Living With Water Programme, improvements will see parts of the culverted Glenwood River and Silver Stream opened up and areas of wetland area created. As well as enhancing biodiversity within the parkland by encouraging wildlife and plants to thrive, this will help protect local residential areas from future risk of flooding.

     

    • Natural environment – planned improvements include enhancement of the existing woodlands in the park, additional tree planting, plus a mix of open grass areas and longer wildflower grass areas to encourage wildlife and promote an ecologically diverse habitat.